The Whole Package, page 5
“I know.” Naomi felt the heat of excitement, the challenge to succeed driving her. For the first time in a long time, hope, not desperation, fueled her. She could feel it. Starr PR was ready to move to the next level. “I’ve talked to two possible candidates, friends from the old firm who want to jump ship.” And didn’t that give her the warm fuzzies.
“Best move I ever made,” Liz agreed. “I probably would have stayed at PP&R if Mike Rogers hadn’t kept taking credit for all my work.”
“He’s such an ass.”
“So is Tanner, I hear.”
Naomi sat straighter. “Oh?”
Liz laughed. “Don’t even try acting casual. You should hear what I’m hearing.” Liz leaned forward. “Tanner’s been having trouble with some of his new hires. The people there just aren’t as competent as you and I were. Rumor has it the real talent is fleeing since no one seems to advance in the company unless they’re related to the partners.”
“That’s too bad, and I mean that. PP&R was a good place to work. I blame myself for screwing up a good thing. Literally.” Since Liz knew about Naomi’s past, Naomi had no problem confiding in her friend and employee. Liz would have been a full partner had she been able to afford the buy-in. But then, she hadn’t wanted the responsibility for the firm either. More than happy to play her part assisting with the clients, Liz was right where she wanted to be and a godsend Naomi intended to keep as happy as possible.
“Look, we both know it wasn’t the smartest thing you could have done.” Trust Liz not to sugarcoat anything. “But Tanner should have been more professional too. So you had a relationship? You were both handling it just fine until you started outperforming him at work. Then he turned into a sniveling worm who couldn’t deal with a successful partner. Let’s say you’d left on your own, separating work from your relationship. Do you really think he’d have been happy if you made it big, still outshining him?”
“Sadly, no.” Naomi scowled. “But it’s such a waste of a man. He had so much potential.”
“Too bad he turned out to be a douche.”
Naomi stared at petite, businesslike Liz with her no-frills black glasses and wiry blond hair and had to laugh. “Yeah, a total douche.”
“Makes you wonder how a man like Reid Griffith would respond in the same circumstances though, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. No,” Naomi hurriedly denied. “I learned my lesson. No dating coworkers, clients, or bosses.”
“Ever?”
“Ever.”
Liz snorted. “Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. Good thing our new client didn’t see you staring at his ass as he left.”
“Hey, I can look. Just not touch.”
“So sad.” Liz shook her head. “And you, just squandering your best years. When’s the last time you went out on a date?”
“Yes, yes, I’m lame and miserable.” Naomi tapped her desk with her pretty red nails. “Now back to what’s really important—has Tanner put on weight? Who’s he dating? And who’s planning to leave? We need to start making some calls.”
Liz held up her phone and smiled. “Already ahead of you, boss. I have pictures too.”
“Oh, nice.”
“But one thing. That coffee you mentioned to Reid? Hate to break it to you, but that Jamaican Blue Mountain was nowhere near the Peet’s blend you told him about.” Liz gave her a sly grin. “Frazzled you, did he?”
“Oh shush and tell me Tanner got fat.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.” Liz showed her the phone with a picture of Tanner at a meeting. “But it’s funny, looking at him, then putting his picture side by side with Reid, I can’t tell who’s better looking.” Which was saying something, because Tanner, jerk that he was, had fine written all over him.
Naomi studied Tanner’s picture. “On looks alone, I might have to give it to Tanner. Let’s face it. He’s beautiful. But on sheer sex appeal and personality, it’s no contest—Reid. Then again, I’d award the Grinch over Tanner Michael Ryan.”
Liz shared more gossip, but Naomi was stuck on how much more attractive she found Reid, when she shouldn’t have been thinking about the man so much. And not when she had other clients to get to. Hmm. Maybe she should hand him over to Liz after all…
* * *
Reid met Cash at the gym for a workout. He’d tried several places when they’d gotten back to the States, but this one was run by a former Marine and it was close, in Green Lake. Cash liked it, and after turning in his membership at a pricier gym, Reid had signed on at Jameson’s.
The members seemed normal, not too affluent and not thugs rolling people for money on the way out. Plus most of the men working out seemed to want to get in shape. He didn’t notice a huge hookup atmosphere. Then again, Reid used the place to work out, not search for sex partners.
After sweating like a demon on a five-mile run that did nothing to cure him of the memory of Naomi Starr in that blouse, Reid moved to the free weights, only to find Cash arguing with some guy about training methods.
“Look, I know what I’m doing. We had this same argument a week ago,” Cash growled at the guy.
Not as large as Cash but just as fierce in his expression, the man, wearing a Jameson’s Gym red T-shirt, glared back. “I didn’t say you don’t know what you’re doing. I’m only trying to help you, moron.” Whoa, not great customer service at Jameson’s, apparently.
“Fuck you.”
“Back at ya, shit for brains. You’re doing it wrong, Old School. Get a clue.”
Cash took a step in the guy’s direction and clenched his fists. “Say that again.”
“Why? Need me to break down those small words into even smaller ones?” The guy smirked.
Reid hoped his brother wouldn’t get himself kicked out of yet another place. Because Reid liked it here. “Cash, what the hell?”
Cash turned, and Reid noticed quite a few women alternating looks between him and the trainer…and now Reid. A few guys gave them wary expressions, and someone bolted down the hall. Probably to grab security.
“Oh, hey, Reid.” Cash nodded to him, seeming not at all bothered. “Check out this asswipe. Thinks he knows more than I do about what I should be benching.”
The guy scowled. “Again, not what I said.” He turned and ignored Cash. “Hi. I’m Gavin Donnigan. I happen to work here, and I train people for a living.”
Reid took his hand. “Name’s Reid. I have no idea who this man is, giving you a hard time. I’m just here to work out.”
“Reid, seriously?” Cash crossed his arms over his chest, showcasing a sweaty T-shirt and ever-growing biceps.
Gavin grinned. “Your last name wouldn’t happen to be Griffith?”
“Nope.”
Cash glared at him. “Fuck you too, Bro.”
Gavin laughed. “Hey, man. I have a brother just like this one. Yeah, your best bet is to just pretend you don’t know him.”
Reid looked from Gavin to Cash, sensing he’d missed something. “You know Cash?”
“Met him overseas years ago. We hung out at some of the same shitty places.”
“Ah. I’m guessing Marine Corps?”
“Yep. 1stMARDIV. 1st Recon Battalion. You?”
They made small talk about their time in the service, ignoring Cash, who moved away to exercise without Gavin’s interference. Talk turned to Reid’s workouts, and Gavin suggested a few moves Reid hadn’t considered that would increase his mass without putting too much bulk on him. His shirts strained at the seams as it was.
“Yeah, that’ll totally help you get stronger and leaner.” Gavin nodded. “It’s great for runners. Your brother—sorry, I mean, that guy you don’t know—isn’t sticking to the workout I set up for him. The one he asked me for a month ago, the dick. He’s going to get even bigger than he is now.”
“Is that possible?” Reid said, loudly enough to be overheard by his brother. “I mean, his head is so fat he can barely fit through the door as it is.”
Cash grinned. “Ass.”
Gavin chuckled.
A large, muscular man with a military-short haircut and angry glint in his eye entered the room and made a beeline for them. “What’s the problem?” he barked. Reid looked from the guy to Cash and wondered who might come out on top if the argument turned physical.
Gavin held his hands up in surrender. “No problem, Mac. Just showing this talented Marine how to maximize his training.”
Mac relaxed. “Oh great. Another devil dog. Hey, man.” He introduced himself as the owner of the place and a retired Marine, though the guy didn’t look that old. He must have read Reid’s surprise because he said, “Medical discharge. Took a hit through the knee that never healed right.”
“That sucks.”
“Yeah.” Mac looked over at Cash and raised a brow. “Who’s that monster? Your brother?”
“Not according to rumor,” Gavin teased.
Reid sighed. “He’s all mine.” He winced at their grins. “Listen, if he gets a little, ah—”
“Argumentative? Surly? Obnoxious?” Gavin said, his voice rising with each word until Cash looked over at him and gave him the finger.
“Yeah, all that. If he’s a little much, just let me know, and I’ll talk to him. We like this place. Hate to get kicked out because of a bad day and some attitude.” He’d make sure to talk to Cash later, regardless.
“No problem.” Mac clapped Gavin on the back, and the big guy shuddered. “If I didn’t throw this guy out, I won’t toss your brother. And trust me, Gavin was a mess.”
Gavin gave Mac a sour look. “Thanks so much.”
“No problem. Nice to meet you, Reid. Anytime you want to stop in and talk shop, my office is down the hall.” Mac walked away, and Reid noticed a slight limp.
“He’d still be in if he hadn’t gotten shot.” Gavin shrugged. “What can you do?” The conversation turned local and to some people they both knew.
“Chris Jennings? He’s a member too?” Reid asked. “He gave me a helluva deal on the house we’re renting.”
“Yeah. Guy is loaded now that he hit big in the tech field. But when I knew him, he was a nerdy little grunt.” Gavin grinned. “I used to kick his ass on a regular basis on our daily runs.”
“So did I.” Reid laughed. “Hey, anytime you want to grab a beer, let me know.”
“I will.” Gavin paused. “Reid, you know, I think I saw your brother on TV the other night. Did he save some kid from getting knifed?”
“I did,” Cash boomed. “Vets on the Go! kicks ass.”
“Our moving company,” Reid explained. “We only hire vets and do local moves. It’s a win-win because I get to boss my big brother around and keep him in line at the same time.”
Cash laughed. “Right. We all know I’m in charge.”
Gavin leaned in and said, “Just let him think so. I do that with my brother all the time.”
They shared a conspiratorial grin, then Reid was tortured by both Gavin and Cash as he tried to follow the workout Gavin had given his brother, just to test it out. A tall redhead walked by in short shorts and a tank top, bringing Naomi instantly to his mind. But the redhead didn’t have the right color eyes or the right build. Didn’t keep Cash from looking though.
“Reid, that’s pathetic,” Gavin said. “Lift like you got a pair, man. Or do you want people to think you were in the Air Force?”
Next to them, an older man frowned. “Hey.”
“Sorry. I meant the Army.”
“What’s the difference?” Cash muttered, and Gavin did his best to calm a different older man down.
“And who said you could stop lifting?” Gavin asked.
“Ten more reps at this weight, Reid. Let’s go.” Cash watched with narrowed eyes.
Reid groaned. Nothing like getting heckled by Marines while trying to forget a certain PR professional’s appeal.
He worked harder. And pulled a muscle.
Chapter 5
The next afternoon, after fitting in two more local moves for the week’s end, Reid gathered Evan, Cash, the Jacksons, and Jordan in the conference room to meet with Naomi. He’d scheduled with the TV station to do the interview that evening, though it would air the following week, and Naomi wanted them all to be ready.
As usual, everyone looked to Cash until it became clear he intended to sit back and let Reid run the show. Reid didn’t mind, because the headache that was to come would sound better coming from his mouth than his brother’s.
“Thanks for coming, guys.” Reid meant that. Though he’d be sure to pay them for their time, the evening hadn’t been mandatory, especially not after a full day’s work. “The shirts look good on you.” Everyone had dressed in their Vets on the Go! T-shirts and jeans. Reid had to admit the team looked strong, professional. He liked Jordan being there as well. Naomi agreed, saying it made them appear more approachable, inclusive. And hell, Jordan was cute.
“Naomi’s going to go over a few points.” He glared a warning at Cash, who glared back. The big bastard hadn’t wanted to be included in the promotional stuff.
Naomi smiled at everyone. She wore another suit that set off her killer body. Reid had assumed his “nothing matters but the business” face before joining the others. But it took effort to pretend not to be affected by the woman. To his amusement, she seemed to be acting the same with him.
He felt an unspoken challenge lingering between them, as if to see who would cave to the attraction first. Or he might be deluded.
Either might be true at this point.
Before Naomi could speak, Cash said, “I don’t see why we all need to be here. Reid, they want to talk to you, the face of the company.”
“Yeah,” Evan muttered, looking tired.
“We all know I’m best when I’m not talking.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Hector said, to which everyone had a laugh.
“You’re here,” Naomi hurriedly cut in, “because you’re all necessary for the segment. I talked with the reporter interviewing you. She’s a friend of mine. Together, we brainstormed a terrific piece that will not only get the station kudos for its public interest story, but will also generate your team more revenue with more clients.”
“Just what we need,” Reid said. “Oh, and Evan, don’t let me forget to talk to you after the meeting about a few expenses.”
“Of course I’ll stay late. I apparently have no life.” Evan popped an antacid and gulped it down with coffee.
“Gross.” Cash made a face, then grinned at the finger Evan shot him.
Naomi looked from Evan to Cash to Reid. “You three are perfect. All Marines, correct?”
They nodded.
“And the rest of the team looks terrific. We’ll take you in for makeup and a little sprucing, but don’t worry. We’re just using the bulk of you for the photo op. Same with Evan and Cash, to an extent. Reid, you’re the mouthpiece of the company. But in case the interviewer pulls any of the rest of you aside, I have some buzzwords you can throw around.”
Jordan frowned. “Excuse me. Why am I here, exactly? I just started three days ago.”
Naomi answered, “You’re an attractive female who served her country and now works for Vets on the Go! We need you, Hector, and Lafayette to show yourselves as capable and friendly.”
“Good luck with that,” Cash chimed in.
Lafayette groaned. “Nah, man. She’s meaning diversity. Get a shot of the black guys and the chick to be all inclusive.”
“Shouldn’t we have a token gay on the team then?” Cash grumbled.
“What am I? Chopped liver?” Lafayette asked.
Everyone paused.
Reid sighed. “Not now, Lafayette. You can hassle Cash about it later.”
“Oh, okay.”
Cash turned to Reid, his eyes wide. “You knew Lafayette was gay and didn’t tell me?”
“Why is this relevant?” Reid didn’t have the patience to deal with his brother now.
Lafayette and Hector nodded. “Exactly,” Hector said, then turned to Cash with a more serious expression. “Is this a problem?”
“Hell yes, it’s a problem!”
“Here we go.” Reid pinched the bridge of his nose. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Evan grinning and Naomi and Jordan glued to the spectacle as if watching a horror movie. Unexpectedly, Lafayette relaxed while his brother tensed as if ready to throw down.
“What the fuck is your problem?” Hector growled.
“I should have been told, that’s my problem.” Cash completely ignored Lafayette as he started in on Reid. “You said I make all the decisions about personnel.”
“So knowing Lafayette is gay would have impacted you hiring him?”
“No, jackass. But we don’t keep secrets. Who cares if he’s gay? He’s not all that bright, but he’s a hard worker.”
“What?” Now Lafayette frowned, but Hector had lost his hostility.
“I mean, he and Hector could make more money working for one of the bigger companies, but they know we’re better people.”
“Explain ‘not that bright.’” Lafayette glared.
Cash spoke over him. “You just look at the twins and you know they can lift a mountain without trying hard.”
Jordan turned to Lafayette. “Is lifting mountains a thing?”
“Not in my world. In Cash’s? Who knows?”
“But I should have known,” Cash continued.
Naomi tried to intervene. “Perhaps we should get back on track—”
“No,” Reid interrupted, amused and annoyed at the same time. “Look, Cash, you might be the muscle behind the operation, but I’m the brains.”
Evan cleared his throat.
“Evan and I are the brains. Don’t stress it that you don’t know Lafayette’s sexual proclivities, Jordan’s shoe size, or Finley’s latest gambling fixation,” Reid said, seeing Finley walk into the room as he apologized for being late. “And no, guys. You’re not the diversity package. Naomi wanted all the pretty people for the shoot.”
