“Hmm…” David considered my words for one long moment. I shifted on the spot, uncomfortable with the attention. “It’s fine to have ambition and be focused on success, but one should not be so foolish to neglect a woman.” The small, knowing smile that followed had me wanting to slap it right off his smug face. Yes, David was incredibly handsome. But he was also one cocky son of a bitch.
“Did Charlie tell you about Rufus Harding?” he asked, changing tact.
“Yes, I’ll get onto it straight away,” I said, happy to be moving on with more work and less persistent banter.
“I know it’s short notice, but tonight I need you?”
“Excuse me?”
“I need you to come to dinner with Rufus and me to discuss his installation.”
“Oh,” I replied, steadying my heart rate. “Wouldn’t it better if Rufus came here so he can inspect the space?”
David walked to the door and turned, his fingers drumming on the metal trim. “He’s already been while you were away. Apparently, he has something unique planned for opening night.”
I wasn’t thrilled about doing this, for many reasons. I had the ongoing issue of Mason I was now confident in calling an end to, and Peter’s betrayal couldn’t go without a mention.
The first thing I planned to do once I got home, was collect his belongings and toss them down the chute.
“So, tonight,” David cued. “Cocktail. Eight. At Prima.” With a wink, he left.
Shoulders slumped, I sat on the edge of my desk feeling the snarling lips of defeat creeping closer and closer.
~
Stepping out of the cab running only three minutes late, I smoothed down my black dress and scanned the street. The city was always busy no matter what night of the week it was, and tonight was no different. Prima was an elegant cocktail bar with lush and intimate décor. It was far from a place to do business. The doorman greeted me with a warm smile on approach and held the door open for me to enter. Every table and booth was occupied by groups of young women clinking wine glasses, men charming their way through dates and plying them with alcohol, and then there were the singles dressed to impress and working out a game plan. The lighting was dim, the sweet smell of scented vanilla candles mixed with perfume and cologne wafted past. Behind a couple inching dangerously close to an affair, sat David. Alone.
“Fuck. Me!” I said through gritted teeth. Had David not been my employer, and had I not been reliant on money in order to survive, and perhaps been in a different stage of my life where I didn’t have a cheating boyfriend and psychopath following my every move, I may have actually fancied him.
Sensing my approach, he turned wearing a small smile in greeting.
“Gemma,” he said, his hand at the small of my back pulling me in close to kiss my cheek. It was an intimate gesture for something that was supposed to be just a business meeting. “You look stunning,” he murmured into my ear.
Pulling free from his hold, I feigned a smile. “Where’s Rufus?”
David waved his cell. “He just texted to say he’s running late.”
“Right, well, I’m going to grab a drink. Top up?” I asked pointing to his almost empty scotch glass.
“No need, I’ve ordered for both of us already. Take a seat.” David gestured to the plush two-seater couch. I sat down and he next to me despite a single seat opposite. His thigh touched mine, his arm running along the back of the chair.
“I’ve gotta say, Gem…” he started, “… the gallery just doesn’t run as smoothly when you’re not there.”
“David—”
“The way you handled the Maximus Kline fiasco…” he exhaled heavily, giving a small shake of the head, “… I didn’t think we’d come out of that alive. But in the end, he only wanted to consult with you.”
Before I could respond in what would only be a lie concerning that very event, the waitress arrived with our wine. We both watched while she placed each on the table in front and left.
Leaning forward, I took my glass and swallowed deeply. When I leaned back, David’s fingers began grazing my skin below my shoulder blade. My heart pounded, and despite squirming under his touch, he continued.
“How are things with Vanessa?” I asked hoping to divert attention off me. He didn’t seem fazed by the question and shrugged his shoulders, fingers still tenderly drawing circles on my back.
“Vanessa and I have each moved on. There’s no point on dwelling on something that isn’t, at the end of the day, functional. You on the other hand…” he smiled, “… I hope Peter treats you… well?”
“As well as I expect. Look, David—”
I was cut short when David’s eyes glanced at something behind me.
“No one told me this was a family business,” an unfamiliar voice suggested. I followed David’s smile and saw who I could only assume to be Rufus. We both stood and shook hands with the artist.
“Rufus, this is Gemma Sinclair,” David introduced, his flat palm placed possessively on my bare back. Inwardly I cringed, but outwardly I wore my most welcoming smile. “Mr. Harding, such a pleasure to meet you and to have you on board.”
“Thank you,” he said warmly, unbuttoning his vest before sitting. “You two make a cute couple.”
“We’re not a couple,” I interjected, causing Rufus to frown.
Beside me, David chuckled, clearly humored by my objection.
“Gemma is my right-hand-woman in many ways but not in marriage. She does put on a fantastic opening night, and I know your two heads together will create something even more jaw dropping.”
For the next hour, we exchanged ideas and potential would-be’s and could-be’s. David injected on occasion, his hand touching my thigh and arm as if to emphasize his enthusiasm. The rest of the time he sat back listening, his leg pressing firmer against mine with every passing minute. Wine appeared on the regular and before I knew it, I’d lost count of how much I’d consumed.
“It’s been a pleasure, Ms. Sinclair,” Rufus said standing and extending his hand.
“Please, call me Gemma.” I smiled warmly at him while nodding in acknowledgment. Standing aside, I allowed David to bid farewell to his client. When he turned back to me, he mirrored my expression.
“Well?” he exclaimed happily. “I think that went well.”
“I think you’d be right in that assumption.”
David exhaled heavily. Securing big name artists was always considered a victory, and so far we’d championed three in a row. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Gem.” He reached out, his knuckles affectionately grazing my cheek. That familiar, flirty glimmer returned, and suddenly my hackles were raised once more.
“Nonsense,” I dismissed, taking a step back. “We’re all responsible.”
“That’s what you do, Gem. You never can accept a compliment.”
“I can when it’s warranted.”
“Let’s drink to this,” he announced, excitedly. David reached for our wine glasses and handed one to me. “We make a great team, Gem. So, here’s to a promising future together. Cheers.” We raised our glasses and clinked. His toast, along with his lingering stare had me in all sorts of discomfort. I knew I excelled at my job, but hearing it from David’s mouth knowing his intentions, made it an excuse to act inappropriately.
Taking a sip of wine, I replaced the glass on the table. “I need to make a move, David, if I want to be ready for this massive project.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “So early, Gem. When you finish your wine, I’ll have my driver drop you home.”
Hooking my purse under the crook of my arm, I shook my head. “That’s fine, really. I honestly don’t think I can drink a drop more. I’m fine to get home,” I said with a smile, hoping to get him off my case.