“So, you’re the yoga guy,” Tim said. Grant almost winced at the awful term but managed to nod. “I thought so. Maybe all that deep breathing was worth it after all. Some promotion, huh?”
Arianna visibly flinched, then seemed to force a smile. “I didn’t tell him yet, Tim.”
“Crap. Sorry, again. Didn’t mean to interrupt, just wanted to see if you were pulling in Cindy to work with us tonight.”
“Sure, I’m up for some brainstorming.”
“Done. Nice to meet you.”
Grant watched the man stride out in his perfectly tailored suit and decided he didn’t like him. He studied Arianna, who looked way too interested in finding the perfect black olive, and suspected something was wrong.
“Promotion?”
Her laugh seemed forced. “Yes, I didn’t get to tell you. Seems the Rosebud account got me the recognition I wanted. They’re moving me up the ranks.” He pondered her statement and made sure he spoke mildly. “You don’t seem too excited about it.”
Her gaze swung up and locked on his. His gut clenched with anticipation for something she would say, something disturbing, something that might change his life. But she only smiled, soft and slightly sad. “I am excited. I just found out a few hours ago so I think I’m in shock.”
“It’s a big deal, isn’t it?”
Arianna nodded. “I get to head the account. I’ll be working on a Superbowl ad, so yes, it’s a big deal.”
‘Then we’re going to celebrate. I’m taking you out tomorrow night, if you’re free of course.”
“I’m not.”
“Hot date?”
“Yoga class,” she said.
He moved in and pulled her onto his lap. She expected a kiss, but he managed to tickle her tummy and made her squeal out in surprise. “Cancel it,” he ordered. “Come out with me instead.”
She agreed and his mouth came down on hers.
Arianna expected dark passion and received sweetness. His lips sipped at hers, then dipped inside to play. His tongue stroked her with a heavy languor that made her limbs melt. He explored the satiny wetness of every inch of her mouth, then slowly broke away. She let a sigh of satisfaction slip from her lips. “Ok, we’ll compromise. Class first, then dinner,” she said.
“You drive a hard bargain.”
Her hand slipped from his neck to between his legs to find him pulsing and ready. She squeezed and gave him a wicked smile. “No, but you certainly do.” He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re a hell of a woman, Arianna.” For one brief moment, she felt the energy in the room change. An unanswered statement, a question, hung heavily in the air. She felt as if she was drowning in the dark inkiness of his eyes, pulling her downward, urging her to tell him the truth.
She was in love with him.
She was moving to Chicago.
Arianna swallowed the words and deliberately slid back a few inches, letting her hand drop from his body. Grant seemed to sense her decision and allowed his gaze to cool, allowed her to separate from him. For now.
But she knew it was a warning.
The truth would be coming soon. He’d see to it. She would tell him soon, but for a little longer, she wanted to enjoy being with him without complications. Without decisions or regret.
She just needed more time.
“I better go. You have work to do.” Grant rose and packed up the basket, kissed her good-bye and left. Arianna stared at the closed door for a long time before forcing herself back to work.
There was going to be trouble.
Arianna watched the young Missy with her lover and took a deep breath.
Over the past week, she noticed Missy getting a little too attached to Grant. After their last argument, Arianna decided to let him work it out and not interfere. She trusted him and knew his intentions were honorable. She also trusted his business instincts and felt he would make the right decision.
Except tonight was Tombstone time. High Noon. Arianna was about to stake her turf and Grant was going to have to deal with it. Their celebration dinner had been pushed back a few days due to another tight deadline. Grant had been completely supportive, so they decided to go to dinner tonight after class. She’d just joined the intermediate students and was feeling her way through the group dynamics, going deeper into her practice. Missy was one of the students. She had been deliberately cold toward Arianna, her gaze continuously roving her body as if comparing and judging her inferior. Missy was an excellent student and far in her practices. Her asanas were graceful to watch and she usually served as a model to the others.