Vincent opened and shut his mouth three times as they stood beside his car before he finally said something. “Jade’s pissed I didn’t call her last night to make sure she arrived safely or answer any of her calls. I guess she left some messages with Leigh today too that I might have ignored.”
Lexi remained silent and let him talk. The more he said, the more difficult it became to keep quiet and not voice her abysmal opinion of Jade.
“It’s not like you didn’t have a lot going on since she left, Vincent.”
“I know,” he said, throwing his hands into the air. “I’m working like crazy trying to make a name for myself, trying to show people that I am more than just the boss’s son. And every time I have to pay attention to work rather than her, I catch grief.” His hand raked through his hair. “I mean, when she has to leave for a week to do some ridiculous photo shoot or get ready for a runway show, I don’t complain. I understand it’s for her career. Why can’t she extend me the same courtesy?”
“I’m sorry. That sounds incredibly difficult.”
His phone beeped again, and this time he laughed then showed it to Lexi. “Great, now she’s dragged you into it.”
I know you’re with that two bit whore of an assistant right now, you prick, because she isn’t picking up your office line. Leigh is trying to cover, but I don’t buy her lies, not for a second. Call me!
Lexi sighed. “Why don’t you talk to her and explain what’s going on?” “Because, frankly, I don’t have time, and I don’t feel like it.” He took a deep breath and smiled. “Thank you for letting me complain. Usually I bother Sean with this kind of stuff. I appreciate you listening, and I’m sure he will be grateful for the break from my ranting.”
“You’re under a lot of pressure, Vincent. And I’m sure she just misses you.” Somehow Lexi managed to get the last part out without gagging.
Vincent snorted. “You, Alexandra White, are an amazing person.” He brushed his thumb lightly over her cheek. “Sean usually just tells me to dump her skinny ass. Actually, he begs me to do it.”
Lexi gave Vincent’s hand a squeeze and tried to make him laugh. “Well, Sean is pretty smart. Maybe he knows best.” His phone buzzed again, and this time when he took it out of his pocket Lexi grabbed it and stuck it in her purse. “Problem solved. Jade’s been muzzled. Now, are you ready to give this presentation?”
“Yeah, I think we’re ready.”
∙ 16 ∙
Yo u remembered to download the projection charts, right?” Lexi asked as she slid into the car. Holding her door open, Vincent poked his head in.
“Yes, Lexi.”
As he slowly walked around to his side of the car, another thought popped into her head. “The album covers! Did you print out the revised ones?” she shouted as he opened his door.
Vincent cast an amused smile in her direction as he put his key in the ignition. “Yes, Lexi.”
“What about the—”
Vincent turned toward her, wrapped his arm around the back of her seat, and leaned in. She felt the warmth in his smile all the way down into the pit of her stomach. “I’ve done this a few times, you know. Don’t worry. We have everything we need. Trust me.”
Embarrassed, Lexi dipped her head and fidgeted with her seat belt strap. “I’m being silly, I’m sorry. I’m a little nervous.”
“Don’t apologize.” He lifted her chin so he could look her in the eye. “It’s my fault. I’m used to doing this alone, without a partner. I tend to be a control freak on these things. What I should have done was give you a list of everything I was bringing. You were just looking out for me. Thanks.” He eased himself back into his seat and pulled into traffic, the loud purr of the engine turning the heads of the people on the street. “And don’t be nervous. You know this presentation better than I do. Actually, I should just let you do the whole thing. You up for it?”
Lexi’s mouth fell open, wide with shock, as Vincent patiently watched and waited for her answer. Her grip on the door handle tightened, her knuckles turning white from the intense pressure she was exerting. “Y-you ca-can’t—”
He waited a few seconds as Lexi stammered, then tipped his head back in laughter. “I’m kidding. Breathe, Lexi, breathe.”
Her hand slapped his shoulder repeatedly as she yelled at him. “That wasn’t funny. It’s all fun and games until Lexi throws up in your Lotus.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.”
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Forgive me?”
Lexi crossed her arms and faked annoyance. “You just better get this account, pal, or I’m going to be pissed that I missed my night out with Hope trolling for hot guys.” She watched his brows knit together, his lips turning down in a slight frown until she saved him with a smile. Only then did Vincent grin and roll his eyes, realizing that she was kidding.
He was the picture of calm as he drove through the streets of San Francisco. Lexi’s stomach, however, flipped and flopped relentlessly with each smile or glance he cast in her direction. At first, she assumed it was because of the importance of the impending presentation, but the longer she stayed in the cramped space with Vincent, the more she realized that the presentation had nothing to do with it. He was gorgeous and sexy enough to make any woman’s heart race, but it was more than that now that she knew him better. When he wasn’t storming around the office, he was actually a lot of fun to be around. He was smart and clever, and the carefree banter back and forth between them felt so natural, like they’d been doing it for years.
Never in her life had Lexi felt so comfortable around a man or free to just be herself. That was just as appealing to her as Vincent’s broad shoulders and killer smile. The more she was around him, the more she found herself wanting to be around him.
The feelings that she had taken great care to bury deep ten years ago when she walked out of Riverdale for NYU were now peeking out and springing to life again with each smile or touch from Vincent Drake. If she was being completely honest with herself, what scared her most was knowing that she was falling for him again, even more deeply, with absolutely no chance of ever having him.
“Are you all right, Lexi? You’re so quiet. I really was kidding about the presentation thing. I’m sorry if I stressed you out. Honestly, this is the fun part of my job. I could give presentations all day.” He had a boyish grin on his face as he explained his approach—he wasn’t only selling his idea, but he was selling himself and his skills to the client. He could have a great idea, but it came down to presenting competence, control, and power when he walked in the room. Clients more often than not went with someone they felt comfortable with over the best pitch. If he could walk in there with a great idea and prove himself worthy to Julian, then according to Vincent it would be a done deal.