Hope sinks back in her chair. She seems to be considering my offer. “Um. Okay. And I’ll start working?”
I nod, finding her nervousness far more hilarious than I should. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell him about how many times I made you come just now.”
Her jaw drops and her eyes grow wide, then she shakes her head and walks toward me. “Never mind. I’m going with you.”
Laughing, I wrap my arms around her waist and plant a kiss on her forehead. “Stay. Maybe I’ll even give him a tour of the place to occupy him for a while. Surely, he’s here to schmooze me.”
Hope still looks panicked, and I can’t make sense of it, but she backs down, her expression softening while her eyes remain uncertain. “Okay. But before you go, I need to tell you something about Dexter.”
Smiling, I back away toward the door. “Don’t worry, Hope. I already have this guy figured out. He’s here to make sure his new client is taken care of, and thanks to you, he very much is.”
“Yes, but he’s—”
I wink, not letting her worry a second longer. “There’s nothing you can tell me about that guy I haven’t figured out myself. Trust me.”
With a final smile, I take a sharp turn out to the parking lot. It’s time to charm Hope’s boss and make damn sure she’s taken care of the way she deserves.
He climbs out of his white Mercedes sports car similar to the way Hope did on that first day, with an air of haughtiness and power. I’m standing right in front of him, but I don’t think he sees me, because he makes it a point to let his gaze travel, his lip flat lined to show me just how unimpressed he is, and then lets his focus settle on me.
“Welcome to Camp Bexley.”
Dexter slips his glasses off, pockets them, and then smiles, his hand reaching out toward me.
“Dexter Van Clark, and you are?”
I meet his handshake with a firm one of my own. Maybe it’s ego, maybe it’s pride, but the fact that the man I’m paying large sums of money to at each phase of this project has no clue who I am has me reeling.
“Anderson Bexley,” I say, noting his surprise by the immediate loosening in his grip. “I believe I’m your client.”
Dexter chuckles while releasing his hand from mine. “A pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Bexley.”
“Oh, please call me Anderson. Mr. Bexley is my father.”
Dexter’s charming smile widens. “Of course. Likewise, call me Dexter. I hope it’s okay that I popped by for a quick visit. I like to check in on projects from time to time to ensure my client is being looked after to the full extent of our capabilities.”
All I can think of is how fast I want to get rid of this guy so that Hope and I can get back to where we left off. I can still taste her on my tongue. I can still remember my pulse rocketing through my dick at record speed at the sight of her slick clit. I can still hear those tiny gasps and moans as I made her come alive within my grip. “Fuck me, Anderson.” Her moan still rings like gong in my mind.
My goddess. My Hope. My second chance at life. I’ll worship her for a lifetime if she’ll give me the chance.
“That’s kind of you, but there’s no need for that. As I said on the phone last night, Hope has really been helping us step up our game.”
Dexter smiles and then looks around at the nearly empty parking lot. “So, you’ve got a skeleton crew here, I take it?”
His question is odd, but I don’t feel any reason to lie. “No crew at all. It’s just me. And Hope, of course.”
Something changes in his expression that fires off alarm bells in my head. Anger, confusion, jealousy? I don’t know the man, but I’m beginning to wonder if he even read over the contract he signed with Silver. The details were there, every minute detail.
He slips back into his fake-ass easygoing smile. “So, where is my hardworking girl? You say she’s been of quite the help?”
“She’s in my office, working away. And yes. I’m happy to report that she was the right woman for the job. Considering she spent a few years here before she started at Urgency, she’s been able to incorporate her knowledge into all the promotions material she’s prepared so far.”
Dexter’s brows rise. “I can’t wait to see everything you’ve approved so far. Your reopening will be quite the success.” He looks around again. “Can I ask what your plans are for the remodel?”
Anger spikes in my chest. I can’t tell if the man is trying to be insulting or if it comes second nature. “The remodel is complete.” I wave a hand forward. “Please, let me give you the extended tour.”
Three hours after giving Dexter Van Asshole the tour de la Camp Bexley, I know far too much about the Fortune 500 entrepreneur. Not only did he start his successful advertising company at the age of twenty, while he was still in college, but he was able to secure his first business suite in Seattle only two years later. From there, things only got bigger and better for him.
When Silver told me about the company she was hiring for me, I had my doubts. I certainly wouldn’t have agreed to it had she given me the name of the place so I could do some research. “Trust me,” she said. So I had. If she believed she’d found someone who could lead the camp in the direction my brothers and I once dreamed, then I needed to trust her.
Now I know Silver’s efforts were based primarily on the fact that Hope worked for the man.
“Your brother is Jamison Bexley, is that right?”
The question throws me, jerking my focus back to Dexter. “That’s right. How do you know him?”
Dexter grins and shakes his head. “I’ve met him a few times through mutual clients of ours. He’s very impressive. We’ve even sat down to discuss how his services can help Urgency.” He raises his brows. “I wouldn’t have thought that he started out here.” Dexter looks around with a curious expression. “No offense. He just doesn’t fit the picture.”
I shrug, not wanting to give away the sour feeling that stirs in my chest. “Yeah, well, the picture doesn’t fit him much either anymore, if you know what I’m saying.” I wink, like I have an inkling of a clue to what I said and lead him the rest of the way to the office.
Dexter has had nonstop questions about Hope the entire walk, as though he was formulating his review for her right there on the spot. Hope did say she was up for a promotion. Maybe this is her chance to get it.
“Hope will surprise you like that,” I say, causing Dexter’s sharp eyes to land on me. “She’s a go-getter. That woman can accomplish anything she puts her mind to.”
Dexter’s brows rise. “Hence her upcoming promotion at Urgency.”
I nod, pretending that this is the first time I’ve heard about the potential offer. It sounds like it’s happening. “If what I’ve seen is any indication, that promotion would be well deserved.”
Dexter stops in his tracks when he spots the saloon. “That’s an unexpected sight.”
“An addition,” I explain. “Twenty-two years ago, my parents decided to make something of the land that had been in our family for decades. A kids’ camp was born, and that turned into sixth grade camps, sports camps, team-building camps—you name it. But my brothers and I always saw something more for this place. A luxury camping resort of sorts. One that would be grounded in nature rather than city lights and outdoor shopping malls. We didn’t want our roots to go anywhere—hence why the original kids’ side of camp was renovated over the past couple of years.”