Page 65 of Corporate Escapades

At lunch, Paris sat and listened to Tom as he told stories about past clients and the crazy requests they made during event planning. The most ostentatious request was when one particular client decided he wanted to arrive at his event in a sleigh pulled by two polar bears. Tom spent two hours trying to explain how it would be wrong to bring polar bears to Nevada and that even if they could bring them to Nevada, they most likely couldn’t train them to pull a sleigh in time for the event. There was also the possibility that the polar bears could act out and maim one, or several, of the guests. The client stormed out of the office, but Tom won him over with a secondary option.

Paris listened actively and laughed on cue. She found his stories to be interesting at the very least. She was amazed that he wanted to spend his free time with her. At the end of lunch, he leaned in toward her and said, “Your lips are the perfect shade of pink,” and suddenly, grabbing her neck, he pulled her in for a mouth-devouring kiss. She was so stunned she didn’t move. When he pulled away, she stared at him in awe. “That was nice,” he said with a smile. “Now, shall we get back to work?” With that, he stood up and pulled her out of her seat. “You paying for lunch since I paid last time?” he asked casually and then walked away, leaving her speechless.

Paris dug out her wallet. Nothing was free at ADG. You had to earn it. The only people who ate for free were the board. At least she received a discount of fifty percent, being the owner’sdaughter and all. She threw down some cash and a tip, then headed back toward her office. Her mind was spinning from the day’s developments.

Across the café, Molly had witnessed the kiss between Paris and Tom. Her head was swimming with excitement about the news she’d be able to bring to Mya. Like a fly on the wall, she observed their entire interaction. She wasn’t out to hurt Paris, but she’d agreed to bring any pertinent information forward, and this, she felt, was pertinent information, even if it was about Paris. From what she knew of Tom, she didn’t think his sudden interest in Paris was at all a coincidence, but she would let the others weigh in before she completed her condemnation.

Waiting until Paris was out of sight, Molly hurried down the hall toward Mya’s office, but when she arrived, Mya was out attending to other business and not expected back until one or two that afternoon. Not able to contain the shiny new information she had obtained, she went straight to Vic, who was on a very heated call when she knocked.

“Just a moment,” he said, covering the phone receiver.

“I’ll wait outside until you’re finished,” replied Molly, to which Vic nodded.

Stepping around the corner, she tried not to listen, which was difficult. She heard him say, “I don’t care if you have to hike a mountain to get them. They need to be at this event, so figure it out. You promised it wouldn’t be an issue, and I’m holding you to your word.” He slammed the phone down, causing Molly’s heart to race.

“Molly,” Vic called. “You may come in now.”

Molly stepped forward. “Are you sure this is a good time?” she asked. She didn’t want to be on his bad side. She’d heard many stories about Dom's son. His temper was legendary.

“Yeah, it’s fine. What brings you to this part of the building?”

“I thought you should know; I saw Paris and Tom at lunch today in the café. They were kissing,” she blurted. “Paris and Mya wanted me to let them know if anything questionable was happening or if anyone was out to hurt you or Paris. Since this involves Paris, I thought I’d bring it to Mya, but she wasn’t available, so I’m coming to you instead. Something feels off. Tom’s all about business. I think he’s trying to seduce Paris for a reason outside of caring for her. He’s dated a couple of other women who work here and the only reason I know is because one was a friend of mine. He kept it quiet and outside of work. Why would he change that now?”

“I tried to warn her. She doesn’t listen. Her rose-colored glasses are wearing on my last nerve.” Pausing a moment, he exhaled. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“Anytime,” said Molly. “I need to get back upstairs. Let me know if you need anything else.”

After she left, Vic picked up the phone again and dialed Paris.

“What do you want?” she hissed into the receiver, her cheeks reddening.

“I want you to know that I think you’re being an idiot, and you should watch your back. You’re playing right into what Tom wants.”

“Are you spying on me now?” she demanded.

“No. Molly saw the two of you at lunch and was concerned. She said you were getting awfully close. She doesn't think Tom's feelings are genuine, either.”

“Right. I’m sure Molly said that.”

“In a matter of speaking, she did. I wouldn’t lie to you. She said you were kissing.”

“Whatever. You’re just upset that someone is taking an interest in me,” Paris replied, hanging up the phone.

“Why won’t this nightmare end!” boomed Vic, causing the intern passing by his door to jump, then pick up her pace to move out of his line of sight.

At four-thirty, Mya called Paris to a brief meeting. Walking through the door, Paris’s blood pressure spiked when she saw Vic and Chase.

“What’s she doing here?” asked Vic. Everyone could see the contempt in his eyes.

“Shut your yaps and listen,” said Chase. “We’re dealing with a situation which, unfortunately, needs to be discussed.” Turning his attention to Paris, he asked, “Are you seeing Tom?”

“We’ve shared a couple of meals. That’s all,” she hissed. “I don’t know why this is anyone’s business?”

“Paris, Vic and Molly might be right. Tom might be using you. You need to entertain the concept, even though you’ve had feelings for him for a long time,” stated Mya.

Rolling her eyes, Paris asked, “What’s his motive?”

“He may be trying to get you out of the way so he can go after the company,” said Chase. “All we’re saying is, be careful and watch your back,” said Mya.

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