Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
It just feels like this is bigger than it is, like some elaborate plan set in motion behind my back. “Is that why you brought me out here? To break the news and let me down easy?” Don’t do this, Chris. I trust him. I have no reason not to. “You would stay if you could. I know that, babe.”
“I brought you here to seduce you with pasta salad and me as dessert.” He lies down, bringing me with him. I slide into his arms because that’s where I want to be most right now, especially if we’re on borrowed time. After placing a kiss on my collarbone and then on my neck, he asks, “How can I make it up to you?”
Manifesting really comes through for you when you need it most. Eyeing his mouth, I tap his bottom lip and grin. “I have an idea how you can make me feel better.”
CHAPTER 25
Tagger
I lick my lips, wishing I could still taste her.
The moonlight shone over us as if we had all night. We didn’t, but we sure made the most of it. When she rode me, a halo of stars hung over her head. My angel with a little devil inside. I grin, looking down in a failed attempt to rub it away before anyone notices.
“Tagger?”
I look up at Keith, free of any remaining grin. “Yes?” I ask, searching my boss’s face for any clue as to what was asked of me. Nothing tips me off in the right direction, so I look across the table at the client. She smiles politely, but the tapping of her fingers gives away her impatience.
Kendra clears her throat, and whispers, “Risk.”
“Critical separations of long- and short-term investments are partnered with your company’s risk tolerance levels. The strategies I’ve developed under Keith’s expertise have produced outstanding and trackable results . . .” I spout out the pitch I’ve been giving for years. “Our two-pronged approach to investor relations will cultivate a broader understanding of where you want to be in the market—seen, as well as driving innovations. This is my specialty. Putting your trust in managing your assets will grow the profitability of your financial sector, keeping your employees and your board of directors happy.”
The client leans forward, resting her elbows on the table, and clasps her hands together. I’ve piqued her interest. I’ll have her and the entire team she brought with her signing on the dotted line within the hour. She asks, “You can guarantee that?”
“It’s investments,” I reply with a wry grin. “There are no guarantees. Only reputations and I’ve built a formidable and client-first career that shows my track record in commercial asset management.”
“He gives me too much credit,” Keith adds. “I can tell you that Tagger is your guy. He’s developed a tactic that’s based on consistency, which we value, as well as profitable results.” His faith in me early on allowed me to build my career to top-tier portfolio management. “He’s the best we have, besides me.” He chuckles. As if cued, so does everyone else.
The deal is signed thirty minutes later, and a celebration is planned in Midtown. After a quick discussion with the team, the room clears, and we disperse to our offices.
Kendra shuts the door just before I yell, “Fuck.” Working my way to my desk, I drop the folio on top and move around to sit.
Crossing the room, she eases into a chair as if I might bite her head off. I wouldn’t. I only have myself to blame for that shit show performance. “You did fine, Tagger.”
“Fine? That’s the goalpost now? Fine?” I take a breath. Losing my shit isn’t something I’ve done in a while. I briefly close my eyes and rub my temple.
“This meeting shouldn’t have been added to your calendar. You’ve been up since what to be here?” Tapping her pen on a pad, she continues, “Two o’clock to catch the flight out of Austin? You’re exhausted, boss.”
As if it changes anything, I justify, “I stayed in bed until two thirty.” I don’t tell her that I was fucking Pris in a truck bed I parked just inside the entrance to the ranch. Our little plan to see each other one last time before I left had us sneaking around like horny teenagers.
“No wonder you’re tired and short-fused.” She smiles, though sympathy is shaping the corners. “On the bright side, the clients signed. So you may not be happy with your performance, but Keith is thrilled.” She leans forward. “You should be proud, Tagger. You closed the deal.”
“I closed it, but I wasn’t on my A game. My mind was left in Texas.”
“Is Texas something you’re considering?”
I rock back in the chair and stare at the window. The view is so different from the one at the ridge. Buildings of chrome and mirrored windows, a slice of the avenue just down the right side of my office, and a touch of sky if I stand closer and look up—it all pales compared to the miles of trees and rivers, the endless skies, rock formations, and my girl next to me.