“I’ll be there.”
Tyler and I walked around a little longer but had to go to our rooms to get ready for our appointments…his words.
I knew this was professional for Ben, but I loved getting the man all flustered, and when I chose my outfit for the night, I made sure it was the perfect amount of professional and sexy.
I chose my crimson dress shirt, leaving the top two buttons undone. The black suit I opted for shimmered under the lights just enough to be elegant. No tie, shoes to match my shirt, and I was ready to dazzle the boss man.
I was making it my life’s mission to shake up his world and slay the monsters in his mind.
At exactly seven o’clock I entered the dining hall where I was instructed to go. Ben was reading something and hadn’t had a chance to see me. I made my way to the head of the table but didn’t sit. I wanted him to take me all in.
I didn’t have to wait long. He placed the tablet on the table and checked me out from feet to head. When his gray eyes met mine, I could see his blown pupils…yeah, he wanted me, and I was going to let him have me as soon as he was ready.
7
Ben
Judging by the smirk on Crew’s face, he knew exactly the thoughts that were running through my head. I had to wonder what Dane told him about this evening. I simply wanted to go over potential clients, but he was dressed like he was about to go out with one.
Even though there was no hiding my original reaction to Crew’s appearance, I had to try my best to dissuade whatever ideas he had swirling in that beautiful brain of his.
“While that’s a terrific suit, you’re overdressed for a dinner meeting, unless you’re showing me the sort of outfits you’ll be wearing on your dates?”
Crew narrowed his eyes, but that fucking smirk never left his face. “Seeing your reaction, Mr. Asher, tells me it would be a perfect choice for one of my clients.”
He took his seat and even though I could now only see half his body, he was still gorgeous.
“Well, I suppose we’ve covered the dress code policy, we can move on to the list I’ve procured.”
“Procured?” Crew held out his hand. “May I see it?”
“No. I’ll let you see their photos, but I’ll read them to you.”
He shrugged and took a sip of the ice water at the table. “You’re the boss.”
I’d instructed my staff to wait fifteen minutes after the meeting started to bring out our meals, this way I could show him what he needed to see, and we could discuss it as we ate.
“I have the names and profiles from the men that are following you over from The Crystal Menagerie. While these are exclusively yours, a few are on the other side of the country and will only be utilizing you when they are over on this side.”
“Right, I already discussed this with them.”
I nodded. “That said, there are a few men I have here who were clients of my two escorts currently recovering from an accident. I feel they’d be a good fit for you based on your other clients and judging by your personality.”
Crew smiled, cocky as ever. “Oh, I’m dying to see who you think would be a good match for me.”
Ignoring his wicked ways, I pulled up the first client. “Alejandro De Leon.” I showed Crew the photo. Alejandro was a handsome man in his late forties. “His partner passed away ten years ago and it was one of those forever kind of love stories. He often likes going dancing, to parties, things of a social nature. He is far from needy and has never asked for sex from past escorts. I think he gets lonely but can’t bring himself to fall for anyone again.” I was all too familiar with that feeling.
“You sound like you can relate,” Crew said.
I looked up at Crew, wondering if I’d voiced my thoughts out loud. “Pardon?”
“Just the sort of understanding way you speak of the man. It sounds like you understand him.”
“I can be empathic about something, I’m not a robot.”
Crew held his hands out. “I wasn’t insulting, just making an observation. Anyway, he sounds like a great guy, and is very easy on the eyes.”
I gave him a curt nod. “I’ll note you’re amenable then.”