Page 21 of Players Like Us
“I do. Just call Claudia and set it up, okay?”
The raised brow said Dominic questioned the rationale behind this move, and of course his best friend had to comment. “And you say you’re doing this for your sister? Because you don’t want to disappoint her?”
“I’m doing it for Meredith, but I’m also doing it because someone’s got to show this guy he doesn’t own the world and everyone in it.”
“Okay then. Are you going to tell Rachel or will you be a secret admirer?”
Neal ignored the humor laced in those words. The man could be such a pain in the ass. “I’ll tell her when it’s time to tell her. For now, all Claudia needs to know is that after Simon’s contract ends, I’m signing on, and for the next thirty days Rachel Reese is otherwise engaged.”
13
When the doorbell rang at 10:15 a.m., Rachel was in the middle of sewing the twelfth emerald button on a gray sweater she’d picked up at the thrift shop. The next twelve buttons were scarlet and the ones after that were navy. When completed, the front of the sweater would boast a multicolored circle of emerald, scarlet, navy, cream, and turquoise. Time and imagination could create just about anything and Rachel couldn’t wait to see the finished sweater.
It was definitely one of a kind. Even if she could afford a high-end designer wardrobe, she wasn’t sure she’d be satisfied with it unless she could add her personal touch to it. An asymmetrical hemline decorated with dangling beads, or a sleeve adorned with jewels drew attention and positive comments. Color, cut, and embellishments with a hint of flare made the difference between interesting and unforgettable. What would the women who’d complimented her style say if they knew most of the items she wore came from thrift shops? Of course, the thrift shop items were merely “starters” that required Rachel’s skillset to work them into a new design.
They wouldn’t believe it, and if they did, they wouldn’t like it.
The doorbell rang again, this time more insistent.
“Hold on!” She placed the needle and sweater on the kitchen table and padded barefoot to the door, peeked through the security hole. Neal? She glanced at her T-shirt and leggings, wished she’d already showered or at least chosen a T-shirt that didn’t have a hole under the arm. Did Neal even own a pair of sweatpants? Debatable. And while he probably did own T-shirts, she doubted any had holes or worn spots. Rachel eased a hairband from her wrist, pulled her hair into a high ponytail and opened the door.
She’d been prepared to comment about her “relaxed” outfit but couldn’t get the first word out before Neal brushed past her in a whirl of frustration and impatience. The man did not look happy, and he was definitely agitated. At her? He made his way to the tiny living room, swung around, and fisted his hands on his hips. No sweatpants, no hole in his shirt, no disheveled appearance, just classic good looks in slacks and a button-down shirt.
And a big frown with brackets on either side of his mouth.
“Do you really need money that bad that you’ve got to hire out your services?”
The brackets grew deeper, the nostrils flared. Oh, that was a not-happy look. Had he found out about Claudia’s? And if he had? It was a decent job that paid very well, and while her family wouldn’t be thrilled with her choice of employment, it was temporary. They’d never have to find out, and hopefully, neither would Neal. “Can you be more specific?” She wasn’t offering anything until she flat-out knew what he meant.
“Don’t pretend you don’t know exactly what I’m talking about. Claudia’s a ‘companion for all occasions’ agency.” He crossed his arms over his chest, blue eyes burning into her. “Discreet company with a sophisticated flair?”
Darn, he did know! So what? It wasn’t like the place was the sort that involved intimate companionship. This was all aboveboard, sophisticated, classy. Plus, she did need the money and this was the quickest way to get it. “Okay, yes, I’m employed there. Why do you care?”
Annoyance shifted from his face to the cords in his neck. “Why do I care? Because your brother is married to my sister. Because I don’t want you to get in over your head. Because you are clueless in regard to what can happen with some of those men.” Pause and a snarl. “One in particular. Sure, the guy can hide behind fancy degrees and a big smile, and he might even know which fork to use at dinner gatherings, but he’s still a snake.”
Rachel glared at him. They’d been getting along so well since the first restaurant sampling as they ate and analyzed their way through meals. But there’d also been laughing, sharing stories—sharing bits of themselves. And now he was going to ruin it with a heavy-handed attempt to control her and tell her she needed protection. “You seem to know a lot about snakes and disreputable men. Now why is that?”
The jaw twitch came first, followed by a “Your brother’s married to my sister, which makes you family.” He must have seen the incredulous look on her face, so he added, “Sort of.”
“Sort of? We are not family. We are not related in any way and I don’t owe you an explanation. I’m old enough to take care of myself, and I don’t need a babysitter or whatever you think you are to me.”
He ignored her babysitter comments, homed in on the possible motives behind her association with Simon. “Maybe you think the guy’s an easy target and his manners and name mean you’re safe with him. Well, maybe he thinks you’re an easy target...ever consider that?” He blew out a breath, stared at her. “I know what he’s capable of... Stay away from him.”
“Oh, stop. We already have plans tonight and I expect we’ll have plans for several more occasions.” I’d like to see you again... I can be myself around you. I don’t have to pretend to know everything… I can just be me. Simon Bainbridge was handsome, polite, and attentive. But he was a client. Besides, even if he weren’t, there was no heart-pounding excitement when she heard his voice, no snuffing of logic when she gazed into his eyes or when he touched her back to guide her through a crowd. But that wasn’t the point and she’d be darned if she’d let this man dictate what she did and with whom. “Thank you for your concern, but it really isn’t necessary. I would ask that you keep this between us and not tell your sister or my brother.”
His lips pulled into a tight smile. “Hiding something, are we?”
Daniel would be furious if he found out she was involved in a “companion” service. It wouldn’t matter that it was upscale, non-physical. He’d insist she quit immediately, and then he’d also demand to subsidize her rent, groceries, and everything else—which also meant he would control her life. “I don’t think everyone needs to poke around in my business. Would you like it?”
That comment only made his voice turn colder. “We’re not talking about me. Claudia’s provides ‘arm candy’ for a number of reasons, and I can guarantee you that none of them involve the ‘arm candy’ as a potential partner.” Pause and a snarl. “Simon Bainbridge is dangerous, especially where a woman’s involved.”
“Thanks for the warning, but I really am a big girl, and you’re starting to sound like my brother.” Talk about over-the-top annoying and not his business. Did he think she couldn’t sniff out a situation or a person that put her at risk?
He closed the distance between them in three strides, stopped when he was a foot away, close enough for her to make out the gold flecks in his blue eyes... “As you reminded me a few minutes ago, we aren’t related.” His voice shifted, pulled her in. “And I am definitely not your brother.” The blueness in his gaze smothered her, seconds before he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, settled his gaze on her lips, his head dipping toward hers. One breath, two...closer...lips inches apart...
Neal jerked back, stared at her as if stunned by what almost happened. “I won’t let him hurt you, but you better open your eyes before it’s too late.” And then he was gone, taking with him the opportunity to ask her own questions, starting with exactly why he disliked Simon Bainbridge so much, and ending with what had almost happened between them just now.
Claudia Dumonde eased the contract toward Rachel. “Someone has seen your profile and decided to sign a thirty-day contract with you. And he’s asked for a renewable option.”
