Page 7 of The Photograph

When she glides into the room, I lock my body in place. I understand how a woman like her would bring a man to his knees. In Mike’s case, she did it literally.

Her pictures don’t do her justice. Slim with just the right amount of curves, a small waist, and hair that reaches past her shoulders, she exudes sex, and she knows it.

Her black leather-bound portfolio in her hand, she steps in the middle of the room with a smile. “Good…” She takes a quick peek at her wrist and her smile widens. “…afternoon, I guess.”

The gold digger extends her hand to Ann. “You must be Ann. Very pleased to meet you.”

Ann shakes her hand. “Pleased to meet you as well, Aelin.”

The woman I’ve been searching for steps sideways to my lawyer, and a light chuckle escapes her full lips. “Mr. Smithson, always a pleasure.”

Tim clears his throat and straightens his back as he greets her.

When she finally gets to me, her pupils widen briefly, and I get to my feet. “Hello, pleased to meet you Mr…”

“Aelin, this is Gabe Matthews, the owner of Holloway House,” Ann says.

Another smile stretches her lips. “Mr. Matthews, pleased to meet you and congratulations for acquiring Holloway House. It’s an absolute jewel.”

“Call me Gabe.”

“All right.”

As she starts, her warm and slightly raspy voice paired with her undeniable enthusiasm make her already brilliant presentation exceptional. Ann’s right, her proposal is perfect for Holloway.

A little more than fifteen minutes into her presentation, my cell vibrates. The manager of one of my hotels in Europe needs a call back.Shit.I text Ann.

Have to make a call. Pick her and have her start asap.

When I stand up, Aelin stops mid-sentence while her eyes widen, and I clench my jaw.

Don’t worry. I’m coming back for you.“Please, continue,” I say and exit the room.

Chapter Two

Aelin

As the door shuts behind the new owner of Holloway, my throat tightens while my stomach hits the bottom of my ribs.No.

I turn my back on the rest of my judges and shuffle my designs with shaking fingers to regain my composure.

What did I say that made him leave? Is that why they contacted me so late?I swallow my disappointment—heartbreak—clear my throat, and resume my presentation.

At the end of my allocated half hour, I pack up my dreams, thank the two people who had the decency to listen to me until the end, and shake Ann’s hand.

The pretty woman folds both her hands around mine. “We’ll be in touch, Aelin.”

No, you won’t.

Forcing a smile while my chest hollows, I thank them again for their time and exit the room.I’ll wait until I get home to cry.

In the elevator, my portfolio under my arm and my purse dangling on my fingers, I shut my eyes tight and breathe deeply.My presentation was good, so why…?

When tears press behind my eyes, I straighten up and take another deep breath. My cell chimes with Em’s ringtone. I read her text.

When do we start? The Champagne is chilled!!

I turn off the screen and slide the cell in my purse. If I respond now, I’ll cry. I bet that with all his I’m-the-manly-man tallness, Gabe Matthews is a loud chewer. I sigh.Loud chewer. Loud chewer.

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