I check the time; it’s eleven thirty-one. Didn’t he summon me to be here at eleven-thirty?

“Ms. Solis,” Tony calls out, as he rises from his seat. “Come over, dear.”

I turn in my chair to see Claire Solis. As beautiful as she was earlier today. Her shoes are a couple of inches taller and her legs look a mile long. The woman walks toward me, chin up, shoulders back; the killer smile on point.

Well, what do you know, my hard cock is pressing hard against my slacks. He knows who owns him.

But wait, what the fuck is she doing here?

Thirty-Six

Miller

“Mr. Gyles,” she says with that sweet tone she uses when she’s schmoozing a client. “It’s a pleasure to finally put a face to the name. I’m Claire Solis.”

“Ms. Solis, it’s good to finally meet you as well,” he says, shaking her hand and then points at me. “Let me introduce you to Miller Archer.”

“Mr. Archer,” she says formally and nods.

“Ms. Solis, as always, a pleasure to see you,” I concede and cross my leg, setting my left ankle on top of my right knee while staring at Tony.

What the fuck are you doing, Gyles?

As I said, this negotiation is just like playing chess. I’m not sure why he’s showing me my queen.

She’s not part of the game.

“Finally, I have the two of you together,” he says.

Claire and I stare at each other. Her face is stern, but her eyes are telling me a lot. She’s as confused as I am, also upset. She still wants my head on a platter. I want it between her legs, licking her sweet spot and making her scream.

“It’s been interesting to listen to your ideas. You both are creative and talented,” Tony speaks. “When my family and I decided to rebrand the winery and expand, we knew what we wanted for our branding. Well, not the branding, but who would be in charge of making our name unforgettable and desirable for consumers.”

“I had no idea you had other firms bidding for the account,” Claire says, glaring at me. “Blend is open to accommodate you. We have experience with wineries. International wineries. Of course, I have to learn more about you before I dare to throw a proposal.”

“We thank you for your faith in us,” I add because I’m 99.9% sure that the account is mine.

Except, he says something unexpected. “I knew you’d understand, Archer. I have faith in both of you. Ms. Solis, your firm has experience with French wineries. We’re hoping you’ll bring that expertise to the table.”

“Wait,” I say, springing from my chair. “You’re giving her the account?”

She throws a smug grin my way.

“No, of course not.”

The smug grin turns into a frown and the daggers begin to shoot right at my chest.