Rush

nodded curtly but didn’t extend a warm greeting. His skin itched and he only
     wanted to be away from this situation. All he could picture was his mother’s face,
     the sadness in her eyes. The confusion and betrayal she still felt after her husband
     of thirty-nine years had abruptly left her.
    “It’s a pleasure,” Stella said huskily, her gaze drifting with lingering precision
     over Gabe.
    “How have you been, Son?” his father asked. If he noticed the awkwardness, he didn’t
     react. Or maybe he was completely oblivious to all the hurt he’d caused his family
     by his actions.
    “Busy,” Gabe said shortly.
    His father waved his arm. “Like that’s anything new. You should take some time off.
     Take a break. I’d love to have you out to the house. It would be nice to catch up
     on all that’s going on with you.”
    “What house?”
    Gabe’s voice would have frozen fire.
    “Oh, I purchased a house in Connecticut,” his father said airily. “I’d love for you
     to see it. We could have dinner. Are you free any night this week?”
    Gabe’s jaw clenched until it ached. Mia softly cleared her throat and then stepped
     forward, a gentle smile on her face.
    “Would you like something to drink, Mr. Hamilton? I’m going to run to the ladies’
     room a moment, but on my way back I’d be happy to get you and Gabe something.”
    Gabe’s father looked at her in puzzlement a moment before recognition flared in his
     eyes. “Mia? Mia Crestwell? Is that really you?”
    Gabe’s father had only met her on two occasions, when Mia was much younger, and only
     briefly. He was surprised his father even remembered.
    Mia nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m working for Gabe now as his personal assistant.”
    His father smiled and leaned over to kiss Mia’s cheek. “My how you’ve grown up. The
     last time I saw you was years ago. You’ve grown into quite a lovely young lady.”
    “Thank you,” Mia said. “Now about that drink?”
    “Scotch on the rocks,” his father said.
    “Nothing for me,” Gabe said flatly.
    Mia sent Gabe a look filled with sympathy and then hurriedaway in the direction of the ladies’ room. He couldn’t blame her. There was so much
     tension in the air that it was extremely awkward.
    He watched her retreat and realized how much he wanted to be away from this place.
     In his apartment, behind closed doors, Mia in his arms, him losing himself in her
     over and over.
    “So how about that dinner?” his father persisted.
    • • •
    Mia escaped into the ladies’ room in relief. Since she had no need of the facilities
     and it was just an excuse to escape the uncomfortable situation between Gabe and his
     father, she touched up her lipstick and surveyed her reflection in the mirror.
    To her surprise, the door opened and Stella walked in, positioning herself at the
     mirror next to Mia. Stella glanced over conspicuously before reapplying her lipstick
     as well.
    “So, tell me,” Stella began, still intent on her lipstick application. “Is the gossip
     true about Gabe Hamilton and the expectations he has for his women?”
    Startled, Mia nearly dropped her lipstick and fumbled to tuck it back into her small
     clutch. She turned to Stella, taken aback by her brazenness.
    “Even if I knew the details of Mr. Hamilton’s personal life, I would most certainly
     not betray such a confidence.”
    Stella rolled her eyes. “Come on, give a girl the inside track. I’d love to get up
     next to him and if he’s the beast I suspect in bed, bring it on.”
    Mia shook her head. “You’re here with his
father
.”
    Stella waved her hand dismissively. “Money. But Gabe has a lot more and he’s younger
     and more virile. If you can have the younger Hamilton, why wouldn’t you go for it?
     Got any tips for me? You work for him. Surely you’ve had to deal with his past women
     at some point.”
    Mia shouldn’t have been shocked, but frankly she was befuddled by the straightforward,
     unapologetic grasping of the other woman. Not knowing how to begin to respond, she
     simply turned and exited the bathroom. She shook her head as she headed toward the
     bar. She couldn’t believe the woman’s daring!
    She ordered the Scotch and then waited as the bartender poured the drink. After, she
     turned, seeking Gabe and his father in the crowd. They were still standing where she’d
     left them, and Gabe looked anything but happy.
    His face was cold, his eyes hard. It was as if he were facing an