Page 15 of Stuck-Up Big Shot
Before I can stop myself, I dip my palm into the water and retract my arm, arcing it forward to splash him.
He laughs with a sputtering noise, swiping his palm over his face to dispel the water.
“You are such a stuck-up big shot, aren’t you?” I snark.
He pushes himself up over the edge and grabs his towel from the chair, running it over his wet hair before wrapping it around his waist. Miles tips his head toward me before heading into the locker room door.
“I never said I was anything else,” he replies, shrugging a shoulder in my direction. “And you might want to get some practice in for next time I see you. Later, Sutton.”
I’m about to say something before he leaves, desperate to keep this exchange going. Wanting to open up and talk about swimming, and Mel and life before she died.
But it’s pointless. It would serve little purpose but to expose me as a liar, humiliate me, and drudge up the past Miles is obviously trying hard to forget. Memories and a past from a small seaside town that only holds harsh memories and bitter ends.
The finality of friendships, family, and a young life gone too soon.
I’m not dumb enough to unearth old wounds when I’m trying to forge something new with Miles.
Because maybe this is fate reuniting us. And whether or not Miles knows it, perhaps there’s something positive to be gained out of this reunion.
8
Miles
Graham callsme on Friday morning to see how things are going, particularly with the new client from San Francisco that I just bagged last week. I’m barely off the subway and heading into the office building when I take the call.
“Good morning, G-man,” I answer, smiling to the woman walking next to me and gesturing for her to go in front me as I hold the door open. She smiles, checking me out with an appreciative glance, as I return the favor. My eyes remain glued to the sway in her hips down the corridor toward the elevators.
When a woman smiles at me seductively, nine times out of ten, I will use that to my advantage and act. Like get her number and text her later to hookup. But I’m not feeling my typical flirtatious self today after yesterday’s weird encounter with Sutton in the pool.
Hooking up with anyone else holds no appeal to me this morning as I head up to my office, Graham talking in my ear about trades and profitability, but my mind only on the woman staying in his apartment.
“Hey, I received those documents you sent over about the new client. I reviewed, signed, and returned them to you last night. They should be in your inbox this morning. Impressive job, Miles. Another big account that will help grow our portfolio. I’m proud of you, man.”
It’s rare you hear praise from the top dog in this cutthroat business, but Graham is a fucking outstanding leader. He built this business from the ground up and continues to make it flourish. I believe that is because of the talent he possesses, along with the people he hires. He also doles out praise on the regular, but this particular compliment has me strutting like a peacock because I’ve worked my ass off to bring in the business. It also feels nice being recognized not only as a top producer in his business but also as his friend.
“Thanks, G. I appreciate that. I’m just heading into my office now and will have Monica print out the docs and have them filed. How’s your vacation? Are you getting much relaxation time?”
There’s a soft huff across the line. “I wish. We’re on the go every fucking day. Soraya and Chloe are constantly wanting to be everywhere at once, checking out every historical site, cathedral, and museum ever built. Thank God we left Paris behind us. We just arrived in the south of France where we’ll be for the next five days. Tomorrow, we’re heading out on a sailboat, and we’ll just relax onboard and enjoy the ocean and sun’s rays.”
I sigh wistfully. “Fuck, man, don’t rub it in. That sounds spectacular, and if anyone deserves it, you do.”
“Thanks, bro. You know the only reason I’m able to take this much time off is that I’m confident you’re keeping things running smoothly. And you’re the only one I’m checking in with, not because you need it, but so I have another dude to talk to.”
I laugh into the phone, my assistant’s head snapping up to give me an arch of her eyebrow as I head into my office. “One too many females ruling the roost for you?”
This garners a groan out of Graham, who is vacationing with both his partner and his daughter. Knowing what I do of Soraya, she doesn’t let Graham get away with shit. I think that’s why they’re such a great match. In fact, I witnessed the two getting into quite the explosive argument one day in the office before they even began dating. And holy cow, anyone who saw those two go at it knew there would be fireworks in their relationship.
“You have no idea, man. Thankfully, Chloe is still young and compliant, and Soraya is writing herAsk Idacolumn remotely. She writes a few hours a day, which gives Chloe and me time to hang out together. It works out pretty nicely. Anyway, I should probably get going unless there’s anything else to discuss?”
I hear the underlying plea in Graham’s voice. He needs something to keep him busy and occupy his mind. Typical Graham. He’s been that way from day one.
Hedging just a moment, I ask the question that’s been on my mind since first encountering Sutton the night of the fire. She just seems so damn familiar, yet I can’t place her or figure it out, and it’s driving me fucking crazy.
“Well, I wanted to ask you one thing about Sutton.”
“Our dogsitter?” he asks dubiously. “Okay, what about her?”
“It’s nothing bad, man. Calm down.”
