Page 59 of Executive Benefits

She tried to look anywhere else but at me but leaned against the station and propped herself up on her elbow. Julia turned and looked at me, square in the eye. “It’s a good thing you got your head out of your ass,” she said, looking around. “You have quite a crowd.”

“Probably all because of this PR service I paid for.” I smiled and grabbed two menus. “Is Mia sitting with you?” I asked, trying not to point out that I knew her party had three.

Julia shook her head. Her strawberry scent wafted over to me, and the flame in my chest for her burned to life. I didn’t know how I was going to get her to trust me, but I didn’t want to be without her. That much I knew for sure.

She turned and motioned for someone to join her, and I remembered that she did bring someone. I wasn’t going to let it?—

“Nick, I believe you’ve met Jack already?” Julia said. Her red lips grew into a smile. Jack held his hand out for me to take.

“Hey, Nick. Your wonderful PR agent does quite a good job of convincing people of things.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, but it was more of a friendly gesture, and a wave of relief washed over me. “She’s going to be doing more work for me and some of the papers I work for too.” Jack winked at Julia, and I swept a hand in front of me, letting him go first, but I stopped Julia, placing a hand on her shoulder.

The anger in her eyes wasn’t the same rage I saw the other night.

She’d brought him not only to prove her point, that I was an ass and didn’t trust her, but also as a peace offering.

“You didn’t have to, you know,” I said.

“I know. But I’m good at my job.” She snatched the menus from my hands and walked over to the open table. When she looked back at me over her shoulder, I knew things were going to sort themselves out.

28

JULIA

“Bye, Jack,” I said as the restaurant critic tipped his hat and slid from his chair. I was excited to have gotten in touch with him, not only because of the new project Mia and I were starting with him, but also so he could see how good the food, the ambiance, and everything was about Gray’s.

Even though Nick made me furious, I was still proud of the work I did for this restaurant. And the downhome feel, raw brick, and moody lighting were only enhanced by the incredible food. Mia plopped down next to me and brought David with her. My brows perked.

“Is this going to get weird?” I pointed between the two of them.

“No way, man.” Mia slid closer to me and hiccupped.

“You’re so drunk.” I held back my laugh. “You’re lucky this isn’t your client, or else I’d fire you so fast.” I shook my head at her.

“Please, you need me.” She laid her head on my shoulder and hiccupped again. I looked at my phone. The party was winding down. “Alright,” I said. “We can get you home.” I moved to pick her up from the other side, but David stood.

“I’ll take her,” he said. “You have to close your account.”

I squinted at him. “Why does that sound creepier coming from your mouth than it should?”

“I think because I’m technically old enough to be your youngest, most attractive uncle.”

“Ew,” Mia said, leaning against him. “Don’t talk like that, especially when I’m going to try to seduce you later.”

“You’ve had too much to drink for me to let that happen, Mia.” David looked at me with a promise not to let it happen.

I pointed at him. “I’m trusting you,” I said. “If something happens, I’ll know.”

“You have my word. She will not seduce me.”

“I might throw up on you, though.” She laughed as David took her away.

Although the party was winding down, I looked around again and realized I’d started to think of Heart’s Creek as home. I propped my chin up with the palm of my hand and surprised myself. I didn’t know when that had come true for me.

“I think you deserve a free glass of wine,” Nick said, placing a large wine glass in front of me and sitting across the table in a chair. Instead of sitting next to me like I thought he would. However, it was nice that he didn’t. Maybe that meant he was actually trying to respect what I’d said.

“Thank you,” I said, taking a sip of the wine. It was tart and dry and a great way to end the night.

We sat there and stared at each other for a few seconds, and I reached for the glass again, breaking our stare. I didn’t really know what to say, do, or think at this point.

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