CHAPTER25
I sit and pay attention as we eat from the breakfast buffet; the business merger sounds promising, and I take key notes on things he will want to recap. I listen intently to them thrash through proposals and possibilities with enthusiasm and can see that these men are genuine friends. They have a rapport you can only find between people who know each other well. Sarcasm and banter are interlaced with business talk; Jake is ‘one of the guys’ when he’s around Daniel.
I can’t help but notice as I’ve been sitting cross-legged that Daniel Hunter has not concealed his open appraisal of me, his eyes following my legs and arms intrusively as Jake outlines some points of business. He makes my skin crawl, and I’m doing my best to ignore him. I catch Jake glance my way a couple of times with an unreadable expression before he looks back at his friend.
I look up occasionally from note-taking and am intrigued with the differences between them. The friendship seems genuine, but I don’t see the connection, and it interests me.
The way Jake just occupies a space, effortlessly cool and sprawled out, he always looks so laid back and comfortable in all surroundings, even at work. Right now, his feet, crossed at the ankles, are on the coffee table; he’s sitting low down in the armchair like an adolescent, with his forearms resting on the arms of the chair. His head is nuzzled in the cushioned back, yet he still has an air of capability and command. He’s just so at ease and still. I guess he’s always been comfortable in his own skin, and probably has had adoring girls throwing themselves at him from a very early age. A blessed life instilling this self-assurance.
Daniel, on the other hand, is more hyperactive and fidgety. Sitting straight up on the couch and leaning forward away from the back, he moves a lot when he talks and behaves over-energetically when his interest is piqued. I wonder if he’s a firm member of the ‘Charlie’ culture among the rich and famous. Cocaine use is common; I’ve seen a lot of it in the ladies’ bathrooms at the glitzy Carrero parties, events, and promotions. I glance at Jake, wondering if he’s someone who uses it too, and I get a heavy ache in my chest. I hope he’s not; I’ve always had zero tolerance to drug use.
When we’re done, Jake stands and stretches his arms up revealing a tiny inch of the naked, toned abdomen above his jeans and it takes all my strength not to inhale sharply. I’m beyond mortified at my own reaction but hide it well. I’ve seen naked before; I’m no virgin, but I’m pissed at myself for the stupid reactions I have to this man. He brings out such adolescent responses in me.
Although, that abdomen is worth an ogle!
“I’ll work out the finer points, Daniel, and we’ll meet again. Next time more formally to discuss this further.” He shakes Daniel’s hand, and they hug in a very ‘bromance’ way.
Nice. Male bonding over stabbing your fathers in the back. How admirable.
“Dude, we on for a drinking session when I get back?”
“You need to ask?” Jake jokes as they stand a foot apart.
“Yeah, guess you need your wing man to help you pick up the pretties. You’re pretty useless solo,” Daniel laughs and pushes Jake in the arm playfully.
“We both know I’m the one with the moves; women just like your pretty-boy smile and fat wallet, princess.” Jake pinches his cheek and is rewarded with Daniel’s middle finger. Their humor is evident.
Daniel turns to me with a sideways crooked smile and a glint of sleaze in his eye. I steel against an eye roll and remain impassive under his scrutiny, standing up slowly and pulling my bag to my side, trying to stay invisible.
“Emma, it was really nice to meet you. I’m sure Jake would let me take you out to dinner.” He smiles my way.
Does he realize his slinky, sexual, bored woman is ten feet away lounging on a couch and watching a movie on her iPad?
My skin crawls.
“I wouldn’t let you anywhere near her, Hunter! I know your MO, remember?” Jake cuts in smoothly and easily between us, saving me from a refusal. His tone is light.
“Bro?” Daniel frowns with mock shock, holding a hand to his chest as though he’s deeply wounded.
“Forget it. I wouldn’t let you near her with anyone else’s, let alone yours.” Jake’s still joking but there’s a slight edge to his voice now."
