Page 38 of Second Chance Wedding
She huffed out a breath, sure she’d misheard him. “What?” A laugh bubbled out of her chest. “I’m not a limo driver. Trust me, I’d probably do more damage than Benjamin.”
His mouth quirked at her words, and she noted a tiny scar on the corner of his left, upper lip.
His tenuous smile formed fine lines around his eyes that made her wonder at what he’d survived that put them there. She was curious about his time in the military but didn’t want to ask questions that might cause him pain. She knew enough to know a lot of soldiers didn’t like to discuss the things they’d seen or done in the name of freedom…and survival.
“I won’t ask you to drive,” he said, amusement tingeing his tone. “But I did some research on your business. You’ve done well for yourself, and a big part of it is through social media. As a whole, Blackwell Brothers Enterprises has relied on word of mouth and our location, which has worked great, but I think we could do more.”
“I still don’t see how I can help you. I’m not an advertising company. That’s Quinley’s specialty, not mine. I can give you her contact information if you like.”
“An advertising company feels too impersonal for what I have in mind. I want to keep things simple…low-key and memorable. My search pulled up some of your promotions and ads, and I liked your approach.”
“Thank you.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. She certainly hadn’t expected the compliments or the request. “Obviously I didn’t have a lot of money in the budget, so Quinley and I focused on organic growth.”
“Perfect. So you can help me do the same.”
“I could try, but…I couldn’t guarantee results.”
“I’m aware. What are you doing Friday evening? I’d like to get together and talk about some ways we can sell the limo service beyond the obvious.”
“Oh, um…Friday. I’m not— I’m scheduled to work until closing.”
“Which is when?”
“Six.”
“That’ll work. I’ll pick you up at the boutique at 6:30,” he said.
Ana watched him, frowning and confused by the entire topic. “Cole, I appreciate the offer. I know I’m a decent businesswoman, and I have an eye for visuals, but nothing I have to say on the matter is going to be worth that much money.”
“We’ll talk about it Friday. I should get going.”
He carried the water bottle with him to her front door. She followed behind to see him out, at a loss as to how to extract herself from whatever was happening. “Cole, I-I can dip into my savings to pay you.”
“I like my idea better,” he said simply. “Goodnight, Ana.”
Cole opened her door and stepped outside but turned to face her once more.
“Oh, and wear your gala dress.”
“My— What?”
“On Friday night,” he said. “Wear your gala dress.”
“You want me to wear my gala dress to a business meeting?”
One side of his gorgeous mouth curled up in a breath-stealing grin.
“Sweet dreams, Ana.”
Cole tugged the door out of her hand and shut it behind him.
“Did you just make a date with him?”
She turned to see a red-faced Ben standing in the kitchen. “What? No. Of course not. He— Cole asked me to help him with some business stuff.”
“It sounded like a date.”
She stared at her son, heart pounding in her chest and somehow managed to paste on a weak smile as she shook her head. “Don’t be silly. Cole didn’t ask me out. He wouldn’t. And even if he did, I-I wouldn’t say yes.”
