Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I only get to take four bites before my phone begins to ring. Letting out a sigh, I answer, “Callan speaking.”
“It’s Harper. We booked Steven for the date, but his car broke down, so he decided it was a wise move to send one of his friends in his place. The first I heard of the shit show was when Miss Dos Santos called to inform me. She’s upset that we sent a different escort without notifying her, which we obviously didn’t do. How do you want me to handle the situation?”
Christ.
Sylvia Dos Santos is the daughter of an influential man, and the last thing I need is her father breathing down my neck.
Anger starts to simmer in my chest as I get up from the chair. “Send me the client’s address and tell her I’m on my way.”
As we end the call, I give my family an apologetic look. “Work emergency.”
“We understand,” Dad says.
He’s always supported me, and tonight is no different. I’m well aware of how lucky I am to have such an amazing family.
“I’ll put some food in a container for you. Give me a minute,” Naomi says, jumping up. She rushes to the kitchen, and I take a moment to press a kiss to the top of Ellie’s head.
A minute later, the food is shoved into my hand, and Naomi kisses my cheek. “Drive safely, and good luck.”
“Thanks. Sorry I have to cut the visit short.”
“It’s okay. We’ll see you soon,” Naomi says.
With a last smile at my family, I rush out of the suburban house and get into my car. I check the message Harper sent containing Sylvia’s request and all her details and program the address into my GPS.
Date requested to accompany her to her twenty-five-year school reunion.
Assigned companion: Steven Hall
Seeing as I went to Dad’s place straight from work, I’m still dressed in a three-piece suit, so I’m ready to accompany Sylvia.
I can’t believe Steven sent his friend. What the fuck was he thinking?
I’m firing his ass as soon as I’ve dealt with the situation.
Twenty minutes later, I stop the car outside Sylvia’s apartment building, and climbing out, I see her arguing with a man on the sidewalk. She’s wearing a formal black dress.
At least my suit matches her dress. That’s one less worry.
“Leave before I call the police,” she threatens a man who’s leaning against a sedan that’s seen better days.
When I near them, her eyes swing to me, anger tightening her features.
I hold out my hand to her and say, “I’m Callan Wright, the CEO of The Perfect Gentleman. I apologize for the unprofessional behavior of my employee.”
Her eyes widen on me as she places her hand in mine.
My eyes flick to the other man. “You can go.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind taking her,” he says, his demeanor way too casual for the explosive situation he finds himself in.
I take in the guy’s cheap cargo pants and long-sleeved shirt that’s a size too big, then growl, “Leave.”
I turn my full attention to Sylvia. “I’ll escort you to your high school reunion.”
Relief washes over her features before it looks like she might cry. “I’m a nervous wreck, and that guy…” she gestures at Steven’s friend, “just made everything worse.”
I place my hand on her shoulder and give her a comforting smile. “Take a deep breath.”
A smile wavers around her mouth as she sucks in a couple of breaths.
Gesturing at my Bugatti, I ask, “Are you okay driving with me, or would you like to take your own car?”
“I’m okay going in your vehicle,” she replies, still looking shaky.
Placing my hand on her lower back, I steer her to my car and open the passenger door for her. Once she’s seated and pulling on her safety belt, I shut the door and walk to the driver’s side.
Before I start the engine, I capture her eyes with mine. “Once again, I apologize. You’re in safe hands. Is there anything I need to know before we go to the reunion?”
She seems to hesitate, then blurts out. “I used to be obese, so I was bullied a lot.”
Nodding, I give her a comforting smile. “You look beautiful, Sylvia.” More tension leaves her face, then I ask, “Do you need me to be a buffer between you and the other people attending?”
She nods. “Please. I just want to show them they didn’t break me.”
Giving her an encouraging look, I say, “I have rules. The only physical contact allowed is an arm around the waist and holding hands. Are you comfortable with that?”
She nods quickly. “Yes.”
“Okay.” I smile at her again, then start the engine. “Try to enjoy the evening. This is your moment to shine.”
When my office door opens, and a worried Steven slinks in, it takes all my strength not to get up and punch the shit out of him.