We’re just at the front when I hear a voice that makes my neck tighten.

  “Patton? Is that you? Patton! Raquel!” Looking around, I see Jerry bobbing in the line, midway back and waving.

  Rocky moves away from me, sliding her hand out of mine. An acute sense of annoyance filters through my stomach. I’m not smiling when I turn to find him moving through the crowd to where we’re waiting.

  “I’m not sure it’s kosher to cut in line,” I murmur when he reaches us, shaking my hand.

  “It’s good to see your frowning face,” he laughs, turning to Rocky. “Hey, Raquel, you look great as always.”

  He starts to move toward her, but she moves back. Instead, he quickly changes directions, pulling forward a blonde with a short pixie cut and a bright red dress. Angelique Johnson is our go-to realtor on the West Coast.

  “Angel,” I lean forward in a brief hug, and she air kisses my cheek.

  “Patton, so good to see you again.”

  “Let me tell you, she truly is an angel.” Jerry motions between the three of us. “Angel, you obviously know Patton. Raquel here is one of our new account executives. She’s a real whiz-kid.”

  The woman smiles broadly. “It’s so nice to meet you. I hope you’re enjoying your visit.”

  “Thank you.” Rocky smiles. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  Jerry jumps in again. “In the short time I’ve been here, Angel has introduced me to most of the bigger real estate groups in town. She’s a real door-opener, if I can say that.”

  They both laugh at his corny joke, and Rocky forces a light titter. I look at her strangely, and her cheeks flush. Then her hand slides up the back of my arm and gives me a tiny pinch. My eyes narrow, and I smile, but it’s a warning. Somebody wants to get spanked.

  Rocky returns to the other two. “Isn’t it a beautiful night? It’s so breezy, and the view of downtown is breathtaking.”

  “Is it your first time in LA?” Angel takes her arm as we arrive at the front of the line.

  I hang back with Jerry showing our invitations and waiting for them to check the lists.

  “I say, I was surprised you brought Raquel with you.” Jerry’s studying me with an intensity I don’t care for.

  “You heard Taron resigned?”

  He nods, “I did, although I can’t say it was entirely unexpected.”

  I didn’t expect it. “Raquel is moving into his position. She’s here to meet the clients and get a feel for our new market.”

  Anger flares in Jerry’s eyes, and he takes a step back. “You’re moving her into Taron’s spot? That should be my promotion.”

  My jaw tightens, and I turn to face him, matching his tone. “What gave you that idea? Taron hired Rock… Raquel to take over his accounts.”

  “His international accounts. I helped him develop all our domestic partners. She’s too young.”

  “You’re in LA now.” My tone is final, but he’s turning my decision into a snub.

  “Temporarily. You said I’d be able to come back—”

  “You’re here to grow the West Coast branch. It’s as important as what Taron did in Nashville.”

  “But it was in Nashville.” Angel and Rocky stroll back to where we’re speaking in low, heated tones. “She’s too young and inexperienced.”

  “She’s young, but she’s proven her ability.”

  The ladies are back with us, and Rocky smiles, meeting my eyes. Our chemistry is strong, and I wait too long before blinking away.

  “I see.” Jerry’s tone is cynical. “It’s like that.”

  “Like what?” Angel blinks between the two of us, but Jerry’s eyes are fixed on me.

  He’s grinning like he just figured out some new angle, and I don’t like it.

  “Let’s get some drinks, Ang.” He starts to go, but pauses after a few steps. “Oh, I was able to set up meetings with Keller Martin and Shelldrake tomorrow. We can talk more about what we’re going to do then.”

  As far as I’m concerned, the conversation is closed, but I’m not in the mood to deal with him right now. “We’ll see you then.”

  “Yes, you will. We can also discuss my new terms for staying tomorrow. Now that things are changing so much.”

  My eyes narrow, and I try to figure out what he’s planning. Rocky is at my side, so I’ll let it go for now, but this asshole better not think he’s going to push me around. “Tomorrow, ten.”

  25

  Raquel

  “So far this is shaping up to be my favorite business trip.” We’ve slipped out to the narrow walkway along the outside of the observatory, overlooking the city. We’ve somehow managed to be alone, and it’s magical… like a fairytale.

  I’m here in this beautiful dress at this elegant ball. A glass of wine is in my hand, and the music from inside is loud enough to be heard. Patton holds my hand as we stroll.

  “You seemed to hit it off well with Angel.” He glances over at me.

  “She’s nice.” We take a few more steps, and I look up at the sky.

  The yellow, orange, and red has transformed to pink, blue, and deep purple, and I exhale deeply, pausing beside the wall. Patton’s warm hand slides across my bare back, and it feels good. I lean my head against his shoulder.

  “Too bad we’re heading home tomorrow.” I think I’ve fallen in love with this city.

  He exhales a laugh. “I thought you were worried about leaving the Nashville office shorthanded.”

  “I didn’t know what I was missing.”

  We’re quiet, watching the twinkling stars, the lights of LA spread like a glittering blanket below. I get to thinking. “What was going on with Jerry back there?”

  The two of them seemed to be having a heated conversation when Angel and I returned from our stroll, and they’ve been scarce ever since.

  “Nothing. Shop talk.”

  “It seemed like more than shop talk to me.”

  He pushes off the wall and starts to walk again, holding my hand. “Jerry tends to get ideas in his head… he thinks he has more of a say in my decisions than he does.”

  Fear tightens my throat. It’s the one thing able to burst my dreamy bubble. I wouldn’t put it past Jerry to try and make something out of Patton’s and my relationship. I’ve worried before about the wisdom of sleeping with my boss. Too bad wisdom always seems to take a backseat whenever Patton’s sexy ass is around.

  “He seems to be doing very well for himself here.” I try to calm my nervous thoughts. I’m probably misreading the situation. Why wouldn’t Jerry be happy here? It’s a great place. He’s his own boss.

  “He’s doing something.” He stops, turning to face me. “I don’t want to talk about Jerry. I’m glad you’re enjoying the trip. I’ve enjoyed it more having you here with me.”

  “It’s still a business trip, right?” I blink up briefly and give him a smile.

  A heavy brass door bangs open, and we drop our hands. Two party guests stumble out into the night and I take the opportunity to return to the party.

  We’ve spent the night swapping business cards and shaking hands. Remington Key is here, and he greets Patton, introducing himself to me. He’s very friendly and congratulates me on taking over Taron’s old spot.

  Shaking hands with Patton, he smiles. “I’m sorry I won’t get to chat with Taron as much anymore, but I’m sure Raquel and I will find something in common.”

  “I look forward to working with you… Remington.” My forehead scrunches, and he grins.

  “You can call me Remi. Everyone does.” He’s handsome and clearly wealthy. His suit is very fine, and I see a Rolex watch peeping from beneath his sleeve.

  “Okay, Key, you don’t have to land our business twice.” Patton puts his arm around my waist and moves me to his other side, away from our financial partner.

  Remi laughs. “I hope this is a change for the better. It’ll be nice to see you smiling more on our conference calls.”

  Patton puts his hand on his shoulder. “We’re taking off. Give my best to Hastings. I’ll give you both a call next week.”

  “I’ll be in Seattle for a few days, working with our software designers. I’ll let you know when I’m back in the office.”

  Patton nods. “We’ll chat then.”

  “Nice to meet you, Raquel.” Remi smiles, and I do a little wave as Patton takes my arm and leads me to the door.

  It’s late as we stroll out to the car, and I’m feeling the time difference again. Still, I pause for one last look at the valley below, the Hollywood sign above, and the flickering stars. It truly is unforgettable.

  “I’ll take the lead when we meet with Keller Martin and Shelldrake.” Patton’s voice is pure business. It’s how he’s been since we saw Jerry at the gala last night.

  I’m sitting in the passenger’s seat of a rented Audi coupe.

  Based on our day yesterday, I’d expected things to get crazy when we got back to the penthouse. Instead, he was distracted. He spent some time working on his computer before joining me in the bed. We made sweet love, but I quietly hung my blue dress neatly in the closet and slipped into one of his tees.

  Nothing was torn or wild—not that I’m complaining. Being held in Patton’s arms while he kisses me gently and fucks me hard is about the best thing I’ve experienced since I graduated from business school.

  “I wouldn’t even know where to begin to take the lead in this meeting.”

  “Good. You’ll learn more by listening.”

  I don’t think he’s trying to start an argument. I think this is more of his distraction, but my old nature wants to point out how much I’ve done and learned since I joined Fletcher International, Inc.

  Instead, I let it go, choosing to watch his square jaw flex attractively as he chews another piece of nicotine gum. I haven’t seen him with a cigarette in days. It’s a little victory, but a victory all the same. Another Round goes to Rocky, and this win fills me with happy warmth.

  Truthfully, I’m a bit distracted myself, thinking about Renée. I haven’t checked in with her since my text before Pigeon Forge. It’s the longest we’ve gone without talking, and it has me uneasy. I feel certain Hazel would call me if she had any trouble, still, I don’t like to go too long without hearing her voice.

  Patton pulls into a parking space in front of a mid-rise glass office building. “Our flight’s in two hours. I don’t expect this will take long. We’re primarily putting faces to names.”

  “Okay.” I smile and follow him into the building.

  We step off the elevator into a modern, stainless steel and concrete interior. It’s all white with sparse furnishings. It seems to be the trend in West Coast design these days. Minimalistic, or monastic, depending on who you ask.

  Jerry is alone when we enter the conference room, and Patton is immediately annoyed. “Where are the realtors?”

  “They’re on the way. I figured this would give us time to chat about my promotion before you cut out early.”

  My throat tightens, my eyes cut to Patton. Jerry’s trying to set him up, and even I know that’s a bad idea. Patton only gets fiercer when he feels cornered.

  “Is that right?” Patton’s grin is relaxed, and he pulls out a chair, taking a seat. “You’ve decided you deserve a promotion?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have. And I think you’re going to agree with me when you hear what I have to say.” Jerry’s smile is conniving, and my hands are clammy.

  “Should I wait outside?” My voice is soft, and Patton gives me a reassuring smile.

  “You’re fine. Have a seat.”

  “Yes, please stay, Raquel. Some of this concerns you as well.” I don’t like the sound of that.

  I pull out a chair at the other end of the table, closest to the door, and try to calm my galloping heart.

  “Let’s hear what you have to say, Buckingham.” Patton leans forward, propping his forearms on the table. Black ink peeks out from the cuffs of his shirtsleeves, and it calms me slightly.

  Patton is a badass devil. Renée told me so herself. I’m pretty sure he cares about me, and if anyone can handle a slime ball like Jerry it’s him. My stomach starts to unclench.

  “First, let me be sure I’ve got my facts straight.” Jerry sits in the chair directly across from Patton, and even though I’m confident in my man, I don’t like how gleeful Jerry seems. “You’re promoting Miss Morgan here into Taron’s role as VP of client development. Is that right?”

  Patton’s voice is level. “That’s right. She has the credentials, and she’s proven her ability in the office.”

  “After only a few weeks, whereas I’ve been with Fletcher International five years, and I’ve been exiled to the farthest reaches of the country.”

  Patton laughs, leaning back in his chair. “I’d hardly call heading up our West Coast division exile. Some people actually like it out here.”

  “We’ve already had that conversation.” Jerry’s brow lowers, and I decide he might be a devil himself. Only not the tall, dark, and sexy kind like Patton.

  Jerry’s the short, red, spiteful kind.

  “I assume along with Miss Morgan’s promotion, she’ll be getting a salary increase and an increased share of the company, not to mention a stronger voice in our administrative meetings?”

  “Of course.” Patton says it like it’s a given, and my eyebrows rise.

  Wow. It all happened so fast, I haven’t really thought through all of the details of taking over Taron’s old job. Patton and I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss it. Now I wonder if it also means I’ll get one of those massive corner offices.

  I’m starting to feel pretty good about myself until Jerry continues.

  “You’re going to promote me to VP as well, and I expect to be paid a salary commiserate with my level of experience and the clients I’ve developed during my years with this firm.”

  “Is this really how you’re going to handle this?” Patton’s voice is quiet calm.

  I’m not saying a word.

  Jerry smiles. “There’s nothing to handle. You’re going to give me what I deserve, or I’m going to go public about what’s happening behind the scenes at your father’s company.”

  “What you deserve?” Patton’s jaw tightens and the small hairs on the back of my neck start to rise. “Fletcher International is my company. It’s a private company. Going public with anything will only make you look like a sore loser—and you lost to a woman. Is that the kind of limelight you want to have on you?”

  “Limelight?” Jerry’s voice is dangerously calm. “Limelight…” He repeats the word in a way that makes my fingers tremble. “What about the kind of limelight that sweeps sexual assault under the rug? You bring up women, what about the kind of limelight that drives out aspiring young female employees to protect your friends?”

  My throat tightens, and I feel like I’m having trouble breathing.

  “Are you trying to blackmail me?” Patton’s voice is fierce. He’s the tiger, ready to maul.

  “Blackmail? Oh, no, I simply think it’s an interesting contradiction. Tell me, when you’re finished sleeping with Miss Morgan here, will you make her look insane like her sister? Will you drive her out of Nashville as well?”

  I’m having trouble focusing. I feel like the air is being sucked out of the room. “Patton?” My voice is small. “What is he talking about?”

  “I did nothing wrong.” A crack is in his voice. “Renée had issues…”

  “Yes,” Jerry chuckles and keeps going. “Issues she brought to you to fix. Issues that threatened your old boys club.”

  “You hypocrite.” My voice cuts through the thick tension. “You’re mad because you grabbed my ass repeatedly and Patton sent you here to avoid a lawsuit.”

  Jerry’s eyes flash to me. “The hypocrite, Raquel, is your boyfriend. Why don’t you ask him what he did to your sister when his beloved Marley set his sights on her. He sent me out of town? He drove your sister to the nuthouse. Then he ruined her reputation with all his CEO friends. She couldn’t get a job in Nashville if her name was Dolly Fucking Parton.”

  My heart is beating out of my chest. I want to stand up and shout at Jerry to shut up and stop talking about things he doesn’t understand. Patton would never do that. Only…

  Renée’s words, her strange silence when I told her I was sleeping with him. Her withdrawal. I hate him… He’s the devil… These are things my mild-mannered sister never says about anybody. Oh, God, please say it’s not true.

  The nausea in my stomach tells me I’m afraid it is.

  Patton’s eyes are flinty. “Clean out your desk. You’re finished here.”

  “With pleasure. I got a better offer anyway—with Braden.”

  Patton’s jaw flexes. “Then why…?”

  Jerry leans close, spitting the words. “Because this time, you don’t get away with it.” With that, he turns on his heel and strides to the door. “Oh, and no realtors are coming. I cancelled our meeting first thing this morning. Good luck establishing your West Coast division.”

  He slams the door, and silence falls over the room. It’s so silent, I can hear the second hand ticking on the clock above the door.

  I feel like I’ve been hit by a freight train. I’m breathing fast, trying to make sense of everything Jerry said. “Patton?” My voice breaks.

  He doesn’t answer immediately. He’s silent, and his silence speaks volumes.

  “Please explain what he said about my sister.”

  Dark eyes rise to mine, and I see guilt in them. “I didn’t know how to have this conversation with you. I didn’t know what to say.”

  “What did you do?” I’m shaking uncontrollably, but somehow my voice is level.

  “I protected my friend.”

  “From what?” Protective anger twists in my chest. “A young woman?”

  I think about my sister and what a bright, aspiring college graduate she was. I remember her getting this job and being so excited to join corporate America. Then I remember her eighteen months later, hiding in her apartment, refusing to return to work.