"Yes. This Monday."
"Jace," My voice was tense. "That is in two days."
He nodded tightly as he glanced up at me from the screen of his laptop. "I'm fully aware of that."
"How long?"
"I will be there for four days."
I sucked in a deep breath for courage. "I can't come with you."
He frowned and surprise lit his features. "Why not?"
"I can't just leave the store." I said slowly. Firmly. "I have to be here to oversee my project."
Jace shifted in the seat. "Have you ever been to Paris, Olivia?"
The way he asked the question made me think he already knew the answer. It unnerved me. "No, I haven't."
He nodded as though this was no revelation to him. "And, you are going to pass up the chance to see one of the most romantic cities in the world to remain here to oversee your project."
"I have never desired to see Paris, Jace." I stated matter of fact. I didn't like how he just assumed he could demand I go with him to Paris and just drop the rest of my life as though it were insignificant.
He frowned. "That is ridiculous. Every woman wants to see Paris."
I shrugged. "Maybe every other woman you know...but, not me."
"Humor me, Olivia." His fingers were tense as they traced his top lip in thought. "What part of the world is irresistible to you?"
"Italy." I said immediately and then I blushed.
He nodded. "Italy, huh."
"Yup." I nodded. "Not Paris."
His eyes twinkled. "The fact that you want to be here to oversee your project is the only reason you will not accompany me to Paris, yes?"
"Basically."
"Either it is or it isn't." His blue eyes were an inferno as he watched me lift my other leg onto the counter. I wrapped my arms around my knees and shrugged.
"It is."
His fingers began typing madly over the keys of his laptop. My curiosity doubled with each second that passed us by. I had no idea what he was doing, but I had a sickening feeling it was not something I would later be pleased about.
"The dilemma is solved." Jace said. He lifted his eyes to my face and I took it for what it was. A challenge.
"I didn't know there was a dilemma that needed solving." I snapped.
"Oh, there most definitely was." His lip twitched and I knew he was fighting a smile.
"Enlighten me."
"You needed someone to oversee the project. You have that someone. I hired the best and you will be meeting with her today. She will ensure that nothing goes amiss while you are gone and she may even find some things you overlooked. She has worked for me on countless occasions. She is willing to clear her schedule for the week. You are lucky to have her working for you." Jace spoke as though I had asked for this. I wanted to crawl across the counter and wring his neck.
"I did not ask for this, Jace. You can contact her again and let her know I'm not interested in her services." I snapped.
Jace laughed. He actually laughed! I was moments away from shifting to my knees and diving at him when he spoke. "I'm going to Paris because I'm opening another hotel there. You will accompany me, Olivia, because you signed my contract. If you need to be refreshed on the terms I can pull it up for you in a moment. I have a copy on my laptop."
I felt the blood drain from my face as I stared at him. I clenched my teeth, fighting the urge to scream bloody murder at him. How infuriating! "Your arrogance is astounding." I managed through clenched teeth. "And you are paying that woman for every dime of her time."
"I never once considered anything else." Jace replied calmly.
I hated the fact that I was so worked up and he was calm as ever. It only made me want to strangle him more. Or kick him in the shins and watch him fall to his knees. Oh, yes. How I would love to see him on his knees. He wouldn't be so smug then.
"When are we leaving?" I pushed myself off the counter. The temptation of throwing myself at him was too much.
"Very early Monday morning. You will be spending the night at my place for an easier transition."
"Whatever." I snapped. "I'm going to take a shower."
I turned and walked from the room. I was furious with him and the thought of spending even another moment with him was too much to handle.
Chapter 17
I stripped as quick as I possibly could before I stepped into the hot water. The pounding pebbles of water felt delicious against my tight muscles. I sighed and leaned my head back, closing my eyes. I lit two delicious vanilla and brown sugar scented candles before stepping into the shower. The lighting was dim. Finding the much-needed relaxation I was seeking should be relatively easy.