Rush

short notice,” Mitch said, extending his hand.
    “I wouldn’t miss it,” Gabe said smoothly.
    He turned to Mia. “Mitch, I’d like you to meet my personal assistant, Mia Crestwell.
     Mia, this is Mitch Johnson.”
    She extended her hand with a warm, inviting smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.
     Johnson. Thank you for having us.”
    Mitch looked delighted with Mia, a fact that made Gabe want to scowl, but he forced
     his composure to remain intact. Mitch was happily married. He wasn’t the type to stray.
     But he was looking at Mia, and it pissed Gabe off.
    “The pleasure is all mine, Mia. Please do call me Mitch. Can I get you two drinks?
     Gabe, there are several people I’d like you to meet.”
    “Nothing for me,” Mia murmured.
    Gabe shook his head. “I’ll get something later, perhaps.”
    Mitch gestured toward the crowd. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll make the necessary
     introductions. I’ve been speaking with several business colleagues. They’re very interested
     in your California venture.”
    “Excellent,” Gabe said in satisfaction.
    He and Mia followed Mitch through the crowd and Mitch took them to meet various parties,
     made introductions. The entire timebusiness was discussed, Mia stood at Gabe’s side, her expression one of interest.
     She was good. This had to be boring as hell for her, but she didn’t let on if she
     was.
    She completely surprised him when, in one of the conversation lulls, she looked at
     Trenton Harcourt and said, “And how is your daughter doing at Harvard? Is she enjoying
     her studies so far?”
    Trenton looked taken aback and then beamed. “She’s doing very well. My wife and I
     are very proud of her.”
    “I’m sure business law is a tough curriculum, but think of how useful she’ll be to
     your own endeavors when she graduates. Always nice to have connections within the
     family,” Mia said, a twinkle in her eye.
    The group laughed and Gabe felt a surge of pride. Apparently she
had
studied up.
    Then he watched as she took over the gathering, addressing personalized comments to
     the other men present. She maintained a steady flow of conversation and had the men
     completely in her thrall. He watched closely, waiting for any inappropriate look or
     remark, but the men were courteous and seemed utterly charmed by Mia’s sweetness.
    “Are you any relation to Jace Crestwell?” Mitch asked, when the conversation paused.
    Mia went still but maintained her composure. “He’s my brother.” Her tone was almost
     defensive, just an edge that Gabe caught, though he doubted the others picked up on
     it.
    “I got her first,” Gabe said lazily. “She’s smart and perfect for the position as
     my PA. I don’t mind fighting Jace for who brings her into the business.”
    The others laughed.
    “Smart man, Gabe. Always a hardass in business. But hey, to the victor goes the spoils,
     eh?” Trenton said.
    “Exactly,” Gabe replied. “She’s a valuable asset and one I have no intention of allowing
     to slip through my fingers.”
    Mia’s face bloomed with color but the pleasure in her eyes was well worth Gabe’s making
     the effort to ensure he made it clear he valued Mia as an employee.
    “If you’ll excuse me and Mia, I see a few other people I need to say hello to,” Gabe
     said smoothly.
    He cupped her elbow and steered her away from the group, and started across the room
     to get them both a drink when he came to a complete stop, his gaze riveted on the
     doorway. He uttered a curse beneath his breath, but Mia heard it, and she glanced
     up, her brows furrowed. Then she followed his gaze to the door and grimaced.
    His father had just entered the room, a gorgeous, much younger blonde wrapped securely
     around his arm. Damn it. What was his father doing here? Why hadn’t he let Gabe know
     so that at least he’d be prepared? After seeing his mother over the weekend and doing
     all he could to lift her spirits, it angered him to see his father here with his latest
     arm candy.
    Mia touched his arm, her face a wreath of sympathy. There was no way to avoid the
     confrontation. His father had already seen him and was making his way through the
     crowd in Gabe’s direction.
    “Gabe!” his father said, his eyes brightening as he approached. “Glad I caught you
     here. It’s been too long since we saw each other last.”
    “Dad,” Gabe said shortly.
    “Stella, I’d like you to meet my son, Gabe. Gabe, this is Stella.”
    Gabe