I stared out the window as Steven began the hike up the Hollywood Hills. “Something beautiful, something she won’t forget.”
“What’s my budget?”
I sighed. “You don’t have one. Make it memorable, Val.”
“I’m on it.”
I thanked her and disconnected the call and pulled up Jo’s message.
Me: For the record, I just tried to fly there, so I could say those words to you in person. My parents took the jet overseas, or I’d be on my way right now.
Jo: Don’t tease me, Jenner.
Me: Would you want me for your birthday?
Jo: In ways you couldn’t possibly understand.
This girl did something to my cock. She taunted it, teased it; she made me want to fucking pound her in ways she couldn’t possibly understand.
Seven days since I’d seen her, and even though I’d been swamped with work, I hadn’t been able to get her out of my head.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her body.
The only thing I wanted in this moment was to tie her to my bed and rip off that jersey with my teeth, kiss my way up those beautiful legs, and bury my mouth between them.
I wanted to rub my nose across her pussy.
I wanted her scent all over my fucking face.
I wanted her wetness in my beard and on my lips, tasting her every time I licked them.
I wanted to devour her.
I wanted to fucking savor her …
Me: I think you’re wrong about that …
Me: Have a good birthday, gorgeous. Celebrate your ass off, but not too hard—you know how much I love that fucking ass. This moment only comes around once, so enjoy it.
Jo: Thank you. <3
Jo: Are you nuts? Jenner, I have no words right now. I’m absolutely shocked you did this for me …
Jo: The bag is so incredibly beautiful and the special interior—I’m completely dead over it. What an amazing, beyond generous present. Please know how much I appreciate this gift and YOU. I love it. Truly. Thank you sooo, so much.
I smiled as I read the text from Jo, my lips widening even more as I viewed the picture she’d sent, showing her wearing the bag.
My assistant had texted me the receipt from Gucci, so I knew all about the three thousand dollars she had spent on Jo. But after my assistant made the purchase, I decided it wasn’t enough.
It wasn’t personal, the way I wanted her gift to be.
So, I’d reached out to the store and had them contact an artist, who painted Jo’s name on the inside of the bag along with a small skyline of Vegas above it.
I blew up the photo to get a better look. I knew nothing about purses, but the large red crocodile-looking-skin bag looked sexy as hell on her shoulder.
Me: It looks stunning on you.
“Who’s making you smile so hard?” Walter asked, returning from the restroom.
I glanced up from my phone, shoving it back into my pocket. “A business deal that just closed.”
“Bullshit.” He placed his napkin on his lap. “You’ve been in this business for far too long to get a hard-on over real estate. Plus, you’ve closed deals for me that have exceeded half a billion dollars, and I’ve never seen you smile like that. It’s a woman. Who is she?”
I shook my head. “Nah …”
“You think I don’t know what a man looks like when he’s in love? Come on, son. I’ve been around the block plenty of times in my old age. That’s a smile caused by a woman—nothing else.”
I was impressed that he could read me so well. Practicing law had given me this enigmatic edge. Most people had no idea what I was thinking, and I preferred it that way. Aside from my brothers—those cocky bastards who thought they knew everything—Jo was the only other person who seemed to have a way inside my head.
“She’s someone I met on vacation. It’s nothing serious. We live on opposite coasts, and we’re in different places in our lives.” I thought of her trying on her graduation gown, studying for finals that I assumed were coming up, while I sat in this meeting with my top client. Man, two different places was an understatement. “But she’s a good girl, and I hear those are hard to find.”
“I knew there was a but coming.” He gripped my shoulder, squeezing it. “Take it from someone who knows. There aren’t many good ones out there. When you find one, hold on to her. Put a ring on her finger and then make her a mother.”
I chuckled. “Ring, children—hell, I’m not ready for that.”
“You’d be surprised what love can do to a man, Jenner. One minute, you’re chasing pussy into a public restroom, and the next, you’re picking out baby names.”
Baby names?
Fuck no. That was Ford’s thing.
Buying a ring?
That was more Dominick’s thing.
I was good right where I was, which was sending gifts and seeing Jo when I was in Florida.
But even if she were here and she fit into my life, would that make a difference? Would I want more?
Fuck if I knew.
“I’ll take your word for it, my man.” I reached inside my briefcase and pulled out the paperwork I’d prepared. “I’ve reviewed each of the sites you sent over, and I’ve put together some thoughts. Out of all the parcels in Park City, only three caught my eye. I’ve outlined them here”—I pointed at the sheets of paper and the notes I’d left in the margins—“but I have to say, I have a favorite.”
Walter had followed through with my advice, now focusing solely on Utah for his next build-out, and he’d had his realtor scout the available lots in the area. I’d been to Park City enough times to know the locations, and with help from his accountant, we were able to run some numbers, estimates on his return of investment.
He reviewed my notes, looking up as he asked, “Do you think I need to move quickly?”
“You mean, have I heard rumors of your competition coming into the same area, scooping up one of these parcels? No. I think you’re safe. Most of the high-end chains are already there and established. The boutique hotels can’t afford this land. But could the Ritz sweep in and stake their claim? Sure. If that happens, I’ll find out long before they make an offer, and we’ll make our move.”
He nodded. “I need time to think this out.” He broke eye contact and waved our waitress over to order. “Scotch”—he held up two fingers, signaling one for each of us—“and make them neat.” He turned back toward me.
I checked my watch. “It’s not even nine in the morning.” I laughed, my head instantly throbbing, the hangover present and raging. “Isn’t it a little too early to celebrate?”
“I’m in the mood to drink.”
I couldn’t get up from the table and jump into my SUV that was waiting outside the restaurant, telling Walter to fuck off like I would if Dominick and Ford were here instead.
Walter wasn’t someone I could deny for any reason.
I took a deep breath, staring at my eggs that I was having a hard time getting down. “Then, let’s drink.”
“Hello?” I said into my phone the moment I walked into my house, returning from a long, scotch-filled morning with Walter.