Thirty-Two: Pierce

THIRTY-TWO

PIERCE

“ U m, hello?” Brian waved a hand in front of my face. “Earth to Pierce Dawson?”

“What?” I snapped out of my thoughts of the amazing morning sex I’d had with Harlow.

“We need to approve the order for VIP suite upgrades,” he said. “Have you looked at all the designs?”

I haven’t looked at any of them. “I trust your judgement. You pick.”

“Fine. What about the contract with Coca-Cola? Are you fine extending their exclusive beverage deal with our arena?’

“Sounds good.” I opened my drawer and pulled out a necklace, holding it out for him. “What do you think about this?”

“It’s a diamond cupcake charm on a sparkling string,” he said. “To be honest, it’s not something I can see you wearing. Looks like more of a woman’s taste.”

“It is for a woman, Brian.”

“Oh, well in that case—” He took it from my fingers, eyeing the charm closely. “The diamond etching is top notch, and the—wait a minute. What woman ?”

“Harlow.”

“The nanny?”

“Yes.”

He set the necklace down and strummed his fingers against the desk, staring at me long and hard.

“Are you fucking your nanny, Pierce?”

I didn’t answer.

“Are you dating her?”

“We’ve gone out a few times.”

“Are you touching her at night while your kids are sleeping?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“I’ll take that as a ’yes’ then.”

“No comment.” I returned the necklace to its box. “Thanks for your thoughts on the jewelry.”

“I’ve got thoughts on something else, too.” He sent a file to my printer and handed it to me. “Get her to sign that and then I won’t have any reason to ask about her ever again.”

“What is this?”

“Just an agreement that she won’t run to the media or sue the hell out of us if you two break up.”

“Like your ex-girlfriend did?”

“Let’s not talk about her.” He rolled his eyes. “Can you make her sign it?”

“No,” I said. “For one, she would never do that. For two, the hiring agency already took care of that in their system. She can’t sue or ever speak on the clients.”

“Does Denise know?”

“Does Denise know what ?” She walked into the room, handing us coffees. “Hope you two aren’t talking crap about me behind my back.”

“Never,” I said to her. “We were talking about me. I’m dating someone.”

“Oh…Is it serious?”

Yes. “We just started.”

“Is it someone I know?”

“No.”

She looked at Brian, then at me. “Does this relationship with her permanently close the door ours?”

“ Denise …” I sighed. “Look.”

“That’s okay, don’t answer.” She stepped back. “I probably should’ve read the room long ago, and it’s my fault I assumed we could pick up where we left off after such a long wait.”

“I’ll be in the boardroom getting ready for the Mitchell meeting.” Her voice cracked. “I’ll see you two at lunch.”

She walked away, slamming the door shut.

“Well, now she knows,” Brian said. “Don’t worry. She’ll be over you once I hook her up with someone who deserves her.”

“Thanks.” I glanced at my watch. “Can you watch my twins for a few minutes?”

“Both of them?”

“Yes, both of them, Brian.”

“I would, but we’re at work.”

“So are they.” I pointed to the portable cribs in the corner. “They’re sleeping.”

“Where the hell is the nanny who’s getting a six-figure necklace from you?” He scoffed. “Isn’t this her job?”

“She and Olivia are out having a Girls’ Day.”

“So, you’ve been sleeping with her for a long time, huh?”

“Shut up, Brian.”

“Fine, I’ll watch the little toddlers.” He walked over to them. “They look just like you, man. Thanks for reminding me why I always double bag my condoms and take them with me, though.”

“You’re a terrible person.”

“That’s a compliment coming from you.” He motioned for me to leave. “Don’t take too long coming back.”