Chapter Ten

Reece tossed her cell on the nightstand and collapsed on the bed. The conversation with her mother, who was in Nessebar Bulgaria, after reading about the “Pearl of the Black Sea” on a travel blog, had taken longer than expected. In between sips of espresso, her mother had inquired about the latest rumor to reach her regarding Vin. Reece had rolled her eyes and told her mother they’d run into each other at the botanical gardens, and after working together on the foster family fundraiser, they’d become friends, sort of.

Her mother had laughed at that. “Oh, darling, men don’t befriend women. Not men like Vincent Ferguson.” Then her mother had proceeded to lecture Reece on how men like Vin acquired women and not to let herself become an acquisition. Vin reminded her mother of Reece’s father, on Wife Number Five, and Reece didn’t exactly disagree, but she also didn’t care. She listened politely, made noncommittal remarks, and let her mother rant about her father in the same way she always turned any conversation around to find fault in the man she’d married over thirty years ago.

The discussion shifted to Reece choosing the right man, and that reminded her why she always assessed men for forever instead of for fun. Well, not anymore. She had a full summer of fun planned with a man who was anything but forever.

Amelie entered, tapping away on her phone, and fell onto her back next to Reece. “How’s your mother?”

Reece let out a long sigh. “Same as always. I think she’ll disapprove of any guy I date.”

“For the record, half of South Beach thinks you two make a gorgeous couple.” Amelie held up her phone and showed Reece the comments under a photo of Vin and her in the South Beach After Hours online social section. Although not surprised, she shook her head. They’d posed for one photog last night, until they’d ditched the event in favor of his swanky catamaran. “Susette from North Miami says she hopes you’ll be the one to tame Vin.”

Reece didn’t want to tame anyone. She flung an arm over her head, staring at the ceiling. “I don’t care what they say. I don’t even know those people.”

Amelie turned her head. “Did you really just decide to date him at my birthday party?”

Reece heard the suspicion in her friend’s voice. Careful not to sound too guilty, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“I know you. Vin isn’t your type.”

Reece sat up and shot Amelie an accusatory glare. “You’re the one who told me to date for fun.”

“But why Vin?”

“You don’t approve?” Amelie’s opinion was the one that mattered most if Vin and she were dating for real.

“No. I do. I think he’s perfect for you.”

Vin did seem pretty perfect for her. Weirdly enough, of all the guys she’d been with, she knew Vin the least, and the sex had been the best. “You just said he’s not my type.”

“He’s not who you’d normally choose. But he’s exactly what you need. I’m just curious. Why him?”

It was hard to explain to someone like Amelie. To anyone, really. She wasn’t entirely sure she knew herself. No one wanted to hear about the adopted rich girl with self-esteem issues. With Vin, she didn’t need to worry about not measuring up, and she was pretty sure Landon didn’t really mean it when he said he’d kill the next guy to use his baby sister for business. Besides, Vin wasn’t using her in the same way. In fact, it could be argued that she was getting way more out of their deal.

She crossed her legs and hugged her pillow. “We watched him for a whole year. Didn’t his life look fun?”

Amelie twisted the ends of her long blonde ponytail, an absent smile curving her mouth. “He and that girl from The Betsy came back laughing their asses off after the couples’ parasailing.”

“That’s my point. He plans these incredible adventures, and for once, I get to be a part of them. Even if this doesn’t last longer than the summer.”

“I’m glad for you then.” Amelie gave a decisive nod. “I think you’re going to have the best summer ever.”

“That’s the plan,” Reece said.

“And”—Amelie winked at her—“if nothing else, the sex should be blazing.”

…

Vin cut the engine in front of one of South Beach’s most elaborate and photographed mansions. “Thank you, again, for coming with me. I appreciate your time.”

“Of course. It’ll be fun.”

The valet opened her door, and Reece stepped out of the car, waiting for Vin to join her. Then she curled her hand through his elbow and smiled into his handsome face. That was the tenth or one hundredth time he’d thanked her for her time. Like he was reminding her this was part of an agreement between them and not just because he wanted to spend the day with her or introduce her to his friends. But she didn’t care. Oddly enough, she always enjoyed catered barbecues, and since it was a work event, she doubted she’d run into anyone from her social circle. Which meant she could indulge in all the potato salad she wanted free from judging eyeballs. Her mouth watered as she recognized the logo on the side of the catering trucks.

He gave a little snort and a deep chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve ever had fun at this luncheon.”

If she wanted to enjoy this barbecue with him, she had to make something clear. Unwinding her hand from his arm, she faced him and squinted into the sun. “Okay, I understand the part I’m supposed to play. I’ve been on the social scene since I was three. But I thought you lived for fun.”

His mouth opened, but no words escaped. He shoved his hands in his pockets, took them out again, and shot a quick glance toward the front door. “The people inside…” He shook his head as if trying to find the right way to say what he wanted to say.

She caught a glimpse of something behind his neutral expression and guessed, “You’re nervous.” She studied his face, slowly processing what that meant. He was a confident CEO of a corporation about to go public. He had lethal sex skills. And he was nervous.

It should have been reassuring to know Vin had a vulnerability, but all it did was make her resolved to step up her game. If bringing her here was to impress his people, she wouldn’t disappoint.

For several minutes, they stared at each other.

He pressed his lips into a thin line and then exhaled. “Ever since he joined my board, Fred Denison has hosted the Memorial Day luncheon for the executives. I’ve always considered this a work function. I’ve never—it’s not fun—I don’t bring dates.”

The way he didn’t quite meet her eye charmed her. She’d never considered him to be less than confident about anything. And it helped explain his fidgeting. “Vin”—she touched his arm and his gaze locked on hers—“it’ll be fine. I’ll be on my best behavior.” She grinned at him, thinking that last part might help ease the tension.

“Okay.” He blew out a breath. “Let’s get this over with.”

She clamped her fingers on his arm before he could ring the bell. “Wrong attitude, buddy. This is not something to get over with. This is an afternoon to enjoy.” She ran her hands up the front of his chest. “If we’re going to be seen together, it has to look like we enjoy each other’s company.” Lifting onto her toes, she reached up and dragged his head down to hers. “Kiss me for good luck.”
He hesitated before wrapping his arms around her lower back and lifting her into him. She inhaled his fresh scent and tasted his warm lips. The gentle pressure teased her senses, and she pressed closer, forgetting they were on the front porch in harsh sunlight.

Just as the kiss was getting good, the door opened. “Vin! I thought I saw you through the window.”

Vin groaned and released Reece. “Marilyn, as always, thank you for hosting the luncheon.” He gestured to Reece. “Do you know Reece Rowe?”

Marilyn hugged Vin and then Reece, waving them inside. “Yes, of course. Reece, every year I ask Vin why he doesn’t bring a date, so I’m thrilled to see he finally followed my advice.” Turning to Vin, she said, “Did you know that when I ran for my judgeship, Reece’s father was my very first supporter? I would have framed his check to keep his signature if I hadn’t needed the donation so badly. Those were the days.”

Reece pulled a bottle of custom wine from her purse. “We brought this for you. I’m sorry I missed your last fundraiser.”

“Oh, nonsense. I think your father said you were in DC.” She read the wine label with appreciation. “I’m going to put this in the wine cooler. Feel free to wander around. Fred is where he always is.”

Reece adjusted her purse strap and glanced at Vin, who stared at her with a strange expression. “You okay?” Was he upset they’d been caught kissing on the front steps?

He glanced toward the backyard and then down at Reece. “I should’ve known you’d know a judge.”

She didn’t know how to respond to that statement. He sounded bitter about it, but why? South Beach’s corporate society overlapped in many areas, and he’d been in the business world long enough to know that. He’d made the same comment when he’d found out she knew the artist’s father at the art gallery.

This afternoon could go one of two ways, and Reece refused to fail on her side of the agreement. Vin had given her award-winning sex. Three times. She’d give him what he needed. But in order to do that, he needed to lighten up.

She slammed her hands on her hips and mocked, “I should have known you’ve never dated a woman who’d know a judge.”

His shocked expression proved she chosen the right tactic to snap him out of his mood. He opened his mouth, closed it, and then leaned down to kiss her, a smile finally curving his delicious lips. “You.” He said it, and it sounded like an endearment.

She grinned up at him. “Me.”

…

Vin couldn’t take his eyes off Reece or the way she worked the room. Damn woman had his entire board of directors in the palm of her hand. And not in the sexy, flirty way any of his other women might have behaved. No. Just like the night of the fundraiser, she charmed anyone within a ten-foot radius, and no matter who approached her, she easily slipped into the right mode to converse with them. It was magical, watching her maneuver around the room, and the tiniest part of him was thrilled it was him she would be leaving with.

That made it both harder and easier to be with her, and that dichotomy didn’t sit well for a man used to making decisions without hesitation. But his damn brain couldn’t make up whether he wanted to spend more time with her or less. If he spent more, he had fun. He enjoyed their conversations and her business-savvy opinions. More than her mind, no matter that her reputation sparkled squeaky clean, the woman knew how to seduce him with just one look, and that derailed his concentration on more than one occasion.

She was not like any woman he’d ever spent any time with. Not at all.

He sipped his Scotch and frowned at the unexpected thought. He admired her, and it wasn’t only because she seemed to know everyone, although that was impressive. “It’s amazing how you even remembered the curmudgeon’s granddaughter’s name.”

“Vin! He’s the oldest member of your board.”

“And his advice in the boardroom is priceless. But that doesn’t mean I know his granddaughter plays tennis.” Of course Reece would know about country clubs and private tennis lessons.

She shrugged. “One of my friends said the assistant tennis pro was the best coach at the club.”

That didn’t explain how she knew the granddaughter, but that was hardly the point. It wasn’t just one board member.

“And Simon?”

She took a deliberate sip of her iced tea before giving him another shrug. “I’m familiar with the diversity of his portfolio for South Beach’s small businesses.”

The man had his fingertips in everything from flowers and finances to craft breweries and local bars, but it surprised Vin that Reece knew that. After she’d asked him how he liked getting in bed with the restaurant business, she’d winked and said the owner was a personal friend she’d always admired. Simon had nodded and leaned close to whisper something in her ear, to which she’d responded with a solemn nod and an, “Isn’t that always the way?”

“Remarkable.” He waited for the bitterness to surface, the prick of reality that reminded him once again how differently they’d been raised. But it never came. Just admiration for a woman far deeper than he’d first imagined.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Did you just insult me?”

Maybe. Unintentionally. “No,” he sputtered. “I was saying you’re remarkable.”

The skeptical glare she gave him told him she wasn’t buying his stumble. “This discussion is not over,” she hissed, and before he could respond, she waved to the newest member of his board. “Darlene!”

“Reece! I’ve been meaning to call you. When is your next charity event?”

Reece brightened and launched into the abbreviated pitch for the fishing tournament in the fall. “The best part? It’s geared toward at-risk and foster children.”

“You must let me be a sponsor,” Darlene all but begged.

Reece dug her phone out of her purse. “I’m going to email you right now.” She opened her email and used voice-to-text. “Hi, Darlene, so great to see you today. Thanks so much for your offered support with the fishing tournament. I’m going to tentatively schedule you as a volunteer guide, but I’ll confirm as we get closer to the event. Also, please let me know if you’d like the Sailfish, Tarpon, or Blue Marlin level of sponsorship. With cheerful regards, Reece.”

A couple more taps and she slid the phone away and smiled at Vin. “Your turn to donate your time and money.”

Vin stood by her side, oddly proud of the way she handled his board. “Of course. Just let me know when and where and how much.”

She placed her hand on his arm and blinked into his face. “I knew I could count on you.” Rising onto her toes, she planted a kiss on his lips, and the whole action seemed so natural and right he didn’t question it, instead pulling her closer for a second, longer one.

Of course, right as he remembered where he was, his chief information officer approached, and her face looked anything but welcoming.

“Vincent, we have an issue.” Dominique’s clipped tone made it clear this was going to be bad news.

As if sensing the situation, Reece stepped back, out of his reach. She had that intuition about her, in the way she moved around him, about where to stand and when to disengage. In her soft and slightly apologetic tone, she switched the situation as though his chief information officer hadn’t just disrupted their kiss. “Excuse me, but this sounds like a good time to sneak to the restroom. Dominique, lovely to see you again.”

Again? He’d had no idea Reece knew his forty-something-year-old employee. Did she know everyone in South Beach? Dominque had been an outsider to Florida, born and raised in New York, and five years ago, he’d recruited her from one of the top consulting firms in Northern Virginia.

Not for the first time since they’d formed their agreement, he questioned Reece’s motives. Surely, the woman could land any man in her orbit. With a social span as wide as she had, why had she turned to him for sex?

He kept his gaze on her as she walked away, her movements leisurely and controlled. The way the shorts hugged her ass as she swayed had him swallowing hard. Did he really care why she chose him when he was reaping all the benefits?

Dominique’s deep purple polished nails snapped in front of his face. “Vincent, there’s been a data breach on EduCode, and Connor’s assessing the damage right now. I’m gathering the troops and heading into the office.”

What a shit storm. At least EduCode wasn’t a fully released software system, so there was a sliver of comfort, but even in beta, the users had entered basic amounts of information. Clearly the team hadn’t been proactive enough with endpoint access. He’d conduct his own investigation why the coding team failed to follow the proper protocol of multi-layering strategies.

With more bark than bite, he said, “Data capture all traffic within the last forty-eight hours. I want a status report of the most sensitive information stolen, and I want a press release within thirty minutes. Open and sincere, admit fault and accept responsibility. Overview the situation, and”—fuck, fuck, think, damn it—“figure out how we’re going to prevent this issue in the future.”

The CIO nodded, already walking away with her phone in hand.

He had to get to the office. He had to get to the bottom of this. But first, he had to find Reece.

She exited the bathroom, and Vin waved to her. “There’s an issue at work. I have to get to the office.”

She didn’t hesitate. “I can call for a ride, if you want to go straight there.”

Leaving without her didn’t sit well with him, and with his team already dealing with the breach, he had time to drop her off. “I’ll drive you home, if you don’t mind leaving now.”

On the drive back to their condo building, he kept running different plays through his head. His phone buzzed nonstop, and finally Reece picked it up and read his text messages updating him on patching, application whitelisting, sandboxing, and privilege management.

When she finished, she let out a small huff. “I’m impressed you understood what I just read. It’s like a foreign language.”

“Coding is the universal language.”

They pulled up in front of the building. “Well, I’d still need a translator. Thanks for today. I’m sorry you have to go to work.”

“I’m sorry I had to cut the afternoon short on us.”

She winked at him. “I’ll think of some way for you to make it up to me.”