Vital Company Read online

  Vital Company

  Book #6 of Company Men

  Crystal Perkins

  Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins

  Cover Design by Helen Williams

  www.allbookedout.com

  All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This contemporary erotic romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy, emotional, romance novels with alpha males. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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  Contents

  Untitled

  Books by Crystal Perkins

  Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

  Things to Know

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Untitled

  About Vital Company

  Father. Friend. Diver. Playboy.

  Cohen Covington has been through a lot in his life. He had it all and lost his dream, but now his son is his priority. An angry swim mom pushing him into the pool helps make him realize a change is in order. Friends and a new job offer him everything he thinks he wants.

  Mother. Doctor. Friend. Lover.

  Dr. Quincy Morris isn’t about to let any man disrespect her or her daughter again. Her ex-husband has too much power, but the Corrigans have more. Taking a job with them will bring her closer to her friends and give her the protection she needs. Until the idiot swim instructor from back home shows up in her exam room.

  Injury. Fear. Secrets. Love.

  Cohen works hard to win Q over, but just when it looks like things will work out, they’re both faced with their pasts. One of them will long for a second-chance to fix their past mistakes, while the other one runs away in an effort to protect themselves.

  Can they both forget the past and plan a future—or will they drown in the fear love can sometimes bring with it?

  Books by Crystal Perkins

  The Griffin Brothers series

  Gaming For Love (The Griffin Brothers #1)

  Building Our Love (The Griffin Brothers #2)

  Creating A Love (The Griffin Brothers #3)

  Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers #4)

  Designing The Love (The Griffin Brothers #5)

  Working On Love (The Griffin Brothers #6)

  Keeping Their Love (The Griffin Brothers #7)

  Corrigan & Co. series

  Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #1)

  Devouring the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #2)

  Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #3)

  Lessons in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #4)

  Uncovering His SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #5)

  Training the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #6)

  Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #7)

  Tending Their SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #8)

  Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #9)

  Loving My SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #10)

  Society Weddings (a Corrigan & Co. novella)

  Society Girls series

  Society Girls: Sierra (Society Girls, #1)

  Society Girls: Neveah (Society Girls, #2)

  Society Girls: Matisse (Society Girls, #3)

  Society Girls: Waverly (Society Girls, #4)

  Society Girls: Rhieve (Society Girls, #5)

  Society Girls: Jenysis (Society Girls, #6)

  Society Girls: Harlow (Society Girls, #7)

  Society Girls: Camari (Society Girls, #8)

  Society Girls: Kalila (Society Girls, #9)

  Society Girls: Rose (Society Girls, #10)

  Company Men series

  Royal Company (Company Men, #1)

  Unexpected Company (Company Men, #2)

  Savage Company (Company Men, #3)

  Brash Company (Company Men, #4)

  Defiant Company (Company Men, #5)Other books

  A Kiss is Just a Kiss

  Activate

  Never Fear-Phobias Horror Anthology

  Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology

  Romantic Times Anthology, Vol. 3

  (Gary and Maggie Griffin short story)

  Never Fear-The Tarot Anthology

  Never Fear-The Apocalypse Anthology

  Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

  “People should be free to love whoever their heart leads them, too. And this author did a great job of presenting a passionate love between 2 people who are seen as different from each other as dictated by society, but this difference wasn't a part of the love they share. Ms. Perkins did an admirable job of dealing with the issue (and other issues) as a non issue, if that makes sense.” -DianeM, Amazon Reviewer, Creating A Love

  “I love this series!!!!!! Crystal has the amazing ability to bring her characters to life. I laugh with them, I hurt with them, I smile with them, and I cry with them.” -Jessica, Amazon reviewer, The Griffin Brothers series

  “I love how Crystal makes the characters feel like real people.” -Tami, Amazon Reviewer, Learning To Love

  “This is a lovely romance story that has a sexy sizzle to it but it's funny as well as it is somewhat edgy. I like that the hero has money but it's not the focal point in this story. I love that the heroine has problems but they are not so insurmountable that they take over the story. This is good old-fashioned romance done with a modern day twist. Well Done.” -Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer, Gaming For Love

  “I found this book on Amazon yesterday and loved the cover. I read the synopsis and knew I had to get it. So I purchased it and started to read it right away. Oh my, I could not put the book down. I got so wrapped up in the story I was afraid to put my Kindle down or I would miss a part.” -Amazon Customer, Gaming For Love

  “I thought this was a fantastic start to a series, and kind of first book of a series that makes you want to rush out and buy each additional book in the series. The premise of a strong group of women working together to help other women in need was pretty awesome. I loved how C0rrigan & Co was a secret covert company along the same lines as the underground railroad but it saved women from sticky situations or abusiv
e relationships.” -Aubrey, Romancing the Book blog, Fielding Her SECRET

  “I had so many different emotions while reading. I was rooting people, wanting kick people, wanting to rip some peoples clothes off, laughing while reading, gasping out loud. Seriously, I read this like a crazy person. So much happened that I was not mentally prepared for. There were so many shockers while reading this I could not even think about putting the book down.” -Sabrina, Amazon Reviewer, Devouring the SECRET

  “Love this book the suspense and sex is EPIC.” -Teresa Jensen, Amazon Reviewer, Rocking a SECRET

  “Perkins breathes life into their characters and has the reader feeling their agony, pain, and even their love for one-another. I enjoy reading her books and learning more and more about each of the people that make up this secretive group.” -Dayreader Reviews, Corrigan & Co. series

  “In the end I am somehow proud of you Crystal Perkins. How you portrayed Ellie and her and Aiden love. I know I have no right to be, and it's really not my place to say but I am proud I read it and I recommend it to all women so they can see how strong We can be.” -Marta Bukowska, Goodreads Reviewer, Tending Their SECRET

  “The story flowed well and kept my attention throughout. There was one part I was totally not expecting to happen. I love when that happens.” -Lisa Dess, Girls With Books blog, Training Her SECRET

  “Wow this story! There are some stories and characters that leave you speechless, breathless and at times slightly broken, and Loving my SECRET Matt & Reina's story is definitely one of them!” -Vicki Plant, Goodreads Reviewer, Loving My SECRET

  “I laughed I cried and there many times that I wanted to throw my device.” -Mallory, Goodreads Reviewer, Loving My SECRET

  “Perkins gives the reader a quick peak into the Weddings of the amazing ladies in the society. What a fun roller coaster ride it was.” -Taz Lozada, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Weddings

  “Totally loved this book as I did with all of crystals book previous to this with their well written gripping story lines brilliant characters a must read really can't wait for the next in series.” – Sassylady33, Amazon Reviewer, Society Girls: Sierra

  “It is banter central, lol and completely full with characters who you actually get to know and enjoy spending time with.” – All Booked Out, A Kiss is Just a Kiss

  “Good book and a really powerful message.” Petrina, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Jenysis

  “If you’re looking for a great book, this is the one.” Renee, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Kalila

  “I love these books!!!! I seem to read them in one sitting I just can't put them down!!!” Rita, Amazon Reviewer

  “This is the new series by a brilliant author and still incorporates the characters from her previous series. This book was brilliant, the author always writes about strong characters with a vulnerable side and she delivered once again. This book was one of her more lighthearted ones, but still had the angst I have come to associate with Crystal Perkins.” Natasha, Amazon Reviewer, Royal Company

  Things to Know

  If you haven’t read any of the Corrigan & Co. books, you can still read this book. I’m listing some info below that will be helpful to you! SPOILERS BELOW FOR OTHER BOOKS!

  The Society: A secret group of female spies, operating out of the Corrigan & Co. Foundation. It was created by Jane Corrigan, Maggie Griffin, Helen Wilson, Mallory Daniels, and Cyndi Evans. They still make their presence known from time to time, but the Society is now run by Reina Corrigan. She is the wife of Jane’s grandson, Matt Corrigan, and someone not to be trifled with. Their story, Loving My SECRET, is the only book I don’t recommend reading without having read the others.

  The male characters in Company Men are all brothers, or friends, of the spies. Most of the women in the books will not know of their existence, since those who work for Corrigan & Co. have no idea what the beautiful women of the Foundation really do. Some are in awe of them, and some resent how they seem to come and go, and do whatever they want.

  Corrigan & Co.: Matthew Corrigan runs this public side of the company. One of the most powerful men in the world, he’s ruthless in business, and would do anything to protect his wife, and their friends. His brother, Miles, works alongside him, running the Acquisitions department, and doing what he can to help the Society women. His wife, Alex, runs the front desk at the Foundation. Their love story was in the book, Working on Love, which is always free in ebook format, on all platforms, as it connects my first two series, and also gives more insight into Matt and Reina’s story.

  The Studkateers are what the men connected to the Society (including the Griffin brothers) call themselves. They have a strong friendship with each other, they’re hot, and I love The Three Musketeers, so why not?

  Cohen is best friends with Knox, who got his own girl (with Cohen’s help) in Society Girls: Waverly. In that book, Cohen was managing his friend’s swimming career after tanking his own Olympic Diving dreams with drugs, alcohol, and women. Knox also loved the ladies and one claimed he was the father of her child. It turns out Shane was actually Cohen’s baby, and he’s been raising him with help from his parents for over two years now.

  Kendrick and Matisse from Society Girls: Matisse make some appearances as well. Kenny is Wave’s best friend, and the Society doctor.

  For Jordyn and Lita. Fight like the girls you are, my friends!

  Prologue

  Cohen

  Two years ago my life was very different. I was sleeping around with any woman who caught my eye, managing my best friend’s swimming career, and never thinking about the future. Now, I have a two-year-old son, I’m giving swimming lessons to kids, and the future is always on my mind. I still have sex with women, but I’m more discreet than I once was, and I always make sure to suit up—with my own condoms. I love my boy, but I’m not ready to be responsible for two kids in the near future.

  “Excuse me, but are you Colin?”

  I turn from the deck I was spraying down, forgetting the water’s still on as I douse the woman before me. The scrubs she’s wearing are now plastered to her slim curves, and while I’m sorry for soaking her, I appreciate the view.

  “Shit!”

  “I cannot believe you just did that. I have to go to work after this!”

  “It was an accident,” I tell her, taking in dark black hair, sexy lips, and grey eyes that are looking like storms as she glares at me.

  “Just like moving my daughter down a class without talking to me—or her—was an accident too?”

  “Huh?”

  “Listen, Coby. I’m going to talk slowly so you understand what I’m saying.”

  “Cohen. My name is Cohen.”

  “Whatever. It doesn’t matter to me anyway. What matters is that you moved my daughter down a class without talking to me about it. I’m not sure what kind of work background you have, or if you’ve ever been around kids before, but what you did was shitty.”

  Fuck. I’ve made my brain stop looking at women unless I plan to fuck them in a few minutes, since I’m where I am right now because of a psycho one. Now, I recognize this woman—mom—and I know I deserve her ire. I don’t deserve the condescending tone, but yeah, I get her being a bitch right now.

  “She isn’t ready for my class.”

  “Then you should’ve discussed it with me.”

  “This isn’t Harvard, it’s swim class. I made the choice I needed to.”

  “You embarrassed her. When someone else told her she’d been moved, she was mortified. Who does that to a little girl?”

  Me, apparently. Yep, I’m that ass who hurt a kid’s feelings. I relax my stance, and soften my voice. Maybe this chick wants to go to war, but I was wrong and I’m man enough to admit it.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to embarrass her.”

  “Well, you did, and it’s not okay.”

  “I should’ve talked to you both, but I’ve already apologized. I don’t know what else you want from me.”

  “I want
you to say it like you mean it. I feel like you’re just saying what I want to hear, but you should really understand what I’m saying. You’re teaching children here, and they need more from you than just to go through the motions.”

  “I never go through the motions,” I tell her with a smirk, and whoa, where did that come from? I don’t flirt like this anymore. Especially not with one of the swim moms.

  “Are you seriously hitting on me while I’m fighting with you?” she asks, her eyes getting even stormier as her chest heaves. I can see her small breasts rising and falling, and yeah, I’m liking what I see.

  “Maybe? I truly am sorry, though. I mean it.”

  Before I can even react, I’m being pushed into the pool next to us. Damn, even that was hot. I surface to see her stomping away, a perfect ass outlined by the scrubs. If I wasn’t sure her daughter didn’t belong in my class, I would totally move her back, just so I could see her mom up close again.

  Quincy

  I cannot believe what an ass Cohen is. Granted, I was a bit of a bitch, but not one messes with Bianca. Especially not some hot beach dude, who thinks he’s God’s gift to the world. Yes, I know who he is and what his name is, but I’ve also seen and heard about how large his ego is, and I wanted to take him down a bit.