“Important ones.”
His fingers danced around the rim of his empty glass. “But not to you.”
She rested her chin in her palm. “Would you try to buy me if you could?”
“In a heartbeat.”
…
Truer words had never been spoken.
Indeed, everything would be so much easier if she were a woman he could impress with his wealth. Hayden had learned at a young age that it was far easier to buy good will than to earn it. They only had so many days on this earth, after all. So instead of fighting against the fortune hunters who invariably ended up on his doorstep, he embraced them. A few nights of hot sex were well worth a diamond tennis bracelet here or there.
But Avery had returned the jewels he’d tried to give her. She’d turned down everything he’d sent her.
She didn’t want to jeopardize their working relationship because of one night. A night she called a huge mistake.
It was as frustrating as it was captivating.
“Maybe you need to take a hard look at how you interact with people,” she said, sipping on her colorful straw.
“I have no problems with how I run my life,” he replied. “My world follows patterns I understand. Rules by which I govern my time.”
That had her expressive eyes flashing to his.
“Ah,” he murmured. “Something tells me your world does, too.”
“I like order,” she replied.
Yes. She lived to solve her little puzzles. It was the reason she took jobs no other consultant would touch. They offered a new challenge, and one thing he’d come to know about her was that she loved to find the hidden answers.
Avery looked at a riddle the way his previous flames looked at diamonds.
“So, tell me one of your rules,” he said, leaning forward.
“Don’t mix business with pleasure.” She said it with enough assurance he had no doubt she meant the words beyond the taunt they offered.
“I see,” he said solemnly. “Love, I’ve got some bad news for you.”
Rolling her eyes, she took another sip. “I’m well aware I messed up with you.”
While the knowledge obviously chagrined her, it gave him hope. Avery didn’t make mistakes. She was always in control, and yet the night of the gala she’d slipped.
Because of me.
His heart beat a little bit faster.
“So, I make you break your rules,” he said.
“Champagne makes me break my rules,” she corrected. “Especially when it comes in multiple glasses on an empty stomach.”
A slow smile touched his lips. She was a terrible liar.
“Have I mentioned how much I love that drink? We should have it at every meal, I say.”
“Sounds healthy.”
“Sounds exciting.”
“I spend my days traveling the world. Excitement isn’t hard to come by,” she said.
“Really? What was the last daring thing you did?”
Her gaze flicked to his before a blush lit her cheeks.
Ah. I’m the last daring thing she did.
Instead of confirming his suspicions, she glanced away and said, “I have my moments.”
“Oh, I remember.”
The blush deepened before she reached for her drink. He fought back a smile as she took a large gulp, draining the contents.
“On that note, I think I’ll head back to my room,” she replied, setting the empty glass aside. “I’ve given you my update and finished my drink.”
“You could get another.”
“No, thank you.”
“Something I said?” he teased.
Her eyes narrowed. “Jet lag.”
“Ah.” Rising to his feet, he tossed some bills on the table and moved to her side.
She stiffened as his hand touched her back to guide her from the bar’s patio. Glancing down at her soft auburn curls, he wondered if a time would come when she’d lean into his touch instead of away.
He was uncharacteristically hopeful about such an eventuality.
Avery put up with his hand on her until they cleared the bar before neatly stepping out of reach.
“I’ll leave you to your evening’s entertainment,” she said, staring at his chin instead of his eyes. “I’m sure there’s a waitress or two around here eager to help you unwind.”
“I’m not a man who enjoys multitasking,” he said, moving forward until his mouth was a hair’s breadth from hers. “I’ve eyes only for you.”
Her gaze focused on his lips before flicking up to meet his. “For how long?” she asked. Her small hand pressed against his chest, the touch burning like a brand. “We both know your interest in me comes with a time limit. All I have to do is wait you out.”
“Are you so sure?” he asked. Because with her hands on his body, he wasn’t at all convinced.