Chapter 29

“And now the reason why I organized this meeting.” I say to the guys. We had dinner, spoke about business and things going on in our private life and there is not going to be a better time to address this subject. Four pairs of eyes focus on me.

“I need one of you to take over the management of the investment fund. I know this is sudden and that everybody has a lot on their plate, but let’s discuss how we could make this happen.”

The room is silent as we all take a moment to reflect.

“Count on me,” Hunter is first to speak. “This should have happened sooner.” He declares without reservation. Everybody nods. Everybody except Duncan he just kept his eyes on me. “Preparing a new project?” he finally speaks.

“I’m doing due diligence…” I tell him somewhat annoyed as he is the only one in this group without an at least one active multimillion venture beside this. He should be the last one asking explanation and first one stepping up and being more active. Other part oy my annoyance is fueled by the fact this is not the only reason why I want to have more time for myself. And the fact that free time will be used for something this partnership of ours does not support.

All of them got used to me always being available and always making the last decision about all our ventures. Taking the responsibility…

All of this started as a study group back in college. Hunter, Adam, Jessie, and me, all four pursuing our degrees in different areas connected through the same high drive to succeed. Our study group quickly grew into how we can do business together and let’s do business together. A Mastermind group taking a physical form as an investment fund where we collectively combined all our assets to set up and grow our businesses. Each of us had radically different areas of interest so it was not feasible to start one company where only one of us would be happy doing his thing. We started with a hedge fund, had more luck than brains and transitioned into venture capital. CDE Venture Partners, combining first letters from our last names. Carver, Dunla and Ecklund. Initially it was CHDE Venture Partners. H was lost along the way…

In parallel each of us started our own companies. Mine was first to achieve exponential growth and success. I sold it, pumped part of funds back into the investment fund, backing up their ventures and used the remaining funds to build Carver Global. Ten years later, we are all hugely successful and continue to build and expand our business.

All of us except Duncan. My younger brother who is a part of this group only because of the fact he is my brother and the only one not remotely interested to work and build something. His area of interest – travelling the world. Getting paid just for living and because of the fact his trust fund was joined with mine.

I don’t blame him although I would like him to have more purpose in his life and not live off other people. He is blessed because there is no worry one of us would steal his money or do something risky with it. Duncan hit the jackpot here. And therefore, I willingly took the point until now, not putting my friends in the position where they will work for his lazy ass.

“Count on us,” Adam breaks my train of thoughts.

“Let’s set up the next meeting soon, we can go over the portfolio and agree who will take over which part.” Jessie speaks and adds. “Or do you want to do this now?”

“I can talk you through all the prospect projects now. Only high level, so that you can have some time to think before the next meeting. Decide what you want to take over.”

Refilling our drinks, we move to my study so that I can show them stuff from my computer. This will be a long meeting.

***

Clicking noise of closing doors jerks me from sleep. I freeze in the darkness of the room. Listening, praying, I imagined it. Cold sweat pulsates through my body when I hear ruffling sounds coming from the hallway. Somebody is in the apartment with me. Should I try to get up, sneak out of the bed? And go where? The apartment is so small that I didn't have anywhere to hide. Bathroom maybe?

Breathing in shallow spurts, I stay frozen in bed as a silhouette appears in the doorway of the bedroom, filling the entrance entirely. “Liam!?” I croak.

“Did I wake you Gorgeous?”

Finally, I inhale a full breath turning on the side lamp. “Liam! Fuck it! I almost had a heart attack.”

Taking off his sneakers, he looks at me perplexed.

“I didn't expect you tonight.” I explain now a little more calmly and continue. “You scared me. I thought somebody was breaking in.”

He throws the shoes aside; socks follow and the t-shirt as well in a few swift motions. Next thing I know he's plopping beside me on the bed, chuckling no less.

“I'm sorry,” he tells me and turns off the light.

“My state of mind is funny to you?” I tease him.

“You know it's not,” he responds in earnest.

“Why didn't you send me a text?” I ask him while he embraces me, placing my head in the crook of his neck and aligning my body next to his.

“I didn't plan on coming here tonight.” His deep earthy smell permeates every pore of my body. Not only does he look like a god, but he also smells like one too. “I just needed to be close to you. Now go back to sleep. I didn't want to wake you up. I wanted to sleep next to you. I’m addicted to it now.”

“You better get out of those jeans than,” I tell him, completely awake now. Soft rumble of his chest makes me vibrate with desire. Although the room is dark. I can still make out the lines of his face. And I love how he's relaxed at this moment. Liam squeezes me closer to him. Putting both of his hands around my body.

“Why don't we go to your house for the weekend and do some hiking. Maybe you can show me your favorite spots.” I melt a little on the inside. Still, we haven't talked about this thing we are sharing. But he wants to spend time with me.

“I'd love that.” I respond as my voice cracks and I fake a little cough to hide it.

He places his lips on the top of my head resting like that before he gives me a small case. “One more thing. Will you come with me to an event next Friday?”

It was my turn to chuckle. “Tit for tat?”

“Something like that. It won't be all bad. But I also won't be there to have fun.”

I understand what he's telling me. He will be there to work. Those functions may sound glamorous. And you get to wear fancy clothes. But you are not there to enjoy yourself. There is mingling with business partners. Having to watch what you are saying while trying always to have something relevant to say Oh, I hated those things. Even when I was working or promoting my books.

“Will you handle that?” His voice interrupts my thoughts.

“I will, don't worry about me.” If he's putting himself out there by taking me as his plus one. I can be a big girl and do it for him.

“Can I ask you something?”

I'm bracing myself for what he might ask or tell me and expect the worst. “Sure. Ask anything.”

“Why are you not freaking out about what you will wear for dinner?”

“Really, that's your question?”

“Sleep Gorgeous, we only have few hours,” he burrows close to me.