Free Juice: An Alpha Male Billionaire Romance - Part 4 (Juice: The Series) by Victoria Starke Page B

Namaste has been in stall-mode. I’m feeling this meeting will get us all some clarity.
    “You look nice,” she says. I’m back to fidgeting with my
dress.
    “Thanks. I don’t know what I have to do to get rid of this
muffin-top,” I say, readjusting my belt again.
    “Whatever,” Piper replies, “I’d trade in my height for your ass,
any day.”
    “Same.”
    “Besides, I don’t think you have to do anything, you’re
getting plenty of attention,” she says with a lilt in her voice.
    “Yeah, I’m his favorite delivery girl, I guess,” I say.
“Anyway, this could be our big break tonight. An investor! Can you imagine?”
    “Here’s to tonight,” she says offering me a glass of Engergize to toast.
    We take lock eyes and sip.
    “So, what’s the plan tonight?” she asks.
    “Stay confident. Don’t jump at the first offer. Try not to
puke all over the table? Honestly, I’m nervous. I don’t even know,” I say in a
jumble.
    She smiles and touches my arm to calm me.
    “Don’t worry, we know our product and our market. We’re
going to do great, as long as we stick together.”
    * * *
    “Hi, we’re meeting someone. He may be here. Everett Chase,”
    “Yes, of course, right this way.” Another tall, thin, blonde
hostess leads us into Cream . He has a type.
    I scan the room. Even in our evening wear, I feel
underdressed again. Bespoke suits, perky cleavage and diamonds color the lounge
interior.
    “Good evening, ladies,” Everett says, greeting us as we
arrive at the table. My heart jumps at the sight of him. His suit is a
perfectly fitted glen plaid with a plain white collared shirt and tie. I wonder
if his assistant helps him or he’s just gifted.
    “Piper! It’s great to meet you,” he says, shaking her hand
and clasping his other one over it for good measure.
    I’m paralyzed thinking of the right way to greet him. Firm
handshake, kiss on the cheek, a quick blowjob hello? I’d be fine with any of
them, I’m just so happy to see him again.
    “Great to see you, Bronwyn,” he says, taking my hand and
pecking my cheek. I feel Piper’s eyes on us, watching carefully.
    I sit on the banquette next to Everett and realize my
misstep.
    Strike one. I should have sat next to Piper. Team
Namaste. We’re here to talk business and win a good deal for the two of us.
She looks at me sternly, but I decide to just go with it. Better than make it
more awkward by getting up again.
    “First meeting and we already have paperwork?” Piper says,
pointing to the brown accordion folder on the table. “You move quick, Mr.
Chase.”
    “When I see something I want, I don’t hesitate,” he replies
with a cocky smile and leaning his strong forearm on the table.
    Piper smiles meekly, and takes a sip of her water. I notice
a slight tremor in her hand. She’s showing her nerves. I am too.
    A waiter appears and breaks the tension. “Welcome to Cream ,
I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Can I start anyone with a drink?” he says,
looking to Piper.
    She begins to open her mouth and Everett interrupts, “Bring
us a bottle of Barolo, three glasses.”
    “Very good, sir,” he says and shuffles away. Piper clears
her throat and looks rattled.
    “Everett,” she begins, “Tell us why we’re here.”
    “Good question,” he replies. “I’m eager to talk business,
too.”
    Both of his forearms are now on the table, leaning halfway
across toward Piper. I’m as interested to hear what he has to say as she is.
    “I understand Bronwyn has told you some things about me, but
just so we’re all on the same sheet of music, I’m here to talk business. I love
your juice, and I want to take it to the next level. But, right now you have a
product, not a company. I have the connections, the knowledge, and mostly importantly,
the cash to do it.”
    Piper looks intrigued and we share a smile, listening.
    I can only watch his lips as he talks. I’m feeling that
hypnosis again, like the first time we met in his apartment.