Mr. Park Lane (The Mister)

“Oh my God, Joshua. What have you done?” She looked genuinely worried.

“I’ve sorted you out with something to wear. You’ll love these women. They’ll figure it all out and—”

She groaned again, the sound taking on a slightly hysterical edge.

I didn’t understand why she wasn’t delighted. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll be your plus one.” Shit. I was supposed to be focusing on work, which meant less time with Hartford, not more.

She locked her gaze on mine, eyes going wide. “You will? I thought you had plans.” Just one look at her and I knew I couldn’t take it back. Her expression was all vulnerability and gratitude. She reached out and grabbed my shoulder and I froze, not because I was turned to stone by her touch, but because all I could think about was how I wished I could strip off my shirt to feel the tips of her fingers press into my skin.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I cleared my throat, trying to get a handle on myself. “Nothing I can’t cancel.” She gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before pulling her hand away.

Dinner with Hartford’s boss could be an opportunity. That’s all. I’d do it for any friend of the family. Hopefully, spending the evening among a room full of medics would help me gain some insight into their world, which would help me prepare for the pitch with GCVB.

This wasn’t about Hartford. This was about business.

Five

Joshua

I let the smooth heat of Beck’s whiskey drizzle down my throat. We’d been at his place for hours. I wasn’t quite sure what Stella and Autumn were doing to Hartford, but going by the time they were taking, I was bracing myself for Frankenstein’s monster to appear at some point.

“How’s the pitch for GCVB coming along?” Beck asked.

I nodded. “Okay actually. I’m in the process of recruiting some external expertise and feeling energized by the idea of doing something new.” Seeing Hartford so completely dedicated to helping others through her work had given me a lift when I needed it. At first I’d been focused on wanting to win the Merdon pitch because I didn’t want to lose GCVB’s business. Now, I was actually excited about the idea of doing something in a different sector for a business that wanted to change people’s lives for the better.

“My, my, how the tables have turned. What brought this about?”

I shrugged, glancing at the stairs where I expected Hartford to appear sometime soon. “The client sent over a bunch of documents setting out the positive impact of what they’re trying to do in the US to help make important drugs available to the people who need them. They’re really trying to make a difference. Maybe it’s time for a new chapter in Luca Brand’s story.”

“You sound excited. Is it time for a new chapter in Joshua Luca’s story, too?” He nodded toward the stairs. “She’s pretty.”

“She’s a family friend. I’m doing her a favor and anyway, I like the chapter I’m in right now. I don’t believe in going backward.”

“Backward?” Beck asked.

Before I could remind him I’d gone down the serious relationship route once already, Stella came into the living room, a grin the size of China on her face. “She’s so completely perfect.” Her hands were clasped together like she might burst if she let go. “She’s so down to earth and beautiful, but has that ‘gorgeous but doesn’t know it’ vibe.”

It sounded like Stella was trying to convince me of something. But there was nothing I needed to be convinced about. I just wanted to get to the party and meet Hartford’s colleagues.

“She’s a nice kid. Are you nearly done with her? We have to get going.” They just needed to put her in a dress and maybe do something with her hair. How long could it possibly take?

“She’s a woman, Joshua. A beautiful, clever, funny woman.” She shot a glance at Beck, who nodded dutifully.

“I only met her briefly,” Beck said. “But she seemed very nice.”

Stella rolled her eyes. “Wait until you see her, Joshua. Her skin is amazing. Her face is so pretty she’s like a little doll. And if you’re a boob man, Joshua, her boobs—”

“Stop it, Stella.” I grimaced. I didn’t want to think about Hartford’s breasts. Again. Or her flawless skin. Or her fingertips on my arm, or the way her smile warmed my insides. I wanted to ignore it all.

“Well, you’ll see for yourself.”

Just then, Hartford appeared from behind Stella at the bottom of the stairs. My cock lengthened and I had to fight a groan. She looked like Vivian Leigh had a baby with Adriana Lima.

Stella had been right—Hartford looked spectacular. Her long hair, which I’d only seen a glimpse of at the weekend, was down and styled into glossy waves; her iceberg-blue eyes seemed to sparkle; and had her lips always been that full or was it the flash of red lipstick? And Jesus, I hadn’t been imagining those curves hiding under her shapeless scrubs.