Fascination: (Billionaire Venture Capitalist #9): A Friends to Lovers Romance Read online

  “No budget. It’s the least I can do for her.”

  Chapter four

  CeCe

  I try to go to the hospital to visit Mason at least once a day. I love spending time with him. I always learn new things, and he’s just comforting, a calm in the storm around him. I feel like he’s all that and the bee's knees. Each day we spend together, I’m stronger in my belief that we can make a go of a relationship.

  My car is waiting for me downstairs to drive me to the office. The FBI will be over later this morning to sit down with Evelyn and me, and I’m anxious to hear what they have to say.

  My phone pings with a group text from Hadlee. I’m missing my girls. How about dinner and drinks tonight? We can meet downtown at Martuni’s. Say 6?

  Cynthia is first to respond. I’m in!

  Sara: I can make it. Sounds fun.

  Emerson: You’re speakin’ my language. I’ll be there without Liam. I need to put clothes on that don’t have spit-up on them, and it’s a good excuse to take a shower.

  Greer: Count me in.

  Me: Can’t wait!

  Quinn: Forget the men! I’m in.

  Today is going to be a good day. I’m sure of it. I go through all of my emails and things that have happened this morning since I checked last night at eleven thirty.

  I think about my evening with Mason. He’s absolutely the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. I can’t help but think about what’s underneath those shirts and shorts I see him wearing all the time.

  My daydreaming is interrupted when there’s a knock at the door and Evelyn comes walking in. “Are you ready?”

  “I suppose. We’re just going to listen to what they have to say. We can meet here in my office. Does that work for you?”

  “Works just fine. They’ve arrived downstairs.”

  I look at the clock. I can’t believe I’ve wasted my morning daydreaming about Mason. Boy, is that puppy love for you.

  I let Christy know she can bring the two agents in, and then I wait patiently with Evelyn. We whisper about the gossip going around the office.

  “I hear Nancy in accounting got engaged last night,” Evelyn tells me.

  “She did? That’s great news. We need to order some cake this afternoon to celebrate.”

  “You just want an excuse to eat cake.”

  I smile—guilty as charged. Cake sounds like a perfect day. “You know me so well.”

  “How are we going to counter this espionage?” Evelyn asks.

  She believes we should just go ahead with our release. This was her baby as well as mine, and I understand her not wanting to let go. I know she’s probably right from the standpoint that this is a major loss for us and a way to save our line; however, I am concerned that it’s going to be poorly received by the fashion world, given it would be a replica of something that’s already out.

  Vanessa, our public relations expert, thinks releasing our line would be a mistake. I’m not sure what to do. Vanessa’s by all means the guru when it comes to public relations and the fashion world; that’s her bailiwick. She’d have to bail us out if it went sideways, and one of the things I truly appreciate about her is that she only wants me spending money on things that make us money, not saving us from losing money.

  I sigh. Why can’t anything be easy?

  My admin escorts a woman and a man into the room. Both are dressed almost identically in dark pantsuits and white dress shirts, although he’s wearing a tie and hers is subtly opened at the collar.

  They introduce themselves as Agents Leslie Winters and Alan Greene.

  “Please have a seat.” I gesture to the three chairs sitting opposite where Evelyn and I sit perched to listen to what the agents have to share.

  “Ms. Arnault, we apologize, but we’ve not had any success in figuring out how your competitor might have accessed your information. We’ve reached out to the company in China. They claim they’ve been working on this for a year and that, if anything, you’re copying them,” Agent Winters says.

  I’m stunned by this. “How the hell can we be copying them? We have six months of work that we’ve done. We’ve been using focus groups to determine the names of the colors. Meeting with over a dozen vendors to determine our packaging. Working with marketing experts about our logo. It took us three weeks to determine a small dot in the logo. It doesn’t make any sense that they’d have the same information. They’re notorious at trademark theft. It’s pure and simple corporate espionage and trade secret theft.”

  “We understand that, but it’s only makeup, not proprietary computer data. What’s the big deal?” Agent Greene asks.

  My blood pressure goes from zero to five hundred, and I’m going to lose it. I can see Evelyn doing the same. “Makeup is my business. It’s a very big deal. I appreciate that you are not a user of our products, Agent Greene. However, it’s important that you understand this is a $40 million business in San Francisco and a major employer in this city. This kind of theft affects not only my pocketbook but also thousands of others.”

  Wow. I know we’re small potatoes compared to many in the cosmetics industry, but I have to believe this is a big deal to the justice department, regardless of our size. It’s certainly a big deal to me, because this is my life and livelihood. “I’m hoping you’re putting more into this than you’re indicating,” I finish.

  “Well, we’ve had a few things on our plate, and we don’t understand why you can’t just release your line as you expected. Look, there are a thousand brands of running shoes, and they all play well together in the sandbox,” Agent Winters says with indifference.

  When they’re done, they stand and shake our hands, but they’ve lost all credibility with me. I lead them out of my office with my brain going a thousand miles an hour. I’m not usually treated this way, and it burns me up.

  “Christy, please escort these agents downstairs.”

  I shut the door behind them, my mind still racing. I expected more than hearing that the Chinese say they’ve been working on the makeup much longer than we have.

  Evelyn turns and looks at me. “What the hell was that? Do they think that any industry loss to a foreign power is worth it? What would they have done had we sold sex toys?”

  I laugh. “Probably ask for samples.”

  She begins to laugh. “What are we going to do?”

  “I’ve got to think about this. Jim is doing a lot right now. I’ll see what he’s got going.”

  Sitting with my thoughts, I think about how this competitor could’ve come up with this much information before we did and got this to market quicker. How could they have come up with the names and the colors in the palette? Their palette isn’t just similar to ours but exactly the same. Our competitors will have similar colors, sure, but not the same exact ones with the same names. More than anything else, I’m pissed that these two agents discounted my business.

  I pick up my phone and call the next best thing to having the FBI on speed dial. “Hi, Jim. I just met with Agents Winters and Greene of the FBI’s White-Collar Crime division in the local office. I was really disappointed. It sounds like all they’ve done is call the company that has stolen from us, were told they’d been working on it for months, and have now pretty much stopped investigating because they have so much on their plate. I’m having lunch with Walker Clifton today to see if I can get him to light a fire under these two.”

  “Metro Composition is a major employer in the city. What are they thinking?”

  Jim says exactly what I’m feeling, and it makes me feel vindicated that I’m not overexaggerating their response. “That’s Evelyn’s and my thoughts, too. Any advice for me?”

  “Let me do some research. I’ll have some preliminary information for you in a few days.”

  Chapter five

  Mason

  I’ve been in the hospital now for almost nine weeks, and I’m anxious to get out of here. My energy isn’t back at 100 percent, and I still have a little bit of nausea and shortness of brea
th, but I’m ready to have a regular night’s sleep in my own bed. My bags are packed, and I’m ready to go. My mother is nowhere to be seen. She’s a night owl, so it’s usually three in the afternoon before I see her. I always called it “Janice time.” I love her, but she’s a lesson in patience.

  I look over at CeCe, who’s been here every morning and has snuck me coffee on a regular basis. She’s studying her laptop. I know Jim and the FBI are both busy working on her mole, and we’ve talked a few times about it, but she’s understandably stressed. She can’t stop the competitor's production, and the fact that they’ve launched already gives them the advantage of the color palette and names. I think she should just trade out the names of the colors and launch anyway; those who love her brand won’t be interested in the knock-off. But she’s unsure.

  I’m anxious. Today’s the day. Today they’re going to tell me if I can finally go home. I’ve been warned by one of my nurses that they won’t release me unless I have full-time care at home. I’d hate to hire someone for a short period of time, so when CeCe insisted I stay at her place, it didn’t take me long to agree. I’m pretty self-sufficient, so a caregiver would only be there to make sure I get up and out of bed each day and to check on me anyway. If I were still living with Annabelle, that would have worked. I could invite my mother, but that would be more of me looking after her than the other way around.

  Besides, being with CeCe is going to give me the chance to make my move. I’m sure of it.

  Annabelle. I kept her close because I knew something was not quite right there. At first, I was convinced she was feeding information to the mole, but I could never be sure. But as time went on, she relaxed when she was with me. We had a comfortable rhythm. We didn’t love each other, at least not in a traditional way. We were good friends. I ultimately told her that my heart belonged to someone else. It was nice to feel so well taken care of by her, and I feel really bad about being so blunt about it, but I didn’t want to lead her on; I only kept her close because I really didn’t trust her.

  Turning, I look over at CeCe. I know I can trust her. None of the SHN team trusted Annabelle. I often questioned if I was driven by their suspicion or if my lack of trust stemmed from her behavior. I want to believe it was how she would act, as she always seemed to be up to something. Maybe at first, she sold information to the mole for money, but I think once she quit the company and moved in with me, the mole moved on to the legal assistant, who was caught and now sits in a federal prison in Lompoc.

  “Are you thinking about Annabelle?” CeCe asks.

  “Yes, I’ve been thinking about her a lot. More than I did before this happened. I just can’t believe she could be behind this.”

  Janice arrives unexpectedly. “CeCe! So wonderful to see you. Thank you for connecting me with Jennifer. She’s amazing.”

  “I agree.”

  She’s so focused on CeCe that she seems to forget why she’s here until I wave at her. “Oh, Mason, today’s the day. After over two months in the hospital we’re going to get you home. I’ll feel so much better knowing you’re no longer in the hospital.”

  “They haven’t released me yet,” I tell her.

  She pats me on the arm. “They will. Don’t you worry.” She looks around. “I need to find out when your doctor is going to release you.” And with a flurry, she’s out the door.

  “I don’t want my mother to move into my place.”

  CeCe nods in understanding. “I’ve already talked to her and Dr. McMahon. I’ve made arrangements for you at my house. Misty is already there, and my housekeeper is there all day; she’ll meet what you need. Jim has a team waiting to escort you, and they’ll be set up in the guest rooms downstairs.” She looks at me and pushes hair back from my face. “I don’t want you staying alone. I hope it’s okay that I’ve stepped in and taken over.”

  “As long as my mother is staying at the Fairmont, I’ll be okay.” I can’t wait to see my dog, Misty. She’s a beautiful golden retriever, and I’ve had her for many years.

  CeCe giggles. I love that sound.

  Mom returns. “Apparently we can’t leave until Dr. McMahon arrives, and he teaches in the morning at the medical school. So we need to wait.”

  “Mom, I’m going to be okay. If you want to go back to Ohio, I’m fine. I’m out of the woods, and I’m not going home but to CeCe’s place.”

  “I’m not ready to go yet. I still need to see how well you’re doing outside of a hospital.”

  “You can stay as long as you’d like at the Fairmont, Mom.” It’s expensive at $1100 a night, but it’s worth her staying there rather than in my house. I adore the woman, but she’s nosey. She’ll go through every single drawer, cabinet, and crevice, and there are things in my home that I just am not interested in explaining to my mother.

  I’m convinced I’ll be stuck with the turkey, stuffing, and potatoes the hospital is serving for lunch when Dr. McMahon and his trail of students arrive. “Mason, the time has finally come. Are you ready to go home?”

  “I think I was ready about eight weeks ago.”

  He smiles. “All right. I will sign your discharge papers. Please note, you have an appointment with gastroenterologists along with a cardiologist.” He looks at CeCe. “It’s extremely important that he keeps these appointments. Aconitine poisoning will have long-term effects, and we need to monitor them.”

  “He’ll be there if I have to drag him myself,” CeCe assures him.

  “You’re good to go. Mason, it was a pleasure being your doctor. I think Miss Arnault has you in excellent hands.” He winks at her, and she smiles.

  They load me into a wheelchair, and I have a team of people following me out. Most people don’t pay attention to me; they seem to be watching CeCe. She’s easily recognizable, and people often ask for her autograph. To my dismay, these days several have been giving her the play-by-play with her ex-boyfriend. He’s a true loser. But his loss will hopefully be my gain. I know she’s always kept me at a distance, but this time I’m going to make my case. I’ve been in love with her since I met her, and it’s time I told her.

  CeCe has a grand home at the top of Pacific Heights. The front faces Alta Vista Park, and the back has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the North Bay, Berkeley on a clear day, and downtown. Truly beautiful.

  The car pulls into the back, so I’m able to get out without the pressure of cars passing. It takes me a while, as I’m easily exhausted. This is not how I want to live. When we finally reach the living room, I stop and park myself in a chair with a footrest.

  “Wow, this is a beautiful home. And what a stunning view,” my mother says.

  CeCe smiles. “Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you. I feel very lucky that the house came on the market just as I was looking to buy.”

  “Do you live here all by yourself?”

  I think she’s considering moving in.

  “I have a housekeeper who helps and takes care of things around here, particularly as I travel for my work. She’s been watching Misty this whole time and will keep up with Mason while he’s here,” she assures my mother.

  “I grew up on a farm, and we didn’t have dogs as pets, they had jobs. We never had a dog when Mason was growing up. I don’t understand his fascination with animals.”

  I roll my eyes internally. My mother just says whatever comes into her brain, not thinking about who her audience is.

  “I grew up with a bunch and love them. They never have a bad day, and they are always excited to see you,” CeCe shares.

  Misty slathers me with licks and nuzzles me, and her tail is wagging faster than most cars can drive. I missed her so much while I was in the hospital. I rescued her when she was a puppy. She’d been abused and doesn’t like crowds, but who can blame her?

  She leaves me and greets CeCe, almost equally as happy. I watch CeCe get down on her knees to give Misty the attention she’s begging for.

  “I’m not planning on staying very long,” I tell her
.

  CeCe looks up at me sharply. That may have come out stronger than I intended. “You’ll stay as long as the doctor says is appropriate.”

  I’m trying to think about how I can respond to that when my mother announces, “I have dinner plans tonight.”

  I look at her with a bit of surprise. “Dinner plans? With who?”

  My mother ruffles my hair. She may be a bit overbearing, but she does love me. “There’s a kind gentleman that I met. He takes me to dinner, and we enjoy each other’s company. That’s the other reason I’m in no hurry to head home.”

  CeCe grins. “I think that’s wonderful. Go enjoy yourself. Angela and I will take care of Mason and make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble.”

  I don’t need any looking after, but I’m grateful for time with CeCe. “I’m just fine. No one needs to worry about me. Have a great time, Mom. What’s his name?”

  “He’s a doctor here in San Francisco, and his name is Michael Frieman,” she says with a look of triumph on her face.

  “Have a great time.” I’m going to have Hadlee check him out. She’s a good friend and a pediatrician, well connected within the medical community here in the city.

  Mom gives me a hug. “It’s just fun to have somebody want to take me out to dinner for a change. Get some rest, and I’ll be by tomorrow to check on you.”

  I can’t help but be a little nervous about Dr. Frieman. My mom can be softhearted and takes in strays. I hope this is a good thing.

  My mom leaves in the flair that she always comes with. I look at CeCe and shake my head in surprise that she hasn’t run for the hills.

  “What should we do for dinner tonight?” she asks. “Would you like to go out, or would you rather have something in?”

  “I’m certainly open for whatever you feel you’re up for.”

  “I’m not the one who spent the last two and a half months in the hospital, so you get to make the decision.” She smiles at me, and right now all I want is to be with her.