Raiden (The Kent Brothers #2) - A.M. Hargrove Page 0,42
what crawled up my rear end.
“Scottie is leaving soon and I’m not happy about it.”
“You’ve found a woman you can’t control. Is that it?”
I drummed up the angriest scowl I could and offered it to her. “I’m not in the business of controlling women.”
“Raiden, you’re in the business of controlling everything, women included. You only have to admit it. When you do, your life will improve significantly.”
“And you know this, how?”
“I’m older and wiser than you.” She had the audacity to smirk.
“Elena, you can close the door behind you and don’t let it hit you in the ass.”
“What? No coffee this morning?” she teased.
Damn that woman. She had me wrapped around her pinkie. “You know what I want every day. I’d appreciate it ASAP.”
“Still want the door to hit me in the ass on my way out?”
“Just go, woman.” I heard her laughing as she went. Smart-ass. Why did I put up with that? Oh, right? She was the best admin period. That’s why.
A few minutes later, a large mug of my favorite brew fixed exactly the way I loved it sat in front of me, courtesy of one sassy admin. I hadn’t a clue how I’d manage without her. I needed to send her a bonus. I made a note of that and my phone dinged with a text. It was from Elena.
“You have a meeting at nine thirty with Cruze and your new clients. Then one at eleven with the marketing team.”
I hit her back with, “Yes, ma’am.”
She texted with laughing emojis. I called payroll and had them issue her the bonus that day. They would electronically deposit it in her bank. I wondered when she’d notice. That uplifted my spirits some.
Then I went down to Cruze’s office to check in on our meeting.
“Hey, you ready for today?” I asked.
“Yeah, I was just reviewing the slides. Want to see?”
“Sure.”
I pulled up a chair, and we reviewed them together. “It’s solid. I like how you highlighted the latest software. It should be a slam dunk.”
“Especially since they’re a referral. So how are things with you? We haven’t talked in a few.”
I explained about Scottie leaving soon.
“That doesn’t sit well with you, huh?”
“Honestly, it scares the shit out of me. What if something happens?”
“The good thing is Drex and Gemini planned it. Drex would never put Gem in danger. He’s too careful.”
“True. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks, bro.”
“Raiden, sounds like you have some serious feelings for Scottie.”
I rubbed a hand over my chin. “I’m not sure what I feel. She’s gotten to me. I know that. She’s the first woman I’ve ever worried about before.”
“You’re also very protective of her.”
“That too. But she’s so headstrong, it puts me off somewhat.”
“You don’t like that about her?”
I gave that some thought. “It’s not that. It’s sexy as hell seeing the strength in her. But getting her to listen to reason is impossible.”
Cruze fucking laughed at that.
“What’s so damn funny?”
“Dude, maybe your reason isn’t what she thinks is important.”
“But it is to me!”
“Have you explained that or have you just tried to ramrod it down her throat? And before you reply, think about it. You’re strong-willed too. I can imagine the two of you locking horns like two rams. A woman like Scottie is used to making her own decisions. So maybe instead of telling her, ask.”
My jaw dropped, then snapped shut. Had I done that? In my mind, I believed I’d been tactful, but perhaps I hadn’t. Cruze was right. If someone came to me and attempted to push their agenda down my throat, I’d back away too.
“Excellent advice. Thank you.”
Cruze threw an arm around my shoulders. “It’s what brothers are for. Let’s go.”
He grabbed his laptop and off we went.
The meeting was a success. We grabbed another client, and I went back to my office. We changed the marketing meeting into one over lunch. Afterward, I finished the day and called Scottie before I left.
“What would you like for dinner tonight? I’m ordering for everyone. Do you mind talking it out with Drex and Gemini?”
She returned the call, and the consensus was Italian. After calling in the order and making sure there’d be enough food for bodyguards, I left. On the way home, we detoured to pick up dinner. By the time we arrived home, everyone else was there.
“I hope you’re starving,” I said, setting bags on the counter. The girls set out plates, napkins and silverware, and we sat down at the dining room table to eat.