and glance down at the Grinch.
What is wrong me? What’s in this drink?
After the last few weeks, I’m not certain I even care and swallow another mouthful. “Blaire, you’ve been a big help to me the last few weeks. This is the least that I can do to show you how much I appreciate you.”
She sips her drink, and a droplet escapes. I reach up and swipe against her plump bottom lip with my thumb before I can even consider what I’m doing.
A tiny gasp floats from her at my touch, and I freeze.
What the hell am I doing?
I need to get a grip, away from her for a minute. “I’m going to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” The words rush out in one long string of syllables. I can’t get away fast enough.
“O-okay.”
I make a hasty exit and beeline for the bathrooms.
Something is seriously wrong with me.
I can’t seem to keep my hands off Blaire, and that is very, very bad news. I’m going to propose to another woman this weekend and be married at the end of the month. The last thing I should be doing is feeling anything for Blaire other than appreciation.
But she has me rattled enough not to watch where I’m going when I round the corner. I smack right into Wayne Ferguson.
Shit. What’s he doing here?
Warren family friends aren’t usually the type of people who attend ugly sweater parties. And given his outfit, he’s not here for it. He’s probably entertaining clients in the main dining room or having dinner with his wife.
His eyes widen when he turns to see who slammed into him. “Archie, how are you, and what in the hell are you wearing?”
I don’t even bother looking down at the sweater, just release a sigh. The green eyesore decked out with red bows and actual peppermints is bad enough, but to make matters worse, red and white lettering announces “Jingle My Bells” down the length of my torso. And the true icing on the humiliation cake is the large red bow and bells dangling from ribbon that hangs right over my cock.
Of all the people to see while I’m wearing this outrage to clothing, it has to be the man whose company I’m trying to buy.
I force a smile and shake Wayne’s hand. “I’m doing well. Just here for an ugly sweater party.”
Looking completely unprofessional. Not how I ever want a client to see me.
Christ, this is humiliating.
Wayne examines my sweater again and chuckles. “Ah, I see. Only love could make a man go out dressed like that.”
“Actually, I’m here with my secretary.” I rub the back of my neck, my discomfort growing by the moment. And what I just said made the entire situation even worse.
I just made it sound like I’m having an affair with Blaire.
His bushy white eyebrows rise. “Really? She must be great at her job!” He winks and nudges me with his elbow.
I off an uncomfortable laugh. “No, no, it’s nothing like that. She’s just been extremely helpful at work the last few weeks.”
“I bet she has.” He leans in to whisper in my ear, “The shit men do for pussy. Am I right?”
Archie, do not punch this man. Do not.
I fist my hands at my sides to keep from slamming one into his face. “Wayne, it’s not like that, at all. I’m actually about to get engaged.”
He stops laughing for a moment, then seems to consider his words before he leans in again. “Look, Archie, I like you. I think you’re smart. I’ve worked with your grandfather and father on a few projects throughout the years. I can tell you’re a chip off the old block. It’s why I agreed to continue to work with your company as you transition to CEO.”
Over the years, the Fergusons have been major clients and business allies for the Warrens, and the fact that Wayne trusts me to step in as CEO takes some of the concern about the acquisition going through off my shoulders. With no heirs and retirement on the horizon, the sale would make him billions and give us another leg up.
He pauses to glance around, but apparently, he’s convinced no one is listening because he leans in again. “But…your family has certain asinine expectations where your personal life is concerned. I’ve heard the chatter.”
Of fucking course, he knows of my predicament.
It seems everyone does. Stupid trust is ruining my life on every front.
“Look, Wayne, I’m sure you’ve heard about my situation, but