Mr. Big Shot (Mr. Big 1)

"You don't like him?" I asked, noting how Luke stood straighter like he was steeling himself for battle.

"He's friends with Eric," Luke said. "In fact, he introduced Eric to Dana. He's also involved in the acquisition so I have to walk a very fine line with him."

"Should I leave?" I asked, thinking a quick exit would be best.

Luke shook his head. "Nope. He has to get the message that Felicia and I are not a couple and are never going to be one."

"I just hope he doesn't do anything to hurt the deal," John said, making a face. "I didn't think the Blakes were coming tonight."

"Neither did I," Luke replied, his brow furrowed. "My mother's doing. She takes every opportunity she can to push Felicia and I together."

"Attention," John said and cleared his throat. "Here he comes."

Luke stood a little straighter and I could tell he wasn't looking forward to speaking with Harrison and his girlfriend.

"Well hello there, stranger," Harrison said as he reached us. "Luke. John."

"Hello, Harrison," Luke said dryly. "How are you? Nice to see you again, Jessica."

"Harrison," John said. "Jess. Great to see you, as always."

She gave Luke a cutesy

smile and nodded at John. "You, too."

"Who do we have here?" Harrison asked, giving me the once-over.

"This is Alexa," Luke said and pulled me against him. "She's a good friend from Columbia."

"Oh, really?" Harrison said and eyed me. "Columbia? What are you studying?"

"Political Science."

"Hmm," Harrison said and glanced from me to Luke and back. "Have you seen Felicia and my mother? They should be here already."

"No, we haven't," Luke said. "I didn’t realize you were coming tonight."

"We were a late invite," Harrison said, smiling icily. "For some reason, we were left off the invitation list, but your mother assured us it was an oversight and wasn't intentional."

"I'm sure," Luke said.

I was shocked at the level of tension between Luke and Harrison. Both men smiled at each other but I could tell they disliked each other intensely. Harrison glanced over me like I was some kind of eyesore.

"You haven't spoken about Alexa before," Harrison said.

"She's a friend from college who I've been seeing for a while. We have a lot in common."

"Oh, yes? Such as? I'm really curious that we haven’t heard any hint about some girlfriend from your mother."

"You wouldn't. I like to keep my private life private."

"From your own mother?"

Luke shrugged. "She has her own ideas about my future. I have mine."

"Apparently," Harrison said. "Is your family from New York?" he asked me, his eyebrows raised.

"No," I said. "We're from Oregon."