scamming their clients. Mr. Waterson found out about it first and is on a rampage, demanding to know if this is how I do business now.”
Ugh. I never liked Mr. Waterson and his leering gaze. “That’s bad.”
“I think it’s rumors, but it’s going to hurt their stocks and they’re going into emergency mode.”
I’m surprised that Simon isn’t quick to believe speculation. He diligently researches companies. Many of his trips were to meet with owners, investors, and CEOs and also those who used to do business with them. Simon doesn’t play around with his money or anyone else’s.
He tosses the towel on the counter and starts unbuttoning his shirt. “I had to make a quick action plan and send Helena a list, starting with drafting a letter to our clients. But I may have to regretfully bail on the company, rumors or no. My clients’ best interest comes first.”
“You won’t get tomorrow off.” His shirt’s almost off and the planes of his abs never cease to steal my attention, but they aren’t enough to stop my disappointment.
“I’ll work on it in the morning. With her help, we’ll make it through the Fourth. Tuesday will be hell, but I’ll have an excuse to delay the interviews.”
I hate to give up any of his time when he doesn’t ever take a full day off, but it’s better than nothing. It’s more than he’s given us on the last few years of holidays. I was right to step back and trust him. He and I are in this together.
He’s coming closer. His shirt flutters to the floor. I barely remember what he said last. Oh yes. Rescheduling the interviews. “Right. Because you’re so eligible.”
“I am.”
He crowds me into the shower enclave and turns on the six showerheads. His slacks are still on, making this whole encounter feel spontaneous and illicit. I jump at the first hit of cold water, but my body heat warms it faster than the water heater.
He dips his head down, his mouth hovering over mine, water dripping off his hair, and unzips his pants. “Want me to show you how eligible I am?”
Chapter 16
Simon
I was up before my alarm this morning. Helena sent the draft before ten a.m. and I was in conference calls all morning.
Natalie encouraged me to commandeer her office. She’s changed since our date. Not as guarded. I made love to her last night in the shower and again when we dried off and got into bed.
Spending the night in the same bed as my wife, under the covers with her, is the highlight of my year. I won’t give up until I have it every night.
I didn’t want to ruin it with an alarm. I kept it on vibrate, but it didn’t matter. I was already awake, my mind racing with the tasks ahead.
Pulling out of investing with the London firm would be better done face-to-face, and as much as I shouldn’t rush it, I have prior commitments. One is cutting fruits and vegetables for today’s celebration and the other two are on their way over with their grandparents. If I can get through today, tackling what I need for work and living up to my promises for the “funnest day ever” will do more to show Natalie I’m serious than any date night.
“I regret to inform you that Gaineworth Equity can no longer work—”
“For heaven’s sake, Simon. Have a think on it. News only broke yesterday.” Mr. Mellon’s been up the whole night, trying to get ahead of his crumbling empire that was once so promising.
I feel shitty, but it has to be done. “I wish you the best, Lan. I have no doubt you’ll learn from this and come back stronger than ever.”
There’s only mild begging for me to reconsider before I manage to get off the phone with him. That felt like shit. My fingers twitch to call him back. No, I can’t risk my company for his. Others are relying on me. But when I can, I’ll help Mr. Mellon as much as I can.
Time to check in with Helena.
Her tone is brisk but hushed when she answers. “Yes, Mr. Gainesworth.”
I rattle off my discussion with Mr. Mellon and what we need to do to communicate with our investors. “Can you draft another letter to investors regarding the final decision? I’ll take a look and get it sent out today.”
“Today?” Her tone is sharp. There’s a rustle on the other end of the line and murmuring. Her husband?
“Yes. We have to act