“Yeah, you can double Maryne’s as well. She’s a badass bitch and has put up with your shit for too long.”
“You realize no other housekeeper or staff member in all of Bellevue Springs makes that kind of money?”
“I know,” I say. “But the maids all talk and I know that Milo’s housekeeper earns a better rate than my mom and has better hours. Oh, and has a boss who isn’t an ass and because of that, your dad got a bad rep of being a stingy bastard. You don’t want that to be you, do you?”
Colton groans as I step into his closet and pull out a new suit before taking the other out of his hands. “What are you saying, Jade?”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’m not saying anything, just subtly suggesting that a review of the complete staff wages is probably in order, and considering the whole damn world knows what kind of status and money you have, I’d suggest an increase for everyone. After all, appreciative workers result in a better job done. Though, I’d consider leaving Harrison’s right where it is. He could use a few hits to his ego, but I’ll leave that to your discretion.”
“The fuck?” he grunts. “You want me to give the whole staff an increase? Do you have any idea how many people work here?”
“I do, and I also know that you probably make enough money per second to cover it.”
“That’s beside the point.”
“No, that’s exactly the point.”
He lets out a groan. “You know what? Don’t worry about it. I’ll call Maryne in early to set up the board room.”
I suck in a breath. “You know damn well that she has her niece’s dance recital this morning and that she’s been looking forward to it all week.”
“Fine. Your mom will do it.”
“You’re going to get her out of bed on the one day she’s had off in nearly three weeks. I know she’ll do it but I’ll be kicking your ass if you even tried it.”
A frustrated huff pulls from within him as he watches me go around his closet, picking out a button-down shirt, shoes, cufflinks, and a Rolex. I lay it all out for him, knowing damn well that he’s going to look like a fucking treat. “Fine,” he finally says. “I’ll have my accountant do a complete review and have her adjust yours, Maryne’s, and Maria’s rates to reflect a permanent doubled rate.”
A beaming smile rips across my face and I step up into Colton’s warm body and press a kiss to his cheek, watching as his eyes soften. “Thank you,” I whisper. “You have no idea what kind of difference that’s going to make in my mom’s life.”
“Just hurry up and get your ass in that boardroom. I don’t want to keep those fuckers waiting.”
“Maybe you should keep them waiting,” I suggest. “Pissed off men have a way of fucking up when they think someone doesn’t value their importance. But just a word of advice, don’t be such a pushover in there. I just got exactly what I wanted without even batting an eyelash when I would have done it for free had you just said please.”
His expression hardens once again and I step away from him. I get to the door of his closet and look back. “Oh, and maybe take a shower and brush your teeth. You smell like shit.”
He walks toward me and without warning, drops his lips to mine. “I’ll shower but I’m not brushing my teeth. I want to keep your sweet taste on my lips all fucking day.”
Heat floods me and he steps past me, knowing damn well that he just got the last word without even trying, leaving me completely shook. I guess we both got a little something out of this meeting.
Colton disappears into his bathroom, leaving the door wide open as he loses his pants. I tear my eyes away from his smirking reflection in the mirror that showcases every part of his perfectly toned and hard body and stick to my part of the deal.
I fly out of his room and as I’m dashing down the stairs, I find Harrison walking up them. “The board members are seated in the formal living space,” he informs me. “Please offer them a beverage before starting in the boardroom.”
I roll my eyes, both of us knowing damn well that Colton had asked Harrison to take care of the tea and coffee. “Alright,” I say, also knowing that I’m about to shuffle that job off to one of the maids. “Where’s the board room and what exactly entails setting it up for a meeting with the board members?”
For once, Harrison is straight with me and leaves all the bullshit behind, knowing how important this meeting is going to be. If Colton fucks this up, then he could lose everything that his father had worked towards.