Page 25 of She's a Big Deal

“Yeah, big time. You?”

“Yes, me too.”

“Great. So that’s the vibe I’m looking for. Could you do it?”

“Absolutely, sounds like a fun challenge. I’ll have a think over the weekend and send you drawings to look at by Monday at the latest.”

“Perfect! Thanks, Olivia, I appreciate it.”

Olivia was ready to leave when she spotted Grace Michaels coming in. She froze instantly and lingered as she watched her make her way to the bar.What is she doing here alone?Grace had looked exceedingly attractive the other day in her expensive, no doubt made-to-order, outfit. Now she was equally arresting in tight-fitting blue jeans, black heels, and a white linen shirt half-tucked in on one side. Stylish and relaxed in equal measures. Olivia bit on her lip as Grace found a stool and ordered a drink.She’d been excited to go home and start on her new project. Maybe with a hot chocolate and Lord of the Rings on screen for inspiration. Little Everett on the sofa next to her. Now she was tempted to go over and at least say hello. Hopefully, a bit more. She watched Grace run a single hand through her hair, then let out a heavy exhale as if she had a lot on her mind. Olivia found her own legs propelling her forward before her mind had time to decide if it was really a good idea.

“Good evening, Ms. Michaels.”

Grace glanced aside with an eyebrow already half-cocked in dismissal, from which Oliva deduced she must not be in a mood to chat. She pretended not to notice that and remained standing with a smile firmly on her face.

“May I join you?”

Crystal-blue eyes performed their usual assessment. Top to bottom and up again, razor-sharp, before Grace nodded vaguely in reply.

“May as well.” Warm and inviting, she definitely was not, but it did not stop Olivia from being attracted to her like a hungry bee to a fragrant flower. “Though I did not take you for the bar type, Ms. Bianchi.”

“I had a meeting with a potential new client here tonight. And it’s Olivia.”

“Ah.” Grace merely glanced at the bartender, which was all it took to bring him back from the other end of the bar, where he was talking to someone else. Talk about a magnetic personality. “What would you like to drink?”

“I’ll have the same as you.” This meant expensive whisky, neat, in a tumbler engraved with the head of a stag and a pewter bottom.Classy...It fit the woman. Olivia slid on the nearest stool. “Thanks. I do go out from time to time, you know.”

“Hmm-mm.” Grace flashed an enigmatic, almost lazy half-smile. “I’m sure you do.”

Olivia observed the way she held her glass and swirled the gold amber liquid inside it—casual and precise at the same time. She noted red-painted nails—long, elegant fingers. Everything about the way this woman moved was graceful and effortless. If Olivia were not careful, the whole thing might even strike her as erotic.

“I didn’t take you for the drinking alone type,” she stated to take her mind off things.

“Maybe I’m waiting on a date.”

“Oh…” Disappointment flared, which Olivia did her best to hide. “Are you?”

“As it happens, not tonight. But what am I supposed to do? Call a friend every time I want a drink?”

Not tonight?Olivia wondered privately.

“Good point,” she granted. “I just thought you were staying at Charlie’s.”

Grace flicked her a wry glance. “And didn’t I tell you not to assume things about me?”

“Certainly. But didn’t you also assume that I wasn’t the bar type? And got it wrong? You’re not following your own advice.”

Olivia teased, even as she stood her ground, which earned her an appreciative smirk. Just like the whisky, it warmed her up from the inside out.

“Touché,” Grace conceded and offered that she was staying at the hotel. “It’s easier that way for both of us. I had dinner with Charlie at the house, then sent her to bed nice and early. She needs the rest.”

“And she listened to you?”

“Of course.”

“I guess people do, huh?” Olivia grinned, entertained at the unapologetic smugness of her tone.

“Yeah.” Grace shrugged as a fleeting shadow passed across her face. “Most of the time, anyway, if they know what’s good for them.”

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