Page 181 of Chandelier Enthralled
“It’s non-negotiable, Willa.”
“How am I meant to be taken seriously if I have a person trailing me when I’m doing a covert investigation?”
“You’ll figure it out.”
I went to take another bite of food and paused, fork halfway to my mouth.
No, way.
Greyson Grantchester stood inside the restaurant doorway, looking all kinds of gorgeous. His broad shoulders and tousled hair exuded an effortless allure, a rare tranquility. He wore a dark gray bespoke suit, with one hand casually tucked into his pocket, as if unaware of his magnetic presence.
My belly twisted with uncertainty.
His gaze swept the crowd. He was clearing looking for someone, joining someone for lunch.
But who?
Rose followed my line of sight. “Very dashing.”
I shoved another morsel of fish in my mouth and chewed, glancing away and then back again, not being able to resist seeing where he went, see which table he joined. I glanced around at all the glamorous guests, trying to match him with someone.
Greyson was caressing his jaw, squinting as though trying to figure something out.
Then he saw us.
He brightened and headed our way, seeming to be equally surprised to see me. As he effortlessly strolled around the tables, I watched the crowd to see if I caught any jealous glances.
As he approached, my face blanched. I was both happy and nervous to see him. The last time we were in each other’s company had been the hottest experience of my life—in his Obsidian Suite.
Strange how civilized we were acting now.
I wasn’t sure if I should stand and give him a welcome hug or not show any affection. He was obviously meeting someone. What if it was a date? What if he reluctantly accepted my affection?
I didn’t think I could handle that. What if everything we had shared had been merely a brief affair? Perhaps our chemistry had gotten the better of us and we’d been swept up on a wave of passion.
“Willa,” he said, and then gave my aunt a polite nod.
“This is my Aunt Rose,” I said, sounding breathless. “We’re having lunch.”
“I can see that.” He gave me a cute smirk and smiled at my aunt. “A pleasure, Mrs. Cole.”
“Pleasure is all mine.” Rose reached for his outstretched hand.
“How’s the food?” he asked.
“Exceptional. We recommend the Atlantic Pan-seared Cod.”
“Thank you. Maybe I’ll try it.”
Rose peered up at him and took a long hard look, assessing him carefully.
My throat tightened. Talking was going to be a strain.
An uncomfortable silence ensued.
This wasn’t me—I was the outgoing one. The confident one, the woman who leaped right in and grabbed opportunities without hesitation, and yet…
Again, he scoured the room. “I’m meeting a client.”
