He was a real fly by the seat of his pants type of guy who was always on the go, jet-setting to St. Tropez and Greece, or Vegas, his favorite place in The States. Jason was a trust-fund kid, an attorney at one of the best firms in Oregon and bound for partnership. He was well connected and willing to throw his money around to keep it that way.
If there was an exclusive new restaurant, hot club, basketball game, or private event, Jason could get VIP access. Whatever the craving—alcohol, women, mood enhancers—he supplied it in spades because he wanted his name on peoples’ minds and the good word of mouth.
Hanging out with Jason meant quite possibly getting laid. He owned a one-hundred-foot yacht and regularly threw crazy, alcohol-fueled ragers complete with a buffet of hot women lined up to help him and his closest friends take a load off.
Shit.
Mike let his thumb hover over the keyboard on his phone.
Most of the time, he ignored Jason’s texts or made up some excuse why he couldn’t make it out. Tonight, though, his friend made a good point. Mike had gotten rid of his baggage. He was a free man in need of physical release, and it wouldn’t hurt getting it with someone new. It wasn’t like he had any other standing obligations. At least, not with Zora. He still had yet to hear from her.
Mike loosened his tie and pulled it through his collar, folding it and stuffing it into his pocket. He slid the strap of his briefcase over his shoulder and flicked off the lights before responding. As he stepped into the elevator, he decided.
Mike: I’m in.
Jason’s response was almost immediate.
Jason: Wait until you see the honeys I’ve got lined up tonight. Might need to play a little five-on-one with yourself before you get here.
Mike smirked.
Mike: Already got it handled. I stay ready.
The yacht screamed “daddy’s money.” It was Jason’s personal cruise ship and pleasure den complete with lights strung over the pool, pulsing music, courtesy of a live DJ, and yacht stews making drinks.
True to his word, Jason had invited only the best of the best.
The deck was crawling with fine women. Mike felt overdressed and underdressed simultaneously. The men were wearing fine Italian suits, but the women were dressed in little more than thongs.
“Bro! You made it!” Jason called out from a lounger where he was flanked by a topless redhead and a barely clothed blonde. The man was straight out of a Brooks Brothers catalog—a strapping young lad, dashing and dapper with a square jaw, cleft chin, and side-swept blond hair.
He leaned down and suckled the redhead’s breast, running his tongue over her pebbled nipple. “Ah. So sweet. Don’t go anywhere.” He licked his lips then the blonde’s neck before getting to his feet to meet his friend.
Mike’s brows lifted in amusement, and he released a short bark of laughter.
“I see you’ve got yourself a buffet here…and…” He leaned back. “Are you growing a beard?”
Jason nodded and stroked his stubble before quickly bringing Mike’s attention back to his companions.
“Only the best... Get yourself a snack and catch up.” He gave Mike a hard slap on the back and pulled him into a hug. “It’s so good to see you, man. Thought I’d lost you for a minute there.”
“Nah, just putting in the work for the dream, you know?”
Jason gripped Mike’s shoulders and held him at a short distance to study him. For a moment, he just stared. Then his brows furrowed.
“What?” Mike asked.
“Which dream are we talking about, here?”
Mike sighed. All he’d ever wanted was to grow his own business. Partnering with his best friend had been awesome. Mike was there every step of the way when Everett had put the business plan together for his family’s real estate development company, so he felt a certain loyalty to the company. He wanted to be there to help it go the distance— the setbacks, the challenges, and the celebrations.
Mike also wanted to invest in his own future. Deep down, he wanted to be full partner, not just in-house counsel.
“You know me. I’ve been trying to get Monroe to make me a partner.”
Jason shook his head. “You were top of the class at Berkeley. If this dude doesn’t see what he’s got, come to Baker & Bronson. I’ll make sure they snap you up quickly. You’ll probably make partner before I do.”
He held his hand up high and Mike slowly reached up to slap it, chuckling at his friend. Will this guy ever grow up?
“So, anyway—“ Mike was just about to change the subject when Jason beat him to the chase.
He zeroed in on someone behind Mike. “Six o’clock. Blonde. Tall. Body for days. Giving you total ‘fuck-me’ eyes.” Jason’s chin dropped like he was sharing a secret, but it seemed his gaze was still focused on the blonde as he whispered. “A mouth that’ll make you cum—”
At the sound of heels drawing near him, Mike pressed his shoulders back and turned.
Kate.
His lips parted as she closed the distance between them. Her sun-kissed curls were loose, untamed, and tousled to one side over the soft pink curve of her cheek. She wore a simple, sleek black dress and she looked as beautiful as ever. She seemed smaller, though. Fragile.
He hoped he hadn’t broken her spirit.
“All right, man. I’m going to leave you to it,” Jason said, winking then backed away toward his harem.
Kate waited until Jason was out of earshot. “Hey,” she said in a low voice. A genuine smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and relief flooded Mike.
The last time he’d talked to Kate was the night of Zora’s party. She had stood there with tears in her eyes wanting what he didn’t have to give. He’d wanted to apologize, but how could he be sorry for something he had no control over? He’d been telling his heart for years not to want Zora, but that night he’d learned the hard way that the heart wants what it wants.
It was only after that that he’d decided to stop listening to it.
When Kate took off, Mike didn’t have it in him to go after her or call her. He did text to make sure she’d made it home safe. Somewhere between I’m glad you made it, I’m sorry, and good night he couldn’t stop himself from texting: I think we should go our separate ways.
Having his desire for Zora reflected back at him through Kate’s eyes made it glaringly clear. He wouldn’t ever be able to give Kate the love she deserved. So, he’d been dodging her calls and texts. It was a weight off his shoulders he wasn’t aware he’d been carrying. He was relieved to have the romantic part of their relationship over with, but he deeply regretted hurting her.
Without saying a word, he went in for a hug now and held it a little too long and tight. Through the hug, he tried to convey all the things he couldn’t actually say.
Sorry.
I didn’t want to hurt you.
You’re still important to me.
When they pulled apart, she peered up at him. “I know. I think I’d always known, but I’m happy for you…kind of.” She giggled nervously.
Mike shot her a pained expression. “Oh, just kind of?”
“Well she was kissing some other guy, but I’m sure she’ll come to her senses soon enough and realize what a mediocre catch you are.”