Page 8 of Honor

“You scored an invite?” Baden laughs. “What about Vance and me?”

I glance at Vance before my gaze lands on Baden’s face. “You’ll have to duke it out to decide who will be my plus one.”

“I’m graciously tapping out.” Vance pats the top of my desk. “Baden’s your date.”

“No can do.” Baden brushes a hand over the light beard covering his jaw. “I’m busy that night.”

“You have no idea when it is,” I point out.

Our shared laughter fills my office.

I don’t have time to fuck around anymore because I have a business meeting over lunch, so I spit out what I need to say, “I’m Randall’s best man.”

Silence fills my office.

Baden finally breaks it. “I know you were friends as kids, but I didn’t realize you still were.”

“Are you jealous?” I smile.

“We’re curious,” Vance interjects with a stoic expression.

“He asked. I accepted.” I stand, hoping to end the conversation there.

“This is a ploy to get him to sell Azelius to us, right?” Baden lifts his chin. “I heard he’s been putting out feelers.”

What the actual fuck?

“Randall owns Azelius Spas?” I question. “Azelius? The spas that have an appointment waiting list of two months?”

“More like three months.” Baden winks. “I tried to get my mom booked in for Mother’s Day last year, but it was a no go.”

Stunned that Randall owns that business and he’s considering selling, I suddenly see an opportunity to use the best man role as a stepping stone to a big payday.

“Why are you acting like you didn’t know this?” Vance leans forward on his chair. “You’re making it seem like you agreed to be his best man because you’re a nice guy.”

“I am a nice guy.”

“No,” Baden says decisively. “You’re not.”

“Go to hell,” I bark at him with a broad smile on my face.

“I’m on my way.” He turns toward my office door. “I’ve got a meeting to get to.”

Vance pushes to stand. “Me too.”

I round my desk to follow them out into the corridor as I check my phone for any updates from Miss Starling. The only notification waiting for me is an alert about a text message from a man I’ve known for years. Kevin Dalca helps me with a fewroutine tasks outside the office when needed. I pay him well, but since I don’t require his services at the moment, his text message will sit unread until I do.

“Where the hell is she?” I mutter.

“Who?” Baden looks over his shoulder toward me.

“My assistant,” I say succinctly.

“Give that woman a raise.” Vance slows to glance at me. “Evie is a valuable asset to this company, Reid.”

He’s right. She’s worth her weight in gold, but a raise is out of the question until her contract comes up for renewal in a few months. She’s already earning a high five figure annual salary, and has the perk of enjoying some fresh air while running around Manhattan handling everything I don’t have time for.

CHAPTER FIVE

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