Bet On It: An Age Gap Billionaire Office Romance(19)

9





Reed





I was intently looking at my computer, going through sports results from the night before. I had people in the company who tracked all this and input the data needed to run the fantasy sports leagues. but I liked to keep up for myself, being a sports fan, and I needed something to occupy my time to keep from going to check on Analyn.

I was glad that I had a Monday morning meeting with other executives, just to have a chance to see her over in the marketing department. If I hadn't had a meeting, I might've scheduled one, which might make Catherine suspicious.

I respected Analyn's desire to have success on her own merit and to be treated as a professional, and I didn't want to do anything to mess that up for her. I was smart enough to know that I didn't have to sleep with her for there to be a hint of scandal. I had to continue to act normally and not give her any extra attention that I wouldn't give to anyone else.

But I wouldn't lie. When I looked over to the marketing department and saw her meeting with everyone on the team, looking confident, and everyone on the team welcoming her and treating her as the professional she wanted to be, I wanted to join in. At one point during my meeting, I glanced over and thought I saw her watching me. But Catherine was there delivering the envelope that I had asked her to take to Analyn. So maybe she was just looking over because of that.

In hindsight, it might have been better if I’d delivered it myself. I felt pretty sure Catherine wouldn't open it, but I knew she'd be curious about it. Nearly every communication in the business was drafted and delivered by her. But if I had brought the envelope to Analyn, that might've raised even more suspicion.

The knock on my door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in."

Catherine entered, walking straight up to my desk. "I delivered the envelope to Ms. Watts for you."

I nodded. "Thank you."

She stood quietly for a moment. "She didn't open it while I was there, so I have no message back."

"That's fine." Inside, I chastised myself for not considering whether Analyn would open it in front of Catherine or Catherine would wait for a response. Fuck. I needed to think these things through better.



I thought having Analyn work for me would be an interesting challenge. It was a challenge alright, but not interesting. More like tormenting. God, how I wanted to visit her in her office.

I’d had more meetings in the large conference room just to have a chance to see her. She looked so fucking confident as she met with the team or worked at her desk. On occasion, I’d catch her and her team talking, and they’d all laugh, and my heart would squeeze. I wanted to be a part of their group so fucking badly. As the boss, I could walk in there and demand to be a part of it, but heads would turn. Suspicions would rise.

On Friday, I was in my office, watching a clip of Bo Tyler’s latest antics when Catherine entered. “A Gino Palmieri of Paradise Limited is here. He doesn't have an appointment, but he insists on seeing you."

I frowned. I knew of Paradise Limited because they were a major player in online bookmaking. I couldn't imagine what anyone from there would want with me. But at least it would occupy my time. "Go ahead and clear anything on my schedule for the next hour and show him in."

She nodded and left my office. A few moments later, a forty-something-year-old man with dark, slicked back hair and beady eyes entered my office. He looked like somebody who just walked off a Mafia movie set. He reminded me of the young man I’d interviewed last week. I wondered if somehow, the two were related.

He reached his hand across my desk, giving me a firm, almost too firm handshake. "I knew you'd see me. Everyone says you're a shrewd businessman."

I released my hand and resisted wiping his smarm off on my jacket. I motioned to the chair in front of my desk. "How can I help you, Mr. Palmieri?"

"Well, I know that you are well aware of Paradise Limited. We are the industry leader in online bookmaking."

I gave a short nod but didn't respond.

"We like to keep an eye on everyone in the business, and when we see a star, we like to connect. You’re going places, Reed, and I'm here to make an offer. We can go in together and become filthy rich."

The way he just said all that, including using my first name, was an attempt at flattery and personal connection, but I found it disrespectful. I did my best not to roll my eyes. I was already filthy rich. I considered telling him that but determined I’d have a better chance at getting rid of him if I acted grateful for his attempt at a compliment.

“I'm flattered that you think my company is worthy, but we're doing just fine. We have no reason to change things up here."

Gino maintained his smile, but his eyes darkened slightly. I got the feeling few people ever said no to him. "An extra percentage on each transaction would be a good reason to switch. Plus, we have many other perks we could offer to the partnership."

I had no idea what other perks he could be talking about, but I couldn't help but think that they skirted the line of legality. I now wished that I hadn't had Catherine clear my schedule. I wanted an excuse to get out of this meeting. Then again, he didn't know that I told her I cleared my schedule.

"I'm sorry I can't give you more time, but I'm late to another meeting." I stood, hoping he'd get the hint.