Into the Wild

20. Business Proposal

Jared drove through the early morning traffic with ease, slightly irritated that he didn’t indulge in one last session with Luca. Still, he couldn't afford to miss such a necessary appointment, especially after canceling his day off to accommodate Ashton Fredrickson, The Vicious Shark of the Wall Street Financial Sector, who also owned the most notable and respected Advertising Agency in New York City. How he became Ashton's lawyer was quite bewildering, but he had appreciated working with him and was grateful to have him as a client. The pay was also remarkably hefty. He was no glutton, but Ashton indeed paid him what he was worth in terms of how he aided him in many business ventures and legal matters. This meeting was on a troublesome topic, however, and would be just as challenging as his past work with him.

Jared parked his car before the restaurant and exhaled slowly. Whatever happens today, he will make sure to have Ashton leave with a new peace of mind. Jared checked his watch; thirty minutes left to spare, thankfully Luc hadn't deterred him from his appointment to have his way with him. He chuckled and left the car, taking his briefcase and adjusting his collar. He sighed, hoping the bitemarks and hickeys wouldn't show through the makeup.

"Good morning. Do you have a reservation?"

The young woman, whose nametag read Bella, greeted him at the front door upon entry. Jared nodded, "yes, reservation for three under Hunter. Jared Hunter." She beamed at him, then bent to check her tablet. His phone pinged while he waited, and he saw a text from Ashton, he moved to tap it, but then a ping from Luca came. Jared arched a brow and cautiously checked over his shoulder before opening the one Luca sent. His eyes widened, and he choked. Jared cleared his throat as he left the chat. Godamn, that man! It was a racy picture of Luc... the text read: thinking of you. He shook the image from his head and checked Ashton's own, which read: be there in ten. Good. He clicked off his phone, remembering how Luca's hands and mouth felt on his skin before he left the house. Fuck.

"Found you," Bella said.

"Lovely, my party will be arriving soon," Jared said.

"Wonderful, let me seat you while you wait, Mr. Hunter." The older man nodded toward her as she gathered the menus.

Jared followed after Bella as she walked inside the dimly lit restaurant. The jazzy vibe and deep mellow tones set a calming atmosphere and old-timey aesthetic feel. He sat once she showed him his seat and checked his watch. Bella set the menus down and then walked off. Jared opened the chat with Luca and replied, 'are you off today?' He hit send and not a minute later heard his phone ping.

'Not anymore. I'm on the way right now. The delivery of car parts is arriving soon. Riley is already there, so I'll be home early tonight.'

Jared chuckled, 'good luck and be safe. I'll see you when you get back.'

'Okay, love, focus on your meeting.'

Jared clicked his tongue, 'sure, focus when you send me that type of image!?' Luca sent laughing emojis, and he sighed out a chuckle. He sent a kissy face and then closed the app, putting his phone on do not disturb.

"Jared."

Jared looked up to see Ashton's taller and sharply dressed figure. Then he saw the stunning blond appear beside him and his brows rose as he gasped at how charming he was. Luca would probably have licked his face in that instance to proclaim dominance and to say that Jared was taken and he wouldn't blame him. "Ashton, it's been a while." He extended his hand to Ashton, to which the older one took, smiling. The man was as handsome as ever. He did not look stressed or aged at all.

"Indeed! I've been rather preoccupied." Ashton said.

Jared chuckled, "I've noticed the reason why." The men exchange a knowing laugh