Bachelor Swap by Lacey Black (best ebook reader under 100 .TXT) 📗

as I lean back and get comfy, the man across the room opens his eyes. “Wilder,” he says politely.

“Manchester,” I reply, taking a stab in the dark at who it is.

“Heard you were meeting Jerald tonight,” he says, catching my gaze.

“Maybe. That a problem?”

Manchester shrugs his shoulders, his belly protruding over his towel.  “Not a problem. I had hopes he’d reconsider my offer to purchase his company, but something tells me I’m barking up the wrong tree. He seems to like you, for whatever reason.”

I don’t respond, just lean back against the wall and suck in a deep, humid breath.

“Rumor has it you’re not even looking to disassemble the company, which I thought was odd. They must have something you really want, like government contracts.”

“I’d be an idiot to strip apart something with their stature, wouldn’t I? They’re a powerhouse in the technology industry, and partnered with the resources available at Wilder Group, we’d be at the top of the game.” At least, that’s the way I took all that business mumbo jumbo information my brother left me.

Manchester smiles. “Well, for what it’s worth, I agree with you. Tearing apart that busines would be a shame. Adding your resources would elevate its status and success. These last two years I’ve watched you buy up companies and cut them to pieces, selling off what’s left. I’m sure it’s made you a shit-ton of money over the years, but this was a solid move. I’m proud of you, kid,” the older man says with a certain gleam in his eyes. It says he respects my decision—or at least my brother’s decision.

I may not really understand what my brother does, but a sense of pride sweeps through my body.

“Thank you,” I mumble, closing my eyes and relaxing once more.

No other words are spoken until the guy from the gym comes in and sits beside Manchester. They both offer greetings, the man from the gym instantly diving into talk of business. “Have you heard back from Jerald on your offer?” he asks Manchester, and even though I can feel their eyes on me, I refuse to look.

“Actually, I did. He’s comfortable with his current offer, Ted,” Manchester replies.

“Interesting,” the man—apparently, Ted—from the gym states.

Realizing I’m running out of time before tonight’s dinner, I stand up, making sure my towel is secured around my waist. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a business meeting to prepare for.”

Manchester throws me a wave before turning to Ted to return to discussions of business deals and mergers. All shit I couldn’t care less about.

I run through the shower, throw my clothes from earlier back on, and head up to my brother’s apartment to get ready. Tonight’s dinner calls for a suit and tie and probably a razor. Kyla seems to like the stubble, and since it’s my preferred appearance too, I’ve been pretty lax on shaving. But not tonight. Tonight, I’ll need to be on my best behavior and that includes looking the part.

***

At seven on the dot, George pulls up to a fancy restaurant in the heart of downtown Boston. A man in a valet uniform opens my door, greeting me as I slip out of the car. “Good evening, sir, and welcome,” he says.

“Thank you,” I state, tucking my left hand into my pocket and heading toward the entrance. A doorman greets me with a smile. “Welcome to The Waldorf Restaurant. The hostess is right inside.”

Inside, a gorgeous blonde in a fitted white button-down offers me a flirty grin. “Good evening, Mr. Wilder. May I help you?”

“I’m meeting someone,” I state, ignoring the fuck-me eyes being cast my way.

“If you’ll follow me, your party has already arrived.” She turns and heads into the darkened restaurant, a little extra swing in her step that I’m certain is for my benefit.

“Thank you, Malinda,” a man says when we stop in front of his table. I may not recognize him, but I’m certain it’s Jerald.

“Enjoy your dinner, gentlemen,” she coos, placing her hand on my forearm for a few extra seconds before sauntering away.

“Have a seat, Wilder. I took the liberty of ordering you a scotch,” the old man say with a polite smile over his tumbler.

I sit down in the chair and grab the glass of amber liquid and take a healthy sip. I’ve never been a scotch man, but who am I to refuse the good stuff. “Thank you, Jerald. I appreciate the invitation to dinner.”

“Well, I’ve been interested in getting to know the infamous Matthew Wilder,” he replies with a grin. “It’s been fascinating to see the man outside of the boardroom.”

“I do enjoy getting out of the office every now and again,” I add, lifting my glass in salute.

“And here I thought a man like you slept at his desk,” he teases.

“Who says I sleep?”

That makes him laugh, bringing his own tumbler up in salute and taking a drink.

Our waiter arrives a few seconds later and reports tonight’s specials. There’s a slow-roasted prime rib with new potatoes and asparagus that catches my attention right away, and after Jerald orders the salmon, I go for the slab of beef. It reminds me of home.

“So, how’s life treating you, Wilder?”

Kyla flashes through my mind. To the kisses we’ve shared and the way her body reacts to my touch. It’s been only a handful of days since our date, but she’s all I’ve thought about since. Considering I’m basically just hunkering down in my brother’s expensive apartment, I’ve got plenty of opportunity for my thoughts to drift to her.

“It’s going well, thank you, Jerald.”

He waves his hand. “My friends call me Jerry.”

“Are we friends?”

He takes me in for a few long seconds before responding. “I think so. I don’t usually talk about my business with anyone outside of my business, but I’ve found from the first time you barged into my office and demanded a meeting, I’ve been drawn to you a little. You’re brutal, to the point, and not someone I’d want to tangle with if