Page 36 of The Bad Girl

Chapter 14

Maxwell

Every eye lingers on us as we walk through the award luncheon. I’m the biggest name attending the event, but Harry has his own appeal to the many that know his family name. The legacy he failed to live up to.

Harry glowers at me. “You really should pepper some excitement into your wardrobe.”

“It’s spring in my closet right now. It’s not bad with the older crowd, but I think I’m going to have to revamp my selection a bit. Get some new stuff in. Nadine has me in pastel blue when I go boating, but I think I might switch it to red or royal blue.”

Harry’s eyes light with excitement, and I realize I’ve just made a grave error.

“That’s right! We’re going out boating. Your friend Mr. Johnson sent me a private message asking if I’d be attending, so I fear I’ll be having to keep him at arm’s length.”

Let him down gently. He’s been looking forward to this. Just go easy on him.

“Actually, Harry, that’s something we need to discuss.”

“Mr. Johnson came onto me, so don’t get your man-panties in a bunch about me fraternizing with business acquaintances. He’s actually not my type, but that doesn’t mean it’s a crime to be flattered.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “That’s not the issue. I’m taking Nadine with me to that function.”

Harry stops in his tracks, and I can see his Adam’s apple bobbing as his chin quivers.

“So, you’re telling me that you’d rather take the office mouse boating than a well-dressed, socially engaging, charming, handsome man from a legacy line?”

“That’s the gist of it.”

“What the fuck is going on?” Harry says louder than he should. “Is my job in jeopardy?”

People sitting and standing alike turn in our direction. Their gaze is cold, but underneath it, I see a bunch of bored grey-hairs eager for some excitement.

I turn towards Harry and whisper, “You act like a petulant child and wonder why I don’t want to take you around business executives.”

If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under right now.

“Seriously, Harry, this isn’t the time!”

“First Nola, now this? Am I even going to have a job in the future? Am I expected to do some of Nadine’s work? You know I can’t schedule.”

“There’s something bigger at play here, and I was going to ask for your help.”

“My help? You’re taking away the one piece of self-care I’m allowing myself for the week and then have the audacity to ask formyhelp?”

“Let’s go out to the balcony.”

The curious gazes turn to annoyed glances when they realize there isn’t going to be anything fun to watch as Harry and I make our way to the double doors leading out to the balcony.

Once outside, Harry sets his forearms on the rail, leaning into them.

“You were right about something,” I say.

“I’m right about a lot of things.”

“Back in the office, you said Nadine would be good at PR. I agree. It’s why she’s going with me on Thursday.”

Harry scrunches his brow. “She’s going as your PR rep?”

“No, but last night got me thinking. I had no idea she had the talent she unleashed with Nola on Monday, and it makes me wonder if she’s in the wrong position. Stacey’s with her today to help with a little project I had been doing with Nadine, but also to get a feel for how Nadine would do in PR.”