say, it grew on me.”
I wish I could grow on you…
“I’m glad I can change your views on some matters. Life needs that little notch-up or else it will be extremely boring. In your case your sparkling water needed a slice of lemon.” I tease.
“I can not wait to see what else you’ll introduce me to.” Something passes in his eyes. Something that looks like desire, but it vanishes as quickly as it came.
We’ve been playing this teasing, flirting game, which I can play till tomorrow but for some reason I don’t want to play, not now… not with him.
I need to know.
And with that implosive thought, I lean towards him, “How strict are you regarding not mixing business and pleasure? I know you said you wouldn’t want me to hook-up with Patrick, but what about… you and me?” I whisper and the moment the words leave my mouth, I regret them.
Great way not to threaten your newborn job…
Mr. Miller pulls back sharply, and the look on his face worries me. His eyebrows shot up, his eyes wide and his seductive mouth is slightly open, with shock I presume. Mr. Miller frowns and stares at me for a moment, then suddenly, his gaze shifts to something behind me. He takes a deep breath and his face smooths out in a nanosecond. I look over my shoulder and focus on two men walking towards our table. Both men are dressed immaculately in designer suits.
“Miller!” calls out the tall, blonde, older man that is reaching out his hand.
“Collins.” Mr. Miller shakes his hand and introduces me to both men.
They join us and the waitress is back to take out orders. They each order a steak. A Bone-in Rib Eye for Mr. Collins, a Filet Mignon for Mr. Ward and lastly, Mr. Miller orders the Porterhouse for two and looks at me with an unreadable face. I understand that he ordered for me as well and make no protest, even though I wanted the Rack of Lamb. The conversation quickly shifts into business discussions. They talk about buying some company and the value of it, but I can’t pay attention to any of it, because I’m too busy freaking out about my straightforward advance towards Mr. Miller.
Oh. My. God. I hope he won’t fire me for that. What the hell was I thinking asking him that?
He said it over lunch. He doesn’t mix the two! Where is that ‘value’ now? I groan inwardly.
I remained silent throughout dinner, which felt like an eternity, trying my best to eat, even though my throat was tightly shut from mortification. The torture was finally over, when Mr. Miller paid the check without even looking at it.
“How long are you staying in Miami?” Mr. Ward asks Mr. Miller, and then looks at me with a sly smile.
“Until Saturday.” Mr. Miller replies, giving me a look I don’t completely understand. Or pretend to not understand.
“Well… we must leave. We have a seven a.m. meeting tomorrow.” Mr. Collins pats Mr. Ward on the shoulder. They rise and we follow.
“It’s been a pleasure, Miss Slav.” Mr. Collins smiles and we shake hands.
“Likewise, Mr. Collins.”
“Looking forward to meeting you again.” Mr. Ward gives me a warm smile.
When I reach to shake his hand, I find a card in his palm. It’s probably his business card.
Ugh… seriously?
I take it, not wanting to embarrass him, but he’s really not my type.
“Nice meeting you Mr. Ward.” I smile politely.
I place the card discreetly in my clutch, but when I lift my eyes, I find Mr. Miller looking down at me. His face is smooth and unreadable.
Damn.
“Excuse me.” I breathe out and head to the ladies room.
I must isolate myself from all this testosterone. I head to the sink and grab a paper towel. I wet it and pat my forehead, taking deep breaths, trying to calm myself.
Oh God… please don’t let me lose my job.
I don’t understand him. Every man I’ve met since we got here has been hitting on me.
Except for him.
I exhale loudly and frown. I stand there, looking at my
Juliet E. McKenna
Charity Ayres
Ruth Thomas
Ron Roy
Greil Marcus
Marysol James
Delia Parr
Maile Meloy
Damage Control
Brian Ruckley