Page 9 of Where She Is
He grins and is about to raise his glass until I say, “Actually, I have a better one. To cowboy heroes, complete with Stetsons?”
“We don’t wear Stetsons.”
“Okay then, heroes in cowboy hats or whatever you want to call them.”
“Akubra.”
“I’m sorry?”
“The name of the hat, it’s called an Akubra.”
“Oh, I see. Then I’ve learnt something new today.”
With a dangerous smile, he says, “Cowboy heroes, huh? Is that what I am?”
Be careful, Hannah. Don’t be too flirty.“To me you are.”
He smirks as our glasses chime. It’s sexy as hell. “I consider myself to be more of a part-time farmer, but I’ll go with cowboy if that’s what you want.” His dark eyes lock with mine. As he opens his mouth to speak, Richard appears from nowhere, causing me to jolt away slightly from this tall, mesmerising man. All the butterflies which were previously happy dancing inside my stomach take a nosedive. Richard’s words from earlier shout in my head, but there’s no obvious annoyance as he offers his hand towards Daniel. My breath stops momentarily.
“Daniel, it’s so good to see you again.” He could not be more pleasant if he tried.
“Richard, it’s good to see you too.” I know they’ve met several times in the past, but their handshake seems a little too vigorous, almost rough.
“And I understand you’ve already met Hannah?” Richard says with one raised brow, but it does not faze Daniel. His focus sears into me and his tone is low.
“Yes, I have. She’s excellent company.” Our eyes burn and lock. We don’t move until Richard clears his throat. I realise what we’re doing and a flush creeps over my cheeks. Daniel steps in. “And you must be happy to have your number one PA join you at last?”
“Absolutely,” Richard turns to me. “I’m sure Hannah would agree that this job arrived at the perfect time.” His devious grin has my insides wound up so tight, I may snap at any moment.Oh no. If youdare mention Rob, I’ll…
“Richard, there you are.” Diana’s sudden appearance couldnot have come at a better time. I could kiss her. “Peter would like you to join him in his study. I apologise for interrupting.” Richard looks at me from the corner of his eye, “No problem at all, Diana. Can I leave Hannah in your capable hands?” What he actually means isI can’t trustyour son.
“I’m sure Hannah doesn’t need me when Daniel seems to have everything under control, don’t you love?” Daniel raises his glass and Richard’s eyes bulge from their sockets. He gives a very stoic, “Of course,” before he throws me a look as he walks by. It screamsbehaveyourself,buthis departure from Daniel is nothing but professional. “Please excuse me.”
“Go ahead, Richard,” he gestures. “You’re never off duty with my dad around I’m afraid.” But my boss is already halfway across the hall before Daniel has finished, leaving him to focus his full attention back to me. “Are you all right?”
Diana folds her arms around my shoulders. “You do seem a little flushed.”
“Yes… yes, nothing to worry about.” I glance towards Daniel while Diana continues.
“Good. I want you to have fun and I hope I was right when I presumed my boy was taking care of you?”
“He’s been an absolute gentleman,” I answer. The look he passes my way is anything but gentlemanly. He could melt my panties with those eyes.
I’ve really enjoyed the last half an hour. It’s been fun chatting and laughing with Daniel and Diana. So far, they’ve introduced me to the company lawyer, Charles Godwin, and his wife, Meryl, and also Frank Macey, and his partner, Martin. Frank and Martin work together in engineering, which is interesting. I wonder how they put up with one another day in, day out.
I notice the intricate beadwork along the bust line of Meryl’sgreen silk off the shoulder gown. Her blonde hair cascades over her shoulders and frames her natural beauty. She appears to have very little make-up on and no jewellery apart from her platinum wedding ring. She is elegant in every way. I notice most of the surrounding women have dressed so beautifully in their evening wear, most of them complimenting the black tie worn by so many of their partners. Perhaps I’m a little underdressed. It’s quite a formal affair, although a crowded one. This enormous reception room is getting busier by the time I excuse myself. I really need to use the bathroom and I can’t hang on any longer.
When I return, the room is alive with conversation and I have a job to get through the throng of bodies. I look for Daniel, but spot Richard. His finger curls to signal me over. I take a breath, straighten my back and head towards him with my professional smile. He is with someone I don’t recognise.
“Matthew, this is my assistant, Hannah May. Hannah, this is Matthew Bailey.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Matthew,” I say with a very formal handshake.
“Likewise,” he nods. Matthew is probably around my age, although he could be slightly younger. He’s tall, smart in appearance with very blonde curly hair. I smile politely, but I can’t deny my attention is over his shoulder in search of a certain man. I try to focus on the conversation, but then champagne catches my eye, and I grab a glass from the waiter as he passes. “Matthew is a fellow Brit, Hannah.” Richard winks. “He transferred three years ago and is one of our most successful account managers.” I nod my head enthusiastically, “Where did you live in the UK Matthew?”
“I’m originally from Dorset, but ended up in Fulham when I was offered a job at Grants. And you?”
Before I can speak, Richard interrupts. “I’m sorry you two, you must carry on without me. I’ve noticed an old friend from London.”Don’t leave me, Richard, you arse!I could kick him atthis point. Irecognise that glint in his eye. I watch as he heads nowhere in particular and question who the hell he’s waving at. I know what’s going on. In his opinion, Matthew is a good distraction for me, but he is very much mistaken. Matthew has hardly noticed Richard’s departure and is too busy answering his own questions.
