Page 58 of Savage Temptation
“Mr. Savage, I appreciate the pitch, and I believe your program has the ability to save lives, but our practice consists of twelve clinics. We can’t afford your cutting-edge technology with its price point.”
“Which is why I’d like to offer you a grant.”
Franklin’s brow rises.
My phone buzzes, alerting me I must move on to the next client.
In order for my tech to have the greatest impact, I have to be available to more than just rich clinics and large hospitals. I have to be everywhere.
Most of the smaller clinics that were approached by my sales team wouldn’t humor to their pitches, but when I’m in the room—they listen.
Each Saturday, I reach out to five different clinics in an area, asking for only fifteen minutes of their time, because that’s all it takes to convince them to become a part of history.
I hand the file back to Franklin. “Review the information inside, then call the number on the back and ask for Samantha. She’s prepared to offer you an amazing deal.”
Franklin stands and extends his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Savage. I’ll certainly consider it.”
After repeating the spiel two more times, I meet Lance at our favorite brewery.
He thinks we’re meeting to discuss contracts, but I have more on my mind than signatures.
Tessa Campbell has haunted me for far too long.
Before, I never took my little obsession seriously. I told myself it was just a little crush, and that it would pass.
It never did. Not after years of longing from afar. Not after taking her virginity in a drunken haze. Not after having her again and again, as per our arrangement.
I told her I loved her on a whim. At the worst possible time. I wanted it to be said on a bed of roses as I poured her a glass of champagne and showered her with gifts.
Afterward, I wasn’t sure what to do or how to proceed. Work got in the way, so I had to table the talk.
Now, it’s been two weeks since I’ve last seen Tessa. Since I promised her we’d discuss those three little words. I can’t put it off any longer than I have, but before I tell her how I truly feel, I have to tell Lance.
Lance is angrily thumbing into his phone, teeth bared, a vein bulging from his forehead. This could perhaps be the worst time to spring my feelings on him, but I’m not a coward, and this has gone on for long enough.
I’ve waffled back and with how much I should tell him. I’m not going to lie, though I won’t offer the details of how I got to this point.
Which he’s going to ask. As soon as I let out that I’ve been spending time with Tessa, he’s going to fucking ask.
He slams down his phone and has a gulp of his favorite IPA.
“Please tell me there isn’t another work issue,” I say, hoping like hell it’s something small.
“I fucked up.”
“Is it fixable?”
“It’s not work.”
“The question still stands.”
His eyes scan to me, and I can see that he’s getting eaten up inside. “I slept with Tessa’s friend.”
“Oh…” My jaw drops at the irony. “Does Ashley even remember? She has a revolving door—”
“It’s Cindy, and it wasn’t just once.” He exhales a long breath. “I don’t know how it happened, but it’s been going on for months.”
Inwardly, I smile, knowing this can only help soften my blow.
