Not Just Friends (Hot in the City #3) - T. Gephart Page 0,10

it was like listening to a licensing agreement for a new iPhone. No personality. None. Boring as a tax audit but with less excitement. Hell, if it wasn’t for his dad, he’d probably be promoting leisure wear for someone like Tommy Hilfiger, at least then he could just look pretty and not talk.

“Mr. Collins, welcome to Diablo.” I approached his posse, giving him the smile I rationed out when I was at work. “Hope you’re enjoying your time with us.”

“Presley!” He peeled off his sunglasses, his pricey shoes hitting the plush carpet as he rose to meet me. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Wanted to see for myself if all the rumors were true.”

From his grin, I wasn’t exactly sure what rumors he was talking about. I’d heard things from time to time, where people assumed my rise had been courtesy of talents on a mattress. I understood it, I was a twenty-six-year-old business manager who was running one of the hottest clubs in the city. And since my daddy wasn’t bankrolling the operation, it stood to reason my talents were sucking dick.

Couldn’t have been the four years of college and the five years of bar experience. Or even the five years before that, when I’d worked either as a waitress or hostess in some form of hospitality venue since I was sixteen.

Nope.

Had to be my tits.

“Well Mr. Collins, I don’t waste my time listening to rumors. You of all people would know, they rarely get it right.” My lips edged wider.

It was a talent, telling someone to go fuck themselves while sounding like I was wishing them a good day. And trust me, it was the one time when I was at work where the smile was not completely manufactured. Hell, part of me loved they underestimated me. Made my success even sweeter, reveling in their slack-jawed expressions like a demon would lost souls.

“Of course. I mean, you should read what they say about me.” He laughed, clearly enjoying the press coverage, however inaccurate. “And call me Scott. Mr. Collins is my dad.” He held out his hand, waiting for me to take it.

“Scott.” I returned his shake, ignoring how his eyes were lingering over my cleavage. “Well, if there’s anything else we can do for you, be sure to let one of my staff know.”

“Wait, you’re going? I thought we might spend some time together. Not every day I get to meet such a powerhouse. Well, to be honest, I do get to meet powerhouses most days, but none are as pretty as you.”

Snore.

Really, Scott? That was the best you could do?

I really hoped he had a huuuuge penis, because if his dates were looking for stimulating conversation this evening, they were going to be shit out of luck. “And now we’ve met, so—”

“C’mon, Presley. You going to make me beg?” He leaned in, keeping his voice low so no one else could hear him. “I can see charm isn’t going to do me any good here, so I’ll be straight with you. I have a business proposition. You hear me out, and I promise, you’re going to be interested. And if not, I’ll sit down and run up my bar tab and enjoy my female company. Either way, you can’t lose.”

And as much as I hated to admit it, he definitely had my attention. I was used to guys asking me out, trying to slip a hand here or there, and even propositions of a different kind. Rarely did men want to talk business, especially on the floor of my club.

My eyes glanced to his dates, their lips pouting with disappointment that he was no longer sandwiched between them. And because I didn’t intentionally embarrass my guests, and knew how to be discreet, I leaned in too. “Scott, let me be clear about one thing. Outside these doors, you might be a big deal. I’m positive you have more money than you could ever spend in a lifetime and are used to people telling you exactly what you want to hear. But this is my house, and in my house, there’s only one God. And you’re looking at her. So if you have business to discuss, you’ll have to set up an appointment like everyone else. I’m sure you have a person who can help you with that?” I moved back, lifting my brow and maintaining my smile.

“Yeah, I can do that.” His grin widened. If he was offended, he sure as hell wasn’t showing it.