He smiles wide.
“Thank you.” He seems relieved, his shoulders less tense, and the lines on his forehead have disappeared. “It’s tonight at seven. If you want to head out and get ready for dinner, you’re welcome to do so.”
I take in my work attire and frown. This definitely won’t do for a dinner with potential investors.
“I’m going to take you up on it.”
I walk toward him, lean up on my toes, and kiss his cheek. “Thank you again, Grant.”
Without another word, I gather my stuff and I’m out the door. I need to impress, and right now, I’m less than my best.
With the hotel not yet open, the gathering Grant planned for tonight with Ace and Ethel Knapp is set up on the rooftop terrace. I admire the breathtaking view all around us. From the hotel rooftop we have a panoramic view of the entire city. Goose bumps pepper my arms as I take it all in. It’s magnificent.
“Thanks for inviting me tonight, Mr. Lancaster.”
I decide to go with professional, feeling a little out of my element in this moment. I turn my head to look at him and find him watching me intently.
“Grant. Call me Grant, Bridget.”
My name rolls off his tongue, his voice throaty with seduction. I find it hard to breathe with him around. He’s told me repeatedly he doesn’t care about his wife, but I can’t help but still feel what we’ve done is wrong. He’s married. He’s a father. I’m not a hussy.
At least during the day, I can concentrate on work, but here, even though we’re talking business, it feels like we’re not boss and employee. Right now it feels like I’m a woman and he’s a man. A very delectable looking man, indeed. For one night, I don’t want the warring voices floating around my head to compete. I don’t want awkward or stifled conversation. I’m an adult. He’s an adult. We can both be professional.
An hour into the discussion of plans for the hotel and expansion in the future, Grant has hit his stride. His suit jacket is discarded, shirt sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and he’s leaning across the table, assured and powerful.
“Why Europe?” Mr. Knapp, Silicon Valley, venture capitalist and possible investor for foreign expansion of The L, asks while sitting back and crossing his arms.
“Why not Europe? The piece of property we’re looking at is in a provincial location that could benefit from additional tourism. The place is stunning, but without nearby accommodations, it’s virtually nonexistent to tourists. With luxury accommodations and the right marketing, we could put this town on the map.”
“You won’t disclose the location, so how can I possibly understand what you’re proposing?”
“Yes, won’t you paint us a picture, Grant?” Mrs. Knapp bats her eyelashes, clearly taken by my companion for the evening.
Grant gives a short nod. “From one side as you’re perched atop a hill, you have views of the cobblestoned streets of a town that has some of the best pastries in Europe, wonderful cafés, antiques, and one of the best farmer’s markets in the area. On the other side, you’ll have a panoramic view of the sea for as far as your eyes can see. The clearest blue waters will have you thinking you’re in the tropics.”
“It sounds lovely.”
“Throw in the first-class service of The L, and you’ll have no reason to leave. It’ll create jobs for the small village and bring more money through from tourism.”
His excitement for the hotel is evident to everyone sitting at this table. The air is electrified by his charisma. Grant talks for what feels like another hour about the possibilities with expansion into Europe, and Mr. Knapp is eating out of his hand. He’s secured enough interest that further expansion is a big possibility for The L.
“Lancaster, you’ve sold me,” Mr. Knapp states. “Big things are ahead for The L and Knapp industries wants in. Count on our funding.”
Grant sits back, putting his hand under the table. His large palm brushes against my bare leg and a shiver runs down my spine at his touch. He looks over at me. He doesn’t move his hand and I can barely handle the tension crackling in the air between us. Watching him talk about The L was one of the biggest aphrodisiacs. Now that he’s touching me, I can barely breathe.
“How’s Chelsea doing?” Mrs. Knapp’s words cut through the tension like a dull knife. The reminder of Grant’s wife ruins any chemistry between us and makes me feel like an interloper. I’m not here as his date. I’m here as an associate.
Grant stiffens beside me at the mention of Chelsea and then removes his hand from my skin. The void of his warmth makes me feel cold and insecure. He doesn’t look my way, and for that I’m thankful. I’m trying the best I can to smile and act interested in the question so to not give away my true feelings.
“She’s doing well.”
“That’s wonderful. Such a lovely woman. Please give her my best.”
He nods, and with that, I find the perfect time to make my departure.
“It was so nice meeting all of you, but I must head out,” I say, not focusing on any one person as I collect my things. “I apologize for having to cut the night short, but I have a lot of work to do.” I stand on shaky legs.
Three pairs of eyes meet mine. “It was lovely to meet you, Bridget. Good luck with our Lancaster here. He’s going to make you a very busy girl,” Mrs. Knapp says.
I give a tight-lipped smile to her, just wanting to be gone. You have no idea, lady.
“It was wonderful meeting you, as well.” I turn to Grant. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
I hurry downstairs and out of the hotel. My exit was so awkward, but I had to get out of there. I was ready to combust. I’m halfway down the sidewalk when I hear Grant calling my name. I turn to see him jogging toward me.
“Grant? What are you doing?”
“I’m sorry about back there. I shouldn’t have touched you. I’m sorry she mentioned Chelsea. They go way back and—”
I throw my hands up in the air to stop him. I don’t want to talk about Chelsea. Her name alone can ruin the night. It’s a reminder that no matter how strongly I feel, he’ll never be mine.
“It’s fine. I’m just tired.”
I begin to walk away toward my place.
“Bridget, don’t lie to me,” he says, grabbing my hand to stop me. “Let me walk you home.”
I twist around to look at him. “Oh, no, you really don’t have to. Honestly, it’s not far.” I try to not sound desperate for space from him, but I am. His very touch has the effect of a tsunami on my insides. With one simple brush against me, my will to fight him would disappear and my body would melt into his.
“Well, then, you shouldn’t mind.” He smiles. “I told them you had my keys so I said goodbye and ran to catch you.”
“You shouldn’t have. I’ll be fine, Grant.”