“I have several projects that require a good interior designer,” he announced. “Doug recommended you without hesitation. That’s what I came down here for earlier - to see your work for myself.”
“Oh, right. What type of projects?” I asked, intrigued.
“I am planning on converting a large commercial building into residential apartments,” he said, and his face was suddenly animated and his eyes became that deep cobalt color. “If you are interested, I would love to hear your thoughts.”
“Oh okay, where is the building located?” I asked, back firmly in professional mode now.
“Just a few blocks away,” he answered.
I explained that I was new to Manhattan and had yet to fully explore the area. He didn’t seem surprised but what he said next made me catch my breath. “If you are heading home now, I could walk with you and point it out, if you like. I have the keys if you wanted to take a look inside. That‘s if you might be interested and that you have the time, of course.” His face was so animated; his eyes shone and I realized that he was passionate about this project. I could relate to that. It was so satisfying to see a disused building given a new purpose.
I instantly agreed but said that I needed to grab my purse from my office and lock up. He said that he needed to collect the keys from his so we agreed to meet outside my office. I watched his back retreating from the conference room and almost pinched myself to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming again. Of course I wasn’t dreaming - we would both be naked by now if I was!
I had totally forgotten about taking photographs of the frosted glass window, I realized when I put the camera in my desk drawer. My thoughts then drifted to Lucas Hunter’s proposition. I knew that if I could secure that contract, it could really launch my career. I was just locking my office door when he appeared behind me in the corridor. How does he do that?
“All set?” he asked with a smile.
I said that I was and he held out his hand, gesturing me to walk in the direction of the elevator. Not wanting to share his private elevator then? We waited in silence for the elevator to arrive. When it did, I felt the gentle pressure of his hand on the small of my back as I stepped inside. My heart fluttered. Oh stop already! I turned to face the door and broke the contact. I immediately felt calmer until his arm brushed against mine when he leaned forward to press the button and it generated butterflies in my stomach. Get a grip, woman!
As we stepped out into the lobby, I felt his hand return to the bottom of my back, steering me away from the front entrance. I stopped and looked at him questioningly. “Private entrance,” he grinned. “Owner’s privilege.”
Suddenly, I remembered that I needed to ask Clark to lock up Norman & Wilde for me. When I told him, an emotion that could have been anger flashed through his eyes for a split second and he dragged his hand through his designer messy hair, irritably. With a sigh, he turned and gestured for me to walk towards the main entrance. I was shocked by how quickly his moods seemed to shift.
As we neared the guard’s station, Clark stood and faced us. His face looked almost comical due to his eyebrows almost disappearing into his hairline and his mouth falling open in surprise. He quickly rearranged his features but his eyes remained wide. He quickly agreed to lock up the office before he left and then bade us goodnight. I could feel his eyes on my back as I walked through the revolving door. I got the feeling that Lucas Hunter never, ever used the main entrance.
We walked without speaking for almost a block before I found it uncomfortable.
“So can you recommend any good places to eat nearby?” I asked, just to break the silence. “Oh, and which venues have the best nightlife?”
He frowned before replying. “I really have no idea, sorry.”
“Oh,” I said. “Not a fan of eating out or partying then?”
He shrugged. “No, not really.”
I was intrigued. “So what do you do in your spare time?”
An irritated expression flashed across his face and I regretted asking such a personal question.
“Sorry,” I blurted out. “That was a very personal question and I had no right to ask it.”
He stopped walking and turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Why did you then?”
“I was just curious, I guess. I thought most people in our age bracket spent much of their free time engaging in such activities. Well, until they settle down …” I broke off as the idea that he might not be unattached crossed my mind. Oh god, tell me that I haven’t been flirting with a married man! Practically throwing myself at him.