“How? Why?”
She closed her eyes briefly, but not before I caught a glimpse of regret in them. “I needed to get in touch with Mr. Hayes about an opportunity but when I realized it was a personal event for his wife, I changed my mind and decided to reach him another way. When you found me at their table, I was trying to leave…my card.”
I waited for a long moment. As did she for my response.
“Would you like me to give him your card?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not ready. I need more time to…figure out what I’m going to say.”
I cocked my head and smirked. “He’s not as scary as he seems.”
She watched me with so much sincerity in her eyes that it broke my heart to have doubted her. “I don’t think so either. At least I hope not. But it’s just not something I was ready for then or believe I am now. When I approach him, I want to make sure…I can give him a solid reason to…give me a chance.”
I nodded slowly.What am I missing here?
“I can help you with your pitch, you know. After the Todd Harrison matter, I think I owe you one.”
She grinned and picked up her glass, ignoring my offer.
But I kept my eyes on her. “Just tell me what you’re selling.”
She took a long sip of her wine. “I’m going to miss you this weekend.”
Dropping the subject. Okay.
“Fine. I’ll take what you can give me in pieces, sweetheart.” I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers, feeling her tension release instantly.
It wasn’t until after dinner that Isabel was herself again. And I hated that I felt guilty for confronting her. It wasn’t a familiar feeling for me so I didn’t know how to deal with it.
How to fix it.
After clearing the dishes together, I pulled her onto the couch. “What’s been on your mind tonight?”
“Work, mostly.”
I stroked her hair, needing her to feel free to open up to me. “What else?”
She glanced up at me. “I’m sorry I let you believe I was a guest at the party.”
Did she think I was mad at her? I chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Please don’t be. I’m in no position to judge artful business tactics. And to be honest, it makes a lot of sense. Somehow you didn’t seem like you belonged.”
She pulled off me, an unreadable expression on her face. “What do you mean?”
“That entire room was filled with obnoxious, opportunistic, fake or devious business acquaintances of Donovan’s, plus a handful of Eileen’s yacht club friends. You didn’t fit in any category.”
She smiled, her eyes brightening instantly. Her fingers slid under my jaw and she kissed me. “Thank you.”
“You can tell me anything.”
She nodded, her eyes distant again.
Her hand moved to my inner thigh and she climbed over me. A distraction I happily welcomed. I leaned back and gripped her waist, settling her hips to straddle me. She lowered herself, tracing light kisses down my jaw and neck while her fingers worked to undo my belt and zipper.
She shimmied down my legs, tugging at my jeans until she reached what she wanted.
