A Mess of a Man (Cruel & Beautiful #2)(47)

“I think we both know the answer to that.”

Flames whip across my cheeks, scorching them. How dare he bring something up like that during a business visit?

I notice how his eyes keep flicking over at Nick, and it doesn’t help matters any when Nick puts his arm around me and says, “Sam and I have been working quite hard on this event for your firm here. By the way, I’m Nick Hathaway.” Nick extends his hand and at first Ben acts like he’s not going to shake it. What a jerkhead. Finally, he grabs Nick’s hand. Now it looks like they’re hand wrestling.

“Here you go, Sam.” Martin’s voice breaks through the showdown taking place and I’ve never been so happy to see someone before.

“Thank you, Martin.”

“No, thank you. Ben, you should see what she has planned for us.”

Ben is still glaring at Nick. “I’m sure it’s simply amazing.” That tiny muscle in his jaw is twitching.

“Oh, it is, son. The best corporate event we’ve ever had.”

“What’s planned?” His dry tone tells me he couldn’t give a shit about it. Well, f*ck him and his twatfaced attitude.

Annoyed, I cover my frustration with a strained smile and run down the details. I watch as Ben keeps giving his father looks. Finally when I finish he speaks.

“Do you think we should really be spending this kind of money on an event with everything going on?”

Martin’s jaw tightens. “And what would you suggest if you were in charge?”

There is obvious tension and I feel like I should walk away gracefully, but I don’t know if the event will change.

“Maybe we should host a client appreciation day as a part of the event. Show good will to all the clients and give a presentation about our practices and how we screen for the right investments. And then have an employee-only picnic on the other day.”

Martin looks as surprised as I am. “That actually sounds good. It will be easy to add them in. I just need a head count. But I want to stick to the original plan we set up for the employee picnic. Can you put a plan together and tell me how this will affect our budget?” Martin asks.

“I’d like to suggest something. In order to capitalize on your time at the hotel and save money, bring your clients in for lunch and golf, and then have the employee-only party the same night of the golf outing. Then the following morning, everyone is free to leave.”

“I see where you’re going here. That sounds great,” Martin says. “Can you make the changes and have something back to me?”

This whole time Ben has avoided looking at me. So I do the same.

“Sure. I can have something to you this afternoon. And I can send over a modified contract if you agree.”

Martin nods. “Thanks, Samantha.”

“We’ll be on our way. Martin, I look forward to talking to you on Thursday. Have a great rest of the day.”

It takes all I have not to run out of here, especially when Ben finally looks at me through cold eyes. When we get in the elevator, I unleash on Nick.

“What the hell was that?”

“What do you mean?” he asks, full of innocence.

“Just what it sounds like. What happened back there? What were you doing putting your arm around me?”

“Oh, that. Sorry, I thought you needed some help back there. I was trying to make him jealous.”

“Nick, you’re playing a very dangerous game here. Ben runs hot and cold. And it worries me that you pissed him off.”

Nick gives me a what the hell look. “He seemed like a jerk, Sam, and not worth your time.”

“Yeah, well, I need to be the judge of that.”

The elevator dings and we walk out. Nick throws up his hands and says, “Women. I’ll never figure any of you out.”

I’d like to tell him not to feel bad because I can’t figure myself out either, but I don’t. My head spins with douche-faced Ben. I’d love to ask Nick his opinion, but that would cross the boundaries of employer employee relations. Besides, what would I say? That my f*ck buddy is acting like an *? No, this one will have to be kept under wraps.

My best bet is to get this corporate function behind me, and then move away from anything that is remotely related to Ben Rhoades. That man has messed with my head way too much and I don’t have time for his crap. If this is what being a f*ck buddy entails, then no, thank you. I believe I am now on no f*ck buddy status. I may be horny, but at least I’ll be sane.





When I see the extra car in the driveway, I almost hang a U-turn and head back home. Instead, I park and close my door a little too hard in anger. I don’t bother to knock; it’s my parents’ home. Mom’s sitting in the living room with Karen drinking what looks like tea from Mom’s good china.

“Benjamin.”

Folding my arms over my chest, I know I’m being rude. “What is she doing here?”

Mom gasps. “Benjamin Martin Rhoades.”

“It’s okay,” Karen says, getting up. “I should be going.”

“No, stay for dinner.”

I glare at Mom, and Karen sees me.

“It’s obvious he doesn’t want me here, and I don’t wish to cause any problems in your family.”

“I want you to stay and tell me more about how your aunt is doing. And he can help you. He’s been down this road before with his best friend, Drew. So sad that story.”