let out a laugh that was completely devoid of humor. “Seriously, Mr. Montgomery? My advisor is the guy who never dates a woman more than once? Ever? No offense, but I can hardly see you as my go-to guy. I’m sure you’re much too busy lining up your dates. Finding a new woman every night has to be exhausting and extremely time-consuming. No worries. Tell Marshall I’ll be just fine without an advisor.”
“If you needed me, I’d be there,” I said, feeling offended. “I’m dependable.”
Harlow rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure you’d be rock solid, but I’m all good. I think this conversation is over.”
“No, Harlow,” I said in a cautionary voice as I put my hand on the door to keep her from slamming it in my face.
The woman had to have someone checking up on her, and she definitely needed to talk. I had no idea who she was using for a counselor, but it was obvious she was getting nowhere with her guilt issues. And honestly, none of the whole kidnapping situation had been her fault. She’d been a victim. Period.
“I’m done here,” Harlow said in an obstinate tone.
“I’m not,” I said flatly. “I propose we make a deal.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “What?” she said impatiently.
“Let me be your advisor. Check in with me once a week. I want at least two hours a week, and if you ever need me, all you have to do is call.” I dug my hand into my suit pocket. “This is my contact info. All of it. Including my cell and my home address. Maybe it’s a little too late, but you’ll have a Montgomery on speed dial now. If you agree, I won’t have a single date or see any female for as long as I’m your advisor. I’ll be available at all times,” I finished in an adamant tone.
She shook her head with a wry smile. “No offense, but you won’t be able to keep that promise for a week, much less a month or two, Mr. Montgomery. Your latest conquests are in the gossip rags on a weekly basis.”
I shot her my most charming smile. “Then I guess the reporters will have to find someone else to follow. Because I’ll be dateless for a while.”
She lifted a brow. “I’m almost tempted to agree because it would be easier. You’ll fall off the wagon.”
“I won’t. But you’ll also have to agree to staying on the payroll on a paid leave of absence, and re-evaluating your decision to leave Montgomery at a later time if I do follow through,” I said smoothly. “So if you’re so sure I’ll fail, the easiest way to get off our payroll and get everyone to leave you alone is to agree, and wait for me to be photographed with a female—other than you, of course.”
Harlow immediately snatched my contact info from my hand. “Deal,” she said. “But we schedule an appointment for two weeks from now. If you aren’t photographed squiring some woman around, I’ll make that meeting. I guarantee this is goodbye, Mr. Montgomery.”
I smirked. “I’ll expect your check-in two weeks from today. I’ll also expect you to call me Jax, not Mr. Montgomery. I’ll be functioning as a Last Hope advisor, not your employer.”
“Yep. I’ll agree to call you anything you want since it won’t be necessary to call you at all. Have fun on your dates,” she said, like she couldn’t wait to close the damn door.
I scanned her face one more time before I removed my hand from her door as I said, “We’ll be talking soon, Harlow.”
The door banged closed the minute I started to walk away. I smiled as I just kept on walking toward the parking lot.
Harlow Lewis had no damn idea how dangerous it was to challenge me.
I generally wasn’t a good loser.
So I always made damn sure I was in a good position to win.
Harlow hadn’t seen the last of me, and she wouldn’t for a very long time.
Taylor
Three Weeks Later…
“You don’t have to wear it right now,” I said as Hudson affixed the new watch I’d given him onto his wrist. “You have a couple of watches that are a lot more expensive than most people’s vehicles.”
Operation: Spoil the Boyfriend had gone so well that I could now give Hudson a gift without the awkward moments.
Most days, it was something small, like a new pen, candy, or just something totally ridiculous.