Tailored for Trouble (Happy Pants #1) - Mimi Jean Pamfiloff Page 0,104

I say, though it doesn’t excuse his behavior.”

“Before I knew the truth about Bennett’s project, I wasn’t so happy about the bet. I’m sure you can understand why. And then there was the fact that Bennett hired me because he hoped that I’d be able to help him get through to you—like I’m some magic woman-CEO whisperer.”

“You did do a fairly decent job getting through to me.”

“Thanks. But uh…I created a training course just to sabotage him. I added things I thought you would hate, like telling him to show he was in charge and to pay you lots of personal compliments.”

To her surprise, Mary laughed. “I guess that explains why Mr. Wade kept talking about my outfit and hair. I thought the man was hitting on me.”

Oh no. Taylor covered her face and groaned. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Rutherford. So, so sorry.”

“Well, dear, it wasn’t the reason I didn’t want to sell to him.”

It wasn’t? “But I read that quote in the press release.”

Mary waved her hand at Taylor. “Oh you can’t believe a word those vultures say. That quote was pulled from something unrelated I said last year.”

“So-so-so why then?” Taylor asked.

Mary shrugged. “I simply love my company. I’m not ready to retire. But hearing Bennett’s story—I can’t imagine losing my son like that, as foolish and shallow as he is sometimes.”

“Taylor?” Bennett’s deep voice came from the doorway that led out to the small private lobby.

Taylor swiveled and saw a look of utter anger, tinged with hurt, in his eyes.

“Bennett?” she gasped his name. “What are you doing here?”

“I took my plane. And there was no one at the front desk. Just a dribble of what looked like urine across the floor. You told her about Bali?” He sounded somewhere between wounded and shocked.

“Yes. But I was only trying to—”

“And you tried to sabotage my deal.” It wasn’t a question.

Taylor’s heart filled with a thousand little stabbing pains made of guilt and sadness. This was it. The moment she feared. “Yes. And I know there’s nothing I can say to—”

“Anything else you wish to tell me, Ms. Reed,” Bennett said, “since we seem to be getting everything out in the open?” Meaning he was pissed. Beyond pissed. For the deceit and for telling Mary something so private.

Taylor looked at her feet. “Yes, but this really isn’t the time.”

He laughed acerbically. “Oh, no. Don’t be shy, Ms. Reed. Please. I insist. What other secrets have you been keeping?”

“Bennett, please?” Taylor pleaded.

He didn’t say a word, but the look in his eyes was sheer hatred.

Taylor knew he’d never forgive her. Not in a million years. But she couldn’t bear the thought of him discovering there was more. “Your mother is sick. She told me she doesn’t have much time.”

He didn’t blink, didn’t breathe, didn’t change the furious expression on his face. “Get the fuck out of my sight,” he said so coldly that it felt like a nail going into her coffin.

She didn’t want to fight or say anything that might undermine his deal with Mary, so she merely nodded. “I’ll be on my way.” She looked at Mary, who gave her a consoling smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Rutherford. I appreciate your time.”

“Anytime, Ms. Reed. You take care.” Then she looked at Bennett. “Mr. Wade, will you please step into my office? I think we should talk.”

CHAPTER 19

“I seriously can’t believe it,” Sarah said, curling up on Jack’s pink floral couch, holding a cup of untouched tea. “Holly is going to be pissed with you.” Holly was away in London, looking at a new art collection.

“Why?” Taylor asked, sitting in her pink flannel pajamas, sipping from her mug.

“You totally blew it with our dream man.”

Taylor rolled her eyes. “Thanks.”

“I’m just kidding. You never had a chance, anyway.”

“What?” Taylor scoffed.

Sarah laughed. “Sorry. Sorry. Just trying to make you laugh.”

“Don’t. You’re making me feel way worse.” It had been two weeks since she’d returned home, feeling like she might actually die from a broken heart. Jack had taken one look at her, thought the worst, and had gone ballistic, saying that he was going to kick the crap out of Bennett, break his nose, fix it, and then break it again. Finally, after she’d gotten him to calm down and told him the entire sad story, he’d downgraded his desire to kill Bennett to some mere finger breakage.

From then on she’d stayed in her room, telling everyone she was all right but needed space. Normally, she’d go straight to Holly and