A Mess of a Man (Cruel & Beautiful #2)(59)

“Horace,” I say with a grin. The guy has a way that makes it hard not to smile in his presence.

“Happy to see me again?”

Automatically, I glance down at my dick, which thankfully isn’t tenting my pants this time.

“Haha, made you look.”

I shake my head and chuckle because he got me.

“You’re a little late for the client meeting.”

He pats my shoulder. “I’m actually not here for this. I’m meeting someone and saw you. I thought I’d come and say hi.”

“Oh. Too good to come to our meeting?”

He flashes me a smile. “Not too good, just too busy. Besides, I trust you with my money … and other things if you’d let me.”

My jaw hangs loose because what the hell do you say to that?

“Close your mouth, darling. Wouldn’t want you to catch flies with all that honey you have going on,” he adds.

I actually feel my cheeks burn as my sister takes two steps over seeing my discomfort.

“I must meet the man that made my brother blush. I’m sure this is a first.”

Horace proudly reaches out his hand. “Ah, what a lovely specimen you are.”

Jenna gives him her hand and he draws her in for a full on hug. “Well, I can see why your man there is giving me the death glare. You’re beautiful. But then you are your brother’s sister.”

Kenneth glares at Horace with what must be jealousy. When he releases Jenna, he says to Kenneth, “You’re one lucky guy. I’m sure you would never leave your date waiting.”

Kenneth’s cheeks flame pink and I’m beginning to think Horace has that effect on everyone, guys at least.

“Your date stood you up?” Jenna asks, more interest in this line of conversation.

“Not exactly, but he’s surely making me wait. And he knows how I so hate to wait.”

She takes his arm like they’re best buddies.

“Boyfriends suck,” Jenna teases.

“Don’t they?” Horace says leaning in as if they are sharing a secret just between the two of them. Either that or he’s making a joke of the double entendre. “But in all honesty, I have a fiancée. She’s out with the girls. I’m meeting a friend.”

Jenna, never surprised by anything, says, “Well, maybe he’s hung up.”

“Oh, I’d say he’s hung … up.” He winks at her. “Anyway, it was nice meeting you. And Jenna, a beautiful woman like yourself deserves a ring on your finger. If he’s not going to put one there, maybe you should cut him loose.”

Kenneth looks on the verge of exploding, so I step between them. “Good seeing you, Horace.”

He gives me the once over. “Always good seeing you, Ben. If you ever change your mind …”

Sam walks over at that precise moment.

“Oh, you’re her,” Horace says taking her measure. Sam glances between us. He goes on as I cringe wondering what exactly he’ll say. “I came into Ben’s office when he was having a bit of trouble.” He grins at me and I shake my head. “He was looking at your picture, and I must say I can’t blame him for the not-so-small problem he had.”

Before he can say much more, I jump in.

“Sam, this is Horace. Horace, this is my Samantha.”

“Your Samantha. Good for you. Nice meeting you. But I think I need to go check on my friend. He might be pissed at me for not being where I’m supposed to be.”

Jenna laughs hysterically as Horace saunters off.

“Where’d Kenneth go?” I ask.

She points towards the exit. “He’s got a rage-on for some reason. You’d think I stuck a jalapeno in his boxers by the way he’s acting. He’s gone to the room to cool off.”

I turn my attention to Sam.

“Do you mind hanging with my sister for a little while? Cate isn’t doing so well and I’m going to take her to her room.”

Her eyes soften with understanding. “Is this about Drew?”

I nod, grateful I don’t have to explain. I’m more surprised that she gets it and isn’t stupidly jealous.

“I might be a while.” I don’t make it a question, but I do wait for her reaction.

“You take all the time you need. I’ll meet you in the room if you don’t make it back here.”

I lean in and kiss her lips. “God, you’re the best girlfriend ever.”

She laughs. “I’m your only ever girlfriend.”

I kiss her one more time before I have to force myself away knowing I’ve been gone too long from Cate. I finagle the purchase of a bottle of wine from the bar, though they said they only sold it by the glass. Then, I find Cate exactly where I left her.

“Come on. Let’s go to your room and see if this Merlot is up to snuff.”

“You don’t have to do that. You have someone waiting for you.”

“And if she’s worth it, or if I’m worth it to her, she’ll know how important you are to me. You’re my best friend, Cate. And you need me right now. Sam will be fine. She’s a big girl and can handle me not being with her every second.”

Cate lets me lead her out and to her room a few floors down from mine. It isn’t until we’re in her room that she finally speaks.