His Next Trick

Or is he just buttering him up?

Could be a bit of both.

Sebastian Hawke is not a young man. He’d have to be in his seventies, but he’s still got all his own hair and teeth and is as sharp as a tack when it comes to business.

He’s also a close third now to being Jett Master’s ‘Biggest fan’ to use his own words as they shake hands.

Jesus, I thought I was the only one. Is there anyone who’s not a ‘huge fan’ of Jett?

Fighting off a mild attack of the green-eyed monster, I decide it's best to hang back and let Jett do all the talking.

Which he does, and when he lays out his concerns for his own business, as well as his plan to foil a potential takeover. We’re all behind him one hundred percent.

“I never liked that prison break business,” Sebastian says, narrowing his eyes and leaning his palms heavily on his bony knees.

“Any press is good press, right?” Jett counters, but Sebastian shakes his head, waving off his comment.

“No, I mean that prison boss. That whole company,” he mutters bitterly and considers saying something else, but only shakes his head.

A guy like Sebastian isn’t one to gossip, let alone talk about his own business dealings in front of people like us.

“So what can I do?” he asks, giving Jett an almost suspicious look.

Karlee leans over and whispers something in his ear, not even hiding the fact her hand has strayed to his upper thigh as she leans over him.

Ugh! My ‘things to never see’ collection is growing by the minute.

“Aha,” The aging mogul says, slapping his other thigh with a firm but trembling hand. “You want the best lawyer in the business? I see.”

The room goes quiet. I’m sure Jett has handled himself in more deals than I’ve served hot breakfasts and a swift glance in his direction proves it.

He’s got his poker face on.

“And you want to know what’s in it for you?” Jett says, breaking the silence. The old billionaire smiles before a dry laugh fills Karlee’s office.

“You’re not as dumb as you act,” Sebastian says, wagging his bony finger at Jett, who takes it as a compliment.

“I want a VIP seat at your next show for starters… And I want you to err… show me one or two things. That thing you do with the ropes,” he says, his voice rising on that last part.

“Been driving me nuts for years,” the older man mutters low before clearing his throat.

“I can’t guarantee you that my lawman will have the time or inclination to do whatever it is you want him to, but I’ll ask him. All we can do in life is ask,” he says evenly, lifting the phone from Karlee’s desk and punching the number in from memory.

He announces himself to what I guess is his lawyer’s secretary and waits a few moments, mumbles a few words, and then thrusts the phone out to Jett.

“Apparently he’s your biggest fan,” Hawke huffs, folding his arms and looking out the window.

Stifling a groan, I look to Jett and then my boss, Karlee, who seems more interested in trying not to make it obvious just how much she’s checking Jett out.

My Jett.

I feel like scratching her eyes out, but I guess I’m gonna have to get used to other people thinking they love him just as much as I know I do.

Being here with him is all that matters anyway.

Jett’s only on the phone for a moment, setting up a meeting, and then hangs up like he’s known the guy for years.

“Who is this lawyer anyway?” I ask. My scientific mind is taking over, having to know certain things as well as just wondering what all the fuss is about.

“Stanford Carlisle,” Sebastian drones regally.

Everyone in the room seems to know who the guy is, including Jett, except me.

“He’s the one lawyer who can help me beat my crooked one,” Is all Jett has to say to explain everything to me.

“But we don’t need him just yet. I just want him on our team, he’s my ace in the hole,” Jett adds. Making me blush when he says the word ‘hole’ while looking at me.

I know full well that Jett Masters is the ace of my hole, and we share the private joke with a knowing look.

Now I’m counting the minutes until we can get back to the hotel. So Jett can work his magic on me in a real bed.

Doing it outdoors is hot, don’t get me wrong.

But I’m a bit of a snuggle-bunny at heart.

I like soft things under me and hard things on top.

I like comfy clothes and I like to sleep in.

Not all that’s easy out in the woods.

“Well, we have another appointment,” Jett says suddenly, almost dismissively as he eyes me up and down.