His Brother's Better Offer

Synopsis

The call from Charles Hawthorne came at 3:30 a.m., ordering me to pick him up at the hotel and said, "While you're at it, grab a lace thong for my girl tonight." I drove through the pouring rain, a knot of dread tightening in my stomach as I knocked on his door. Charles leaned against the doorjamb. His eyes were dark with displeasure. "You took too long. She's gone," he stated coldly. "Keep the thong. Maybe you should wear it yourself." His gaze then traveled over me in a slow, predatory sweep. "Actually, you'd look hot. Go on. Put it on for me." I stood frozen, heat flooding my cheeks. Suddenly, he laughed. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. I'm getting married." He pushed a card into my hand. "Here, take my brother's number." He added, "You've served me well all these years, so I won't leave you hanging. Only catch: he has a daughter. Hope that's not a deal-breaker for you."