Be My One Regret

be my 1 regret / 20

THERES ALWAYS THAT ONE WORD AT THE TIP OF THE TONGUE...and it starts with the letter 'F' and rhymes with Tucker...

The agitation of Tucker Jones assaults me to no end. That he can find me like needle in a haystack, his stalker tendencies never cease to amaze me. Or annoy me. And I cringe looking from his provoking gorgeous face to my now empty mimosa champagne glass.

There's not enough booze on the planet to endure this shit, time to leave.

Huffing out a long breath, I toss my napkin onto the table. "Um, actually I was just about to leave."

Chuckling, he ignores me and settles into the newly unoccupied chair. "I'm sorry I missed your father. I was hoping to have a word with him."

"Were you now?" I groan and wave a hand to the waiter impatiently with hopes to get a refill. And fast. "I can only imagine what the two of you would have to discuss. I'm sure it would have been a real business nail biter. And thank God he left so I didn't have to witness it."

Tucker flashes me one of his ever ready smirks. The one that I want to slap off his face most times. Or every time. "Aw, Fi, baby, you know you love a good conversation. Especially when it revolves around topics like the newest COO of Savage Endeavors."

I dart my eyes into his. Casting daggers into him even as a fresh mimosa appears in my hand from the impeccable job of a very good waiter. Tucker's eyes glint. Pressuring me for a reaction. But I sip first, a long deep swallow of the champagne and juice infusion before setting the glass down. The once sweet flavor now sour in my mouth.

"Sinking to a new low with eavesdropping I see. How becoming of you Tucker. What's next, blackmail? Is that the new direction Townsend Jones is taking?"

The smugness on his lips doesn't fade. "I don't know too many companies in today's financial climate that doesn't do either of those, if not more."

"Well, then, you'll fit right in. Won't you?" My fingers itch along the stem of my flute. I contemplate dumping the remaining drink over his perfectly coiffed auburn head.

"Then it's true. I'm looking at my newest competition."

There's challenge in his green eyes which tests my patience. "I'm not sure what you heard. And I'm not sure if I care either. But I don't plan on telling you anything. So, go away before you ruin the rest of my breakfast."

"Ophelia, you know Tanner told me about B&B."

Unyielding with glimmering greens, he throws me a cocky grin. I stiffen at the casually tossed out trade secret bomb. Tanner was never one to keep anything from his brother, so I wasn't completely shocked off my ass, but still it bothered me. I fake un-interest. "So?"

His jaw clenches at my indifference. "And I know he told you about my offer. It was a dick move what your dad did. He over bid me by a million. A million, Fi. You and I both know that B&B is not worth that."

The steep price tag jilts my common sense half. B & B, as great of a company as it was, was definitely not worth a over priced tag bid war. And my dad was being a dick. A million over the net value of a up and coming blip on the radar company was more than exorbitant. But why?

Gawd, there's a loaded to question to ask dear old dad. Just add it to the never ending list.

My gut and head split with agony at the thought of another conversation with my dad and that Tucker was forcing me into it. I sigh. "What's your point?"

Tucker narrows his confounded gaze. "My point is that this business, what your dad does and what my company does, is cut throat. And I admire his ballsy gauntlet throw for getting what he wants. It's something that he and I have in common. And you know how I hate to lose." His lips thin as he regards me. It's crystal clear with full admiration for me as well, and I fidget under the tentative stare. I consider excusing myself from the scrutiny but he continues. "Ophelia, I have to admit that this time, I don't think your dad is thinking as clear as he should. And I get what he sees in you. You are the smartest and most challenging girl I've ever met. And I love those things about you. I do. But sweetheart, you are not cut out for this kind of bullshit."