He reaches up and rubs the back of his neck, which is his way of asking me if everything is going well. I wait a few seconds before I raise my arm as if I’m adjusting my watch. That’s the “all clear” signal.
Trays of appetizers pass by and I grab a few. There is never enough food at these things, just a few bites on a huge plate. Wish they’d serve burgers or something filling at least.
“I’m starving,” Saige says in my ear. It’s like she knew what I was thinking.
“I think dinner will be served soon,” I say back. She sips her champagne and makes a face.
“Yeah, rich people food.”
I nearly snort as I take a sip of my own drink. It’s top of the shelf stuff, but I’d rather have beer.
“What do you mean by rich people food?” I ask.
“Oh, you know,” she says, draining her glass and then putting it on a tray. “Those little tiny bits of food on those huge white plates. I mean, if they want to make it look like a decent amount of food, they should put it on smaller plates.” I’ve thought the same thing myself.
“Tell you what. After we leave, if you’re still hungry we’ll go grab something.”
“Burgers?” she asks as her face lights up.
“Absolutely.”
We finally sit down to dinner and I’ve got Saige on one side and another couple I don’t know on the other. Saige’s parents are on her other side. This could be tricky, but nothing I haven’t done before.
The conversation is mild and basic. Mostly Saige’s parents just want to know about me. Not that Mr. Beaumont doesn’t already, but I give them the same information I gave him when we first met.
Saige adds commentary here and there and I have to stifle a laugh more than once.
We’re both right about the food. If it’s possible, I’m even more hungry than I was when we started.
After some more polite conversation and coffee, I’m ready to go. I need to use the restroom, but I know if I leave Saige’s side, Beaumont will seize the moment and come find me. So I stay.
She yawns and leans against me. I’m surprised she’s so open in front of her parents, but I let my arm rest on her shoulder.
“I’m exhausted.”
“Would you like me to escort you home?” I ask, being careful with my words.
“That would be great,” she says, her eyes fluttering closed as if she’s exhausted.
She gets up and goes to speak with her parents. I stand back as she kisses both of them on the cheek.
“It was lovely to meet both of you,” I say and they agree.
Saige and I walk out and she smiles at me.
“I’m not really tired. I was just sick of being in there. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love dressing up and dancing and sipping champagne, but I reach a saturation point.” She sort of skips in her heels as we reach the valet area.
“I totally understand,” I say. The car pulls up a few moments later and I hold the door open for her.
“Hungry?” I ask when I get in.
“God yes,” she says, and I hit the accelerator.
Fifteen
“Mr. Beaumont is here to see you,” Grace says on Monday morning. Honestly, I thought he’d contact me before now, but I’m ready for him.
“Send him in,” I say. I wait for Grace to open the door and Beaumont to come in before I look up from my computer.
“Nice to see you again so soon,” I say, keeping my tone cautious.
“Yes,” he says, sitting down without an invitation. “I didn’t know you were screwing my daughter.”
I keep my reaction non-visible.
“I’m not screwing your daughter. I didn’t know she was your daughter when I started talking with her. We met at a coffee shop.”
“And she knows you work here.”
“Yes, but I didn’t tell her that I work with you. I have to keep confidentiality,” I say, my tone even and cool.
“Agreed,” he says and there is a tense silence as I wait for him to make up his mind as to what he’s going to do.
“I can’t say I’m happy about the situation. But I do appreciate you keeping our business relationship quiet.” I nod and wait for him to continue.
He sighs.
“And this better not interfere with our particular business relationship.”
“I can guarantee you it won’t. I keep my business life and my personal life completely separate.” He studies me for a few moments.
“I guess I’m going to have to trust you on that. If I tell Saige not to see you anymore, she’ll just do the opposite. So. I’m going to do nothing. But I’m keeping my eye on you, Quinn Brand. I’m going to be watching you like a hawk.” I don’t doubt him in the slightest.
“I’m not a man you want as your enemy,” he says, his eyes narrowing to slits. Message received.
“I don’t intend to, Mr. Beaumont.” There’s another moment when we measure each other. He must find me acceptable because he gets to his feet, buttons his jacket and holds out his hand.
“Glad we cleared that up. I’ll be in touch about my investments. And I’d appreciate it if you would keep her in the dark for the foreseeable future.”
I agree and he leaves.
My legs buckle and I sit back in my chair. I don’t know why I was so worried about this meeting, but I feel like I’ve just dodged a bullet and escaped with my life. True¸ it’s important that I not piss Beaumont off, but my relationship with Saige is of more importance. She’s my way in.
I close my eyes for a second and breathe to get myself back together. Things are starting to move in the right direction, but I really need to speed things up with Saige. It’s time for an overnight.
All it takes is a few calls and everything is in place. Grace arrives with a bouquet of white roses and a new shirt and tie.
“Thank you, Grace,” I say and catch just a tiny hint of jealousy. I know if I tell her to sit on my desk and pull up her skirt, she probably would. But I don’t want her.
“You’re welcome, sir,” she says, walking back to her desk as I gather my things and head down to my car.
I check my phone and find that Saige is still at the coffee shop where we first met. Good.
I drive to the shop and parallel park just down the street. With the flowers in one hand, I open the door of the café. She’s sitting in exactly the same table we first sat at together.
Her back is to me, so I have plenty of time to approach her without her seeing me. I walk slow enough that she can’t hear me and then reach out and tap her on the shoulder.
Her hair is curly again today and it ripples down her back. I want to twist my fingers in it and pull a little. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll get to in a very short time.
She turns around, surprised, and then she sees it’s me, holding out a bouquet of white roses.
“Surprise,” I say, smiling back at her.
“What’s this?” she asks, taking the flowers.
“I hope you have nothing planned tonight because you are coming with me right now.” She raises one rust-colored eyebrow.
“Really? You think you can just barge in here, hand me some flowers and I’ll do whatever you want?”
“Should I have brought chocolates? A teddy bear?” I say.
She purses her lips and shakes her head.
“I’m not easily bought, Quinn Brand. You can’t just do what you want and think that I’ll come running.” She stands up.
“You have to make an effort.” She steps close to me and runs her hand down my chest, but she doesn’t stop. She goes all the way down past my belt and…
And now I have a hard on in the middle of a coffee shop.
“See, I think you need me more than I need you at the moment.” She gives me a wicked grin and then removes her hand.