Page 25 of A Heart of Little Faith
“Yeah, I did. What’s going on?”
“An associate from our LA office is coming into town next week, bringing some other associates and their wives. They want to go to dinner. I don’t mean it like a date, just as friends. If you’re free.” His tongue was thick and he had a bitter taste in his mouth. He held his breath and waited for her answer.This is ridiculous. It’s a business arrangement. She’s already volunteered.
“After those rave reviews you gave these events, I’m not sure I should.” He swallowed and she rushed to reassure him. “I’m teasing. But are you positive there isn’t someone else you’d rather take?”
He exhaled, his palms damp. “Honestly, you’re one of the few people who don’t pity me, and whose company I find somewhat enjoyable.”
“Gee thanks, your enthusiasm overwhelms me. No wonder you don’t enjoy these things!” She gave a wry chuckle.
He blew out a breath and ran a hand across the nape of his neck. “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. When we’re not yelling at each other we have a good time. At least I do.” He stiffened at the unexpected admission.
“True.” Her smile came through and he started to relax.
“ Anyway, I have some work things coming up, this being one of them, and I’d rather not take my sister or go alone—I hate sticking out, or being set up, which is what will happen. I thought maybe you might want to go to them with me.“ For a non-date, this was surprisingly difficult.
“So kind of like a business arrangement?”
“Uh, yeah.” Gideon closed his eyes in relief, as a sliver of disappointment wiggled its way into his brain. No matter how attracted to her he might be, a serious relationship wasn’t a good idea. He’d only disappoint her.
“Let me see if I can get a babysitter. Bella’s, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Fancy.”
He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “These people like fancy.”
“They should be pleased. I’ll let you know when I hear from Tara. How’s everything going?”
She could have rushed him off the phone. Instead she was talking to him. He leaned into the sofa cushions, enjoying the conversation. “Things are going well. We’re just about ready to roll out our drug and so far, no glitches.” He crossed his fingers. “And you? How’s Claire?”
“We’re both fine, thanks. She was excited about your coming to school with her, and she had a wonderful day. Thank you again.” She sounded hesitant.
He rushed to reassure her. “My pleasure, Lil.” And it was true. Every time he was with Claire or Lily, he had a good time. He wanted that happiness to continue…for all of them.
****
During the week, Gideon threw himself into work and the center, while experiencing a nervous energy he hadn’t felt before.You’d think we were going out on a date.He groaned. He’d been on many business dinners in his career, and every one of them filled him with dread. This one was different though. His throat went dry whenever he thought about it. And what about his clients? What would their response be when he arrived with her? Never mind his response to Lily.
He recollected the movie they’d seen together when he’d first met her. He’d spent more time watching Lily than the screen. As they sat next to each other, her arm had brushed his and rustled the hairs on his forearm. He’d contemplated moving it, but the barely there warmth coupled with the cool smoothness of the armrest created an electric current he hadn’t been able to resist. Her silky, soft skin begged to be caressed, and reluctantly, he’d dragged his attention away from her and toward the screen. But the memory of it, and that barely there feeling, lingered after the movie ended. To this day, weeks later, his arm tingled whenever he thought of it, to say nothing of what he’d felt having her in his lap. She’d felt right, like part of a puzzle whose piece he didn’t realize he’d lost. Andthiswas the woman he would spend a business dinner with?
One thing’s for certain, he thought on Thursday as he watched her step out of the car he’d hired to bring her to the restaurant,she looks amazing. She wore a black suit with pale pink piping on the jacket, and a V-neck that showed enough cleavage to make him sweat. The skirt hugged her hips and ended above her knee with a small tailored pink bow on either side at the hem. His fingers itched to slip beneath those bows and travel farther up her leg, and he clamped them around the wheels of his chair as he stifled a groan. Black pumps and pantyhose and a black and pink purse, completed the outfit.
She’s sexy as hell.
“Hi, Gideon. I hope you weren’t waiting long.” She smoothed her jacket and hitched her purse onto her shoulder.
He looked at her once again, starting at her waist and moving up, then down, to her shoes. He imagined himself running his hand along her smooth legs, spanning his hands around her waist, and his breath quickened as he indulged in the fantasy. The rasp of the ignition brought him to reality and he caught himself.Fool, she’s paying her obligation to you. He frowned. His mask slipped into place as he attempted to cover his desire.
“Nope, just got here. We’re a little early. Let’s go in and get a drink at the bar.”
He banged the wheels of his chair as he led them into the restaurant. The aroma of garlic accosted him through the open door and made Gideon’s mouth water. Toulouse Lautrec prints and wall sconces hung on gold walls, with portions of exposed brick. Piano music played in the background.
At the front of the restaurant, a dark mahogany bar reflected his scowl in its polished wood finish and he made a conscious effort to smooth his features. He ordered them each a martini, the bar’s specialty, and waited for the icy liquid to flow into him and dull his sharp nerves. It soothed his thirst, if not his mind, and he let his gaze rove the restaurant—anywhere but her.
“So how have you been?” Her melodic voice broke the quiet and startled Gideon out of his uneasy reverie. Dread churned the pit of his stomach as he took in her strained smile and her white knuckled-grip the handle of her purse. Tension arced between them.Why do I always erect walls between us when we’re together?
He wanted to soothe her unease. “Okay.”