The Things We Crave

Chapter Nineteen

A few weeks have passed. In that time, Catherine has figured out the computer systems and programs Vincent uses for her to enter the data she is given to put in. He has her manage his schedule by making appointments from anything big like meetings right down to small things like hair appointments. He also has her run errands for him like pick up his dry cleaning, or take-out from a restaurant, print out documents, or any other piddly thing he feels the need for Catherine to do. Vincent has been distant with her and kept to himself. She has respected his distance and not pushed the issue. She did notice he watches her, mainly when he thinks she’s not paying attention to him. She has learned to use her peripheral vision during racing, so she could tell what’s going on around her.

The job was really boring just as she had expected it would. During Vincent’s meetings she found herself dosing off in her seat. She really missed her bike, she had to put it up her bike last weekend. She felt like it had died too. It was rough adjusting to snow, Tammy said they get a lot of it here. The slopes were a big thing here or riding on sleds, which she found out were snow mobiles. Tammy said they have a few, that Catherine can use them when ever she wanted. Catherine had every intention to wear one out as often as she can.

This week he was going to show her how to book the dining halls for banquets, parties, and charity balls. Catherine has pulled up a chair next to him at his desk to go through the tutorial. He is all business in his tone and is patient with Catherine’s questions. She is focused with her eyes glued to his laptop screen while he flips through the files to pull up calendars for each club. She didn’t notice Vincent was gazing at her while he instructed in adoration. He would quickly turn away when she looks at him to ask a question or repeat back to make sure she understood he wanted.

He was impressed how dedicated she was to learn her job and to do it right. Although it irritated him how she was late every day. He also thought how cleaver she was with dealing with the other women in the office. He knew they would be jealous of her and treat her poorly. Catherine’s aura was naturally badass and only a few challenged her. She took care of them quickly then the sly fox spread rumors that he had hired her as a favor for Brad, Vincent was more like a brother, and Vincent was into blondes. Not only did the women buy it, many went and bleached their hair. Catherine laughed every time she saw one of the girls. They also started treating her with respect. Kate got reprimanded for her rude comment about Catherine’s mother. Catherine hasn’t had trouble with her since.

Kate chimes in over his intercom on his desk. “Miss Veronica is here to see you. Should I let her in?”

Oh damn, what is she doing here? Vincent thought.

He hasn’t seen her since he cut her off over two years ago. She manages the girls at the gentlemen’s club here in Denver. He has just been getting paper reports from her or emails. He wonders if it had to do with him hiring an assistant.

“Sure, let her in.” He replies leaning back in his chair.

Catherine stands and stretches as she makes her way to her desk in the corner. Veronica strolls in with an extra swing in her sway with every step. Her hair bleached blonde put up in a messy bun wearing skintight black leggings and a floral long sleeve blouse. She was very beautiful Catherine thought, but was trying way to hard to be sexy. It was embarrassing. Catherine had to look away to hide her mischievous grin.

“Hello, Veronica. What are you doing here? I thought I said I didn’t want to see you again.” Vincent said coldly. He leaned forward and pinched the bridge of his nose then he released a sigh of irritation.

“I know what you said, but I heard you finally hired an assistant. I wanted to see if the rumors were true.” She turns and looks at Catherine and smiles like a viper. “I see that they were. She’s beautiful, Vincent.” She sits down in the black leather chair in front of his desk. “I thought I was going to be your assistant if you ever needed one. What happened to that promise? Empty like your heart.” She pouted.

“Of course, it was an empty promise. I would have said anything to get into those panties at the time. I would have never been able to give you the job even if I wanted to, you need to have a degree to be an executive assistant. Catherine has one, plus she’s Tammy’s sister and needed a job. Our relationship is strictly professional, otherwise Tammy would have my d**k on a platter. Is there anything else?” Vincent said following Catherine’s rumor. It was working for his plan as well.

“Yes, are you still covering Benjamin’s shift this weekend at the club? You can bring your little assistant; you know how the guys love red heads. Make her humble by working the floor, let me play with her. You owe me that much; you know if it weren’t for me your girls at the club would look like hell and you wouldn’t have the clients you have.” Veronica demands.

Catherine has “the deer in the headlights” look. Did she just demand I work the floor at his stripe club?! What the hell?! Catherine grit her teeth and glared at Vincent.

Vincent saw that Catherine was agitated. He was the last one who wanted her working the floor, his buddies that he used to hangout with are regulars at that club. They would fall right in love with her and want her for themselves. This would make more competition. On the other hand, this might be the next card he needs to put into play.

He smiles like the devil. “Sure, Veronica. That sound like a great idea, it would be a humbling experience. But, I need to warn you, if Tammy finds out I’m not going down alone. What’s the theme for that night?”

“Cowboys and Indians.” She answers with a victorious grin.

“Okay, then you find an outfit that has the most material. We’ll be there in time for you to get her ready.” Vincent says crossing his arms.

Veronica stands and starts for the door. “Okay! This will be fun, see you guys this weekend.”

After she was gone, Catherine stood and marched over to Vincent. “What the hell? Work the floor? Tammy is going to freak! And we cover shifts now? What else should I expect?!”

He puts up his hand, “Clam down, please.” He pats the empty chair next to him. Catherine sits down. “It is not beneath me to work the floor. I bounce or run the bar if I’m in town if there are any holes in the schedule. I don’t make any money, it’s just part of maintaining a thriving business. You should expect to fill in where’s needed at some at these parties that I’m teaching you to book.”

He opens a file that pulls up his schedule. “Like this indoor pool party next weekend at my Chicago club. You and I are attending it. Taylor will be out of town that weekend for a wedding, so I’ll have to watch over the girls during the party. You can assist me. I thought I told you we will be traveling a lot. Brad stays here mainly because of his wife and kids. So, I do all the traveling. You do my scheduling now; didn’t you see this?”

“That was scheduled before I started to do it. I didn’t realize that was in Chicago. Well, don’t be upset if I mess up or whatever. I have never done anything like this.” She said defeated. She crosses her arms.

“I already told you, Kitten. It is a gentlemen’s club, not a strip club. The girls are dressed in cute outfits while they waitress and bus tables. They cater to our members and make them comfortable. There are tips, some members are more generous than others but it’s a safe environment. In my clubs, the guys are not allowed to touch you unless they get your consent. Tammy won’t find out, leave it to me. I have a feeling you’ll do just fine.” Vincent explains. He knew full well about her job as an escort, this was right up her ally.

Catherine hide it well, but she was actually excited to do this. This would give her the perfect opportunity to draw Vincent out of his shell. She would tease him until he couldn’t take it anymore. Just like at the wedding. By the end of the night, he won’t be able to keep his hands off her. There will be many beautiful women there to compete with. She just hoped that whatever it was he liked about her would shine brighter than them.