“Come in, come in. Mark’s just in the office taking a call, but he’ll join us shortly.” She steps back and allows us in. I pass her and begin taking off my coat as Saxon steps in the doorway.
“Saxon, darling, how are you?” she croons as he leans in to lightly kiss her cheek.
“You know me, Jeanie, perfect as always.”
“Yes, I do know you,” she says with a smirk on her face. “You’ll be perfect once you decide to pick one of the many beautiful women you are constantly seeing and settle down.”
“Jeanie, it’s going to take a pretty perfect woman to make me settle down.” He gives her a panty-melting smile, and I roll my eyes.
We hand our jackets off to the maid, who had joined us in the entryway, before following Jeanie to the sitting room.
I forgot how picture-perfect their house is. It’s filled with expensive vintage furniture, which makes you too nervous to touch it.
I sit on the edge of the floral-covered couch while Saxon throws himself down next to me. He and Nate were always so comfortable here. He confirms my thoughts as he leans back in the couch and crosses his ankle over one knee, chatting casually to Jeanie about work.
“How are you finding it at Argo, Brooke?” Jeanie asks, leaning forward, her face expecting.
“I love it there. I really feel at home.”
“There she is,” comes Mark’s booming voice. I stand to greet him, and he picks me up in his huge hug, holding me tight. “It’s so lovely to see you, Brooke.”
“Thanks for having me.”
“No thanks for having me. You’re welcome here whenever you please; this is still your home. We’ve missed you.”
My eyes glass over, and I try to blink away the wetness as I take my seat on the couch.
“Mark, get the kids a drink while I go check on dinner,” Jeanie says, standing to leave.
Thankfully Mark engages Saxon in business talk while he makes the drinks and I’m able to relax for a minute. I watch Saxon closely. Sitting here next to him and not being able to touch him is harder than I’d thought it would be. Not being able to rest my hand on his leg as he chats with Mark, or even hold his hand. Saxon must feel the same as he drops his hand between us on the couch and begins stroking my thigh discreetly with his pinkie finger.
I smile warmly at him as he surreptitiously glances my way.
“Dinner’s ready to be served.” Jeanie stands in the doorway, eyes narrowed.
We all grab our drinks off the drink cart and make our way to the dining room.
Jeanie has Saxon and me sitting across from each other while she and Mark sit at opposite ends of the table. The maid brings the prawn entrée straight out and we waste no time before we’re enjoying the gourmet food while involved in general conversation.
We discuss Argo along with business Mark is involved in at the moment, Jeanie’s charity functions and groups she’s working with.
“You know, Brooke, you should really come back to the charity group. The ladies really miss you and I’m sure you must miss it.”
“Of course I miss it, and the ladies, but being at Argo full-time doesn’t really allow me many spare hours.”
“How long are you going to do that? Surely you’re over it by now. How much could you really be doing there?”
“Actually,” Saxon cuts in, “Brooke has taken to it like a fish to water. She’s picked everything up so seamlessly, and I’m sure she’ll be running more accounts than me soon.” Saxon winks at me, and I can’t help but smile warmly at him.
“Of course she has,” Mark declares. “Brooke is a smart girl. She could do anything she sets her mind to.”
“I know she could,” Jeanie says, annoyed. “I just think she would be more in her element in the charity group.”
“She’s fine where she is, Jeanie,” Mark says sternly, quickly putting a stop to the conversation.
Saxon and I exchange confused glances. There seems to be a bit of tension, and I’m not sure why.
“You know, Brooke, I would love to have you for dinner one night next week. Mary’s son has just moved back to town, and I’d love to introduce you.”
Saxon and I whip our heads instantaneously towards Jeanie. The tension has just magnified and everyone seems aware of it except for Jeanie.
“Jeanie, that’s enough,” Mark scolds her.
“What?” She plays innocent. “I’m just saying the club is full of great men. Men like Nate, perfect for Brooke.”
I look over at Saxon, and he’s glaring at Jeanie. His jaw is tight and the muscles in his neck are pulsating under his tight skin. He meets my eyes, and I tilt my head while giving him a small smile. He’s grinding his teeth, and I know he’s holding his anger back.