Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 35550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
“It looks perfect,” he said.
“I love it. Thank you. I didn’t get you anything though.”
“I didn’t buy it for you for you to buy me something. Every time you wear this, think about me.” He winked at her.
Her stomach fluttered, and as he pulled her hand away, she tried to think of all the lines and barriers friends had.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He led the way out of the house, giving her time to lock everything before following him down. The heels she wore were deadly but worth it. They gave her some height, and she hated it when businessmen looked down their noses at her.
If it wasn’t for her parents preparing her for the world, she’d never have been able to build up her company.
Compared to the Knox name and even the Ivory one, her company was small, but she didn’t rely on her parents. She was wealthy in her own right, which meant she could turn them down whenever they threw a prospective son-in-law her way.
Buckling her seatbelt, she watched as Brice drove out of her driveway and got onto the main street.
“This is a new car.”
“I have different cars for different occasions. For business, this is the most ideal.”
“Top of the line. Most expensive, flashy, and completely you.”
“It’s the look, right? That’s what people are looking for during these events. The look, to see who is doing better than others.”
“If you hate it so much, why bother?” she asked.
“Don’t have much choice. This is what you have to do to get by,” he said.
“True, which is why I have a whole army of men and women at my disposal who do that job for me. The conventions, getting the name and products out there. They make it a lot easier for me, and I only pick the people to work for me who have my best interests at heart as well as the company. I’m a damn good boss.”
“It’s what we have to do. Howard and Haley should be there.”
“I like her. You know, some of the people treat her like her shit. I went to the bathroom at one of the functions, I can’t even remember what for. I saw some of the women poking fun at her, calling her horrible names and being mean. I couldn’t believe it. Haley didn’t do anything. She didn’t defend herself and I couldn’t stand that, so I went to her, hugged her, told all of the women they should be ashamed of their behavior and stayed by her side all night long.” She paused and then groaned. “I can’t believe I just told you that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I sound like a child, talking about the bullies that pick on that one girl.”
“Look, I’m under no illusions that we’re not surrounded by pretentious fucks. You’ve got me tonight, and if Haley’s got you, then I know she’ll be more than fine.”
“You’re a big softy really, aren’t you?”
He laughed. “No, don’t even think for a second that I’m a good guy here. Believe me, I’m far from it.”
“You a monster then?” She tilted her head to the side and saw his lips twitch.
“Are you flirting with me, Knox?”
“Not at all, Ivory.”
“Ugh, don’t call me that. It sounds like a girl’s name.”
She giggled. “This is a lot of fun.”
“Yeah, well, it’s about to suck big time.” He pulled up at the main door, and the valet opened hers for her.
“Showtime,” she said.
Climbing out of the car, she waited for Brice, who offered her his arm. He handed the keys to the valet, and then they were heading inside to where everyone was. The event was huge. It offered a chance for big business to mingle with small businesses and allow the opportunity for new ventures and contracts.
To Danielle, she often found it an utter bore. She ended up having to go with her parents to these things.
“You can’t leave me,” he said.
“Damn, I’d totally love to leave. This is going to be so boring.”
“I told you, experiment on me. Anything you want to try.”
“You’re too tempting.” She held onto his arm and forced a smile to her lips.
Brice grabbed two glasses of champagne, handing her one.
“That’s the way to go. I’ll get through the evening drunk.”
“You do whatever you need to do.”
“I’m a fun drunk.”
“You are?” he asked.
“Yes, I also have a dirty mind. You wouldn’t be able to handle it.” Why was she running her mouth? Her friendship with Brice was so new. She didn’t know what she was saying. “Sorry.”
“I’m intrigued. Maybe I should get you drunk, see how dirty you can get.”
The look he gave her was anything but friendly. “You couldn’t handle me.”
“I think I’d surprise you, Dani. I can handle a great deal.”
“Let’s just keep this strictly platonic.” She wasn’t ready to change their friendship, even as her body heated under his gaze.