Chapter 1
Chapter One
TWO YEARS LATER
Grayson
“Mhm.” I heard as her arm wrapped tightly around my waist.
Removing it, I sat up with my back to her and my feet planted firmly on the floor as I rubbed my aching head.
“Last night was amazing. How about an encore?” the woman whose name I couldn’t remember for the life of me spoke.
“I can’t. I have to get to the office, and you need to go.”
I headed into the bathroom and started the shower. Shortly after I stepped in, the door opened. Immediately, I grabbed it shut.
“Sorry, love. I shower alone.”
“Are you serious, Grayson?”
“I’m very serious. Go make us some coffee.”
When I finished, I wrapped a towel around my waist, grabbed my wallet out of my pants pocket, and checked to make sure all my credit cards and cash were still intact before I kicked her out. Walking into the kitchen, I grabbed the cup of coffee she had waiting for me on the island.
“Thanks. Why aren’t you dressed yet?” I asked as she stood there in my t-shirt.
“I don’t know.” She smiled as she ran her finger down my chest. “I thought maybe you’d change your mind after your shower.”
“I haven’t changed my mind, and I don’t have time for this,” I spoke as I went into the bedroom, gathered her clothes, and threw them at her. “Listen, I don’t even remember your name. We had a good time last night, and that was it. One time is all it’ll be.”
“Wow. You’re a dick,” she spoke with irritation as she slipped on her dress.
“What did you really expect? We met in a club, and you were an easy fuck. If you’re looking for something more, stop having sex with random guys you’ve only known for five minutes. You’re the one giving yourself a cheap and easy reputation. If you put yourself out there, that’s how guys will treat you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for work.”
“Fuck you, Grayson!” she shouted as she grabbed her shoes and stormed into the elevator.
I rolled my eyes and went into the bedroom to get dressed. It was the same conversation every single time. Any woman on my level would want more. But I preferred women like her because it was easy to get rid of them. I was in the public eye more than I wanted to be. But it was hard not to when you’re named New York’s most eligible bachelor.
Being the right hand of my grandfather, who built Rhodes Enterprises, was very stressful—stress I managed by partying every night and meeting different women I could use to my advantage and then send home the following morning.
“Morning, Christine. Coffee now,” I said to my secretary as I walked past her desk and into my office.
“Right away, Mr. Rhodes.”
Setting my briefcase down, I sat behind my desk and logged onto my computer, pulling up the acquisition notes for a project I was working on.
“Here you go,” Christine spoke as she set the cup on my desk.
“Thanks. Clear my schedule from twelve to one thirty. I’m having lunch with Julius today.”
“Will do, Mr. Rhodes.”
As I was absorbed into my work, my phone dinged with a text message from Damon, my driver.
“I’m here.”
“I’ll be down in a second.”
Shutting down my computer, I grabbed my suit coat and headed out of the building where Damon was waiting for me with the door open.
“Where are you meeting Julius for lunch?” he asked.
“Pastis in the Meatpacking District,” I replied as I climbed inside.
“Your grandfather phoned me this morning.” His eyes peered at me through the rearview mirror.
“What did he want?”
“He wanted to know your whereabouts last night.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him I took you home from the office, and if you went anywhere after that, I didn’t know.”
“Thanks, Damon.” I smiled.
I climbed out of the Escalade and headed inside Pastis, where a cute brunette walked me to where Julius sat. He stood up, and we lightly hugged.
“I already ordered you a bourbon and made it a double.” He smirked.
“Thanks. A double?”
“Do you know what today is?” he asked.
“Monday?” I arched my brow.
“It is Monday, but it’s also something else.”
Our waitress walked over and set our drinks down in front of us. After placing our order, I picked up my bourbon and took a sip.
“Are you going to tell me what today is, or do I have to keep guessing?”
“It’s mine and Yasmin’s second wedding anniversary.” A grin crossed his face.
Oh shit.
“Is that so?” I sipped on my bourbon.
“It is, and we’re still going strong and as in love as ever. So, Grayson, you know what that means.” The look on his face turned serious.
“It means I lost the bet.” I finished my drink and signaled the waitress to bring me another.
“Indeed, it does. And it’s time for me to collect.”
A sick feeling washed over me as I stared at him.
“What’s wrong? Suddenly, you’re as pale as a ghost.” He smirked.
“Nothing.”
The waitress walked over with my drink and brought us our food.
“If there’s anything else you gentlemen need, just ask.” She winked at me.
“Listen, bro. You gave me your word. It’s time to pay up.”
“I’m really surprised at you, Julius. I honestly didn’t think you’d make it. Why don’t we extend the bet to three years?”
“Hell no.” He laughed. “You said we wouldn’t make it to our second anniversary, and we did. You lost, I won, and now you’ll honor our bet. So, I’llget everything started on my end after lunch. I’ll expect you in my office tomorrow morning.” He smiled.
“One month, Julius. We agreed that if I lost, it would only be for one month.”
“You’re right, and it will be. You have my word. Plus, I’ll bury you in the back, so the chances of someone finding your profile will literally be zero.”
“I’m trusting you, Julius. I’ll be by your office tomorrow morning.”