the men who’d been tempted by beautiful women throughout the ages. Megan was his siren song, and he couldn’t resist. He never could, and it had hurt them both.
But he was so hot and so hard, he didn’t care. Jason was just about to give her what she wanted, what they both wanted, when his phone rang.
“Don’t answer it,” she cooed.
He pulled the phone from his pocket and saw his personal assistant was calling. She never called this late unless there was a problem, and considering he’d just been dealing with an emergency, he figured he should answer. “I have to take this; it’s my assistant.”
He put some distance between them so the blood could return to his brain. “Hello?”
“Hey, Jason. Just wanted to touch base since you were out of contact all day.” Okay. Not an emergency.
Harper Poole may have been called an executive assistant, but she was a Harvard MBA who earned a quarter of a million dollars a year to keep his life in order and the company running like clockwork. She spoke three languages, knew everyone from the most elusive five-star chef to the best massage therapist, managed her own staff of six people, and didn’t take Jason’s shit. She worked all hours and, although she’d been offered bigger jobs, she made it clear she liked her work and the benefits Reliance offered.
“I set up the new home office. Come by tomorrow and I’ll give you the lay of the land and a key to the house.”
Meg had slipped away and was watching him from the other side of the room. She didn’t look happy. Not at all. Jason would have to explain how Harper would be part of things when they got married, how she might be around the house. A lot, if he was working from home. He depended on her for so many things, but the bottom line was the business wouldn’t be running as smoothly as it did without her. Of course, he doubted he’d tell Meg that he and Harper had slept together. Since he wouldn’t be sleeping with her anymore, it didn’t make sense to upset his fiancée, who, at this moment, was casting daggers at him with her fey green eyes. Yeah, now she looked pissed. No, Meg was insecure enough where he was concerned. And it was completely justified. There was no need to tell her his history with Harper.
“Jason? Jason, are you still there?”
“Yeah, sorry.” Damn. From the look on Megan’s face, he was going to have some serious explaining to do.
“So, how go the wedding plans? I still can’t believe you’re getting married.” Harper’s scornful laugh didn’t make Jason feel any better about introducing her and Meg.
“Good. The vineyard’s booked, and Meg got her dress today. But get this: She said I can’t see it until the wedding because of tradition.”
“Tradition? Seriously?”
He smiled at Meg, hoping she wouldn’t tear him a new one when he got off the phone. “That’s what I said.”
“Who the fuck does she think she is?” Harper snapped. “You’re paying for everything.”
Whoa. That stopped him short. “Harper, I was joking.”
“It’s not funny. She needs to learn her place.”
Now he was pissed. “That’s not for you to determine.” Her place. He’d heard that over and over from his parents. It wasn’t going to happen again. “I’ll make sure I explain everything in detail tomorrow. Be at the house at one.”
“Jay.” He heard her voice change, become more deferential. “I’m sorry, I’ll—”
“Tomorrow. One. See you then.”
And to think he almost put that on speakerphone. Talk about dodging a bullet. He’d set Harper straight tomorrow. This may not be a love match, but Meg was going to be his wife, regardless of what anyone thought about this marriage, and he wouldn’t let Meg be a target.
Once he ended the call, he moved to where she was standing by the kitchen sink. “I’m sorry we were interrupted.”
“You’re giving your assistant a key to the house?”
“Yeah. When I’m in deep in a project, sometimes working at home is the best option. She goes where I go.”
“She travels with you?”
“Usually.”
“But a key to the house, Jason? Is that really necessary?”
“Meg, don’t worry. You’ll like Harper.” No, she won’t. “She’s smart and more efficient than ten people.”
“Wonderful.” Meg sprayed cleaner on the counter and wiped everything down with a paper towel. She was upset. The mood was killed. He didn’t know how they were going to do this. Their attraction ran hot and cold.
“I should go.” His voice was