Records was just me, hustling my ass off. So I feel like it belongs here.”
“You must be so damned proud of everything you’ve accomplished. Hell, I’m so damned proud of you.”
I try not to smirk like an asshole at how adorable she is right now. So fresh-faced and excited. But, truly, in this moment, Georgie being “proud” of me is like a cute little house kitten congratulating the king of the jungle on a kill.
“Have I said something that amuses you?” she asks, resting her hand on her hip.
I pause. Shit. Apparently, this girl can read me like a book. “Only in the sense that I find your enthusiasm and adorableness slightly amusing.”
“See, the thing is, though, when you look at me like I’m a silly little girl when I’m simply talking, it comes off as condescending—like you think I’m stupid or you’re somehow better than me. I mean, yes, I realize you’re wildly successful. But that doesn’t make you an inherently better or smarter person than me.”
Oh, for the love of fuck. “Georgie, I don’t think you’re silly or stupid whatsoever. On the contrary, I think you’re wickedly smart. And I don’t think I’m better than you, or anyone else. I mean, yes, of course, I think I’m better than ninety-nine percent of the world’s population in terms of my business acumen, at least in my industry. And, yes, I know I’m better in bed than any man you’ll ever sleep with in your entire life. But, other than those two areas, I’m fully aware I’m just a humble, ordinary guy making his way through life, as best he can.”
She rolls her eyes. “There are many adjectives to describe you, Reed Rivers. But humble and ordinary aren’t two of them.”
I cross my arms over my chest, beaming a huge smile at her. “You know, Georgie, when you roll your eyes at me like that, when I’m simply trying to have a conversation with you, it comes off condescending. Like you think I’m silly and stupid and you’re better than me.”
“Good. I’m glad you’ve understood my body language to a tee.”
I chuckle.
“But, don’t worry, I only think I’m better than you when it comes to a few distinct things: brains, beauty, and emotional intelligence. Other than those three areas, I’m fully aware I’m just a girl—a silly, adorable girl, who’s play-acting confidence in her mommy’s heels and doing the best she can to make her way through life.”
I shake my head. “You’re never going to forget that ‘mommy’s heels’ comment, are you?”
“Never. Brace yourself. You’re going to hear it a lot this week.”
“Lovely.” I perch an ass cheek on the edge of my desk. “Look, if I come off as condescending or arrogant at times, it’s only because... I am.”
She chuckles. “Well, points for honesty.”
“I couldn’t do what I do for a living, and have the success I’ve had, without sincerely believing I’m the best. But that doesn’t mean I think I’m an inherently more valuable human than anyone else. In a lot of ways, I still feel like that same college kid who couldn’t afford to fix the slipping transmission and busted window on his shitty-ass Honda.”
“Well, that explains your six fancy sports cars.”
“Seven, actually. My beloved Ferrari is in the shop.”
“Oh, no. So sorry to hear that. Whatever will you do until your seventh sports car is returned safely to you?”
“Barely survive? Cry into my pillow every night? It’ll be tough, but I’ll soldier on.”
“I’m sure the Bugatti will help get you through.”
“Barely.”
“So, what’s wrong with your beloved Ferrari?”
“The front right fender got bashed in a couple weeks ago. It broke my damned heart.”
“What happened?”
“It was the craziest thing. I was driving on Mulholland, taking a curve a bit too fast, when a tree jumped out into the middle of the road, right in front of me. Too quick to swerve.”
I’m thinking she’ll return my joking demeanor, but she looks concerned. “Were you hurt?”
I shift slightly on the edge of my desk. “No. But I can’t say the same for the front right fender of my Ferrari. It was smashed up pretty badly.”
Without warning, Georgina beelines to me at the edge of my desk, nudges her way between my thighs, and kisses me. I don’t know what’s prompted this sudden, urgent display of affection from her, but I don’t question it. Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around her back and return her kiss with passion, every cell in my body exploding with desire for her.