Beckham’s fingers start to tap on the table, and I can feel his leg bouncing near mine in agitation. “The love of my life died almost six years ago. Some nights when she invades my thoughts, the only thing I can do is drink to drown her out.”
The table goes silent.
I go silent.
Holy shit.
I wonder if that tidbit of information is real.
It has to be, right?
That’s not something you make up out of nowhere.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Beckham. My wife died over ten years ago, and still to this day, I miss her like crazy,” Adam says.
“Yes, sorry. Thank you for sharing that with us,” James adds.
For the rest of dinner, the only thing that’s spoken about is their business and what Beckham can do for them. Toward the end, and only two wines in, I stand as we get ready to leave.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Jacinta. I hope at our next meeting we will see your beautiful face.”
“I hope so, too.” We linger as they walk out, and when they’re gone, I reach for my purse and turn to face Beckham.
“Don’t be late Monday,” he barks at me before he walks off.
Well, okay then.
Guess I make my way home on my own!
Beckham, the asshole, still exists.
Chapter 5
Beckham
The weekend was heavy. I stayed in my apartment and didn’t leave. Why did I share my most painful secret with them? I shouldn’t have shared that. But I also knew it would get me the deal I wanted. And I was right. I landed the deal of a lifetime.
Even if I exposed myself in ways I would never usually do, and even if she was sitting right next to me. Now she knows too.
As soon as I walk into the office on Monday, I find Jacinta already at her desk, headphones on. When she sees me, she pulls them off and trains her gaze on me.
“Don’t you have a kid?”
She was pregnant, this much I remember. She asked Rylee to babysit, which would make me think she’s raising the kid by herself.
“Yes.”
“So why are you here and not getting him ready for school?”
“Because you’re here,” she replies.
“I own the company. You are just an employee. Stop coming in so early.” Before I get a chance to walk away, her glare could pierce my skin. Once I get to my door, I turn back to look at her, and her shoulders are slumped. “Who has your son right now?”
She twists her hair in her ponytail, flicking it over her shoulder. “I hire a sitter for the mornings.”
“How much?” I ask.
She screws up her nose. “Sorry?”
“How much does she charge you?”
“Twenty an hour,” she replies.
“I’ll be sure to tell accounts to pay you for her cost.” I step into my office as I hear her yell out, “You don’t have to do that.”
I don’t reply.
She’s a single mother, and every penny counts.
Plus, she seems to be good at her job.
Even if I’m not that fond of her.
“Sir.” I look up to see Jacinta at my door, a sandwich in her hand and a soft smile on her face. “I got your lunch. But to let you know … Adam’s here.”
“Show him in.” She turns to leave. “And Jacinta … please stay.” She nods and walks out and returns a moment later, with Adam standing next to her.
“I didn’t think I would see you so soon.” I stand and shake Adam’s hand.
“I figured I should come here personally to sign the papers, and I was also hoping to see Miss Leigh again.”
I turn to look at Jacinta and see her smiling at Adam.
“It was a pleasure meeting you,” Jacinta says very smoothly.
Adam smiles and I can tell he likes what he sees.
Before anyone can say another word, my office opens, and Rylee walks in, two children with her holding one with each hand. Winter runs straight for me, and a boy not much older than Winter runs to Jacinta and wraps his arms around her legs.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize you had a meeting,” Rylee says and goes to call Winter back, who I have picked up and is wrapped around me like a monkey. I love this kid so fucking much.
“No, no meeting. Just thought I would come and meet more of the staff,” Adam says, and Rylee’s eyes narrow.
“Hi, Adam. I’m Rylee. Beckham’s sister. So nice to meet you.” Rylee offers her hand, and Adam shakes it before she turns back to me.
“Your niece?” I nod, and he smiles. “It’s what I’m after, a family business.” He turns back to Rylee, then looks to Jacinta, who’s kneeling down whispering to who I guess is her son. “If you send me the papers, I will sign them immediately. Looking forward to working with you all.” Adam strides out, and Jacinta doesn’t even lookup.