Page 87 of Fighting Mr. Knight

She pauses to take a deep breath. “With local street artists telling the story of the East End through the decades from when the factory was built, the art alone will make it a destination.”

Christ, I wonder if she’s still not wearing panties.

I place my laptop strategically over my lap.

“Moving onto the apartments themselves, they’ll be located on the site of the original factory, positioned directly beside the Thames. We’ll incorporate watery reflections, wild grasses and marshland vistas inside, in natural colour palettes and woody, earthy textiles and fittings. As you can see here.”

It’s taking all my control to not kick everyone out of the room and finish the job I started.

As she answers a question from Sean, her eyes flit to the laptop balanced on my lap, then up to my face.

The flush flaming her cheeks tells me she knowsexactlywhat I’m thinking. She gives me a warning look as her voice falters.

I read it loud and clear.Fucking behave yourself, Knight.

I wink.Sorry, darlin’, we’ve come too far for that now.

She averts her gaze to Steve as he talks through the final part of the presentation.

Max stands up. “Are there any more questions?”

Everyone looks at me.

“He didn’t ask any questions. Is that good or bad?” someone mutters behind me, followed by a panickedshush.

I clear my throat.“It’s a start. Get ready to present the questions the guys asked by the end of the week. Jess, can you find another thirty-minute slot in my diary?”

Jess nods dutifully. “Sure, Jack.” Unfortunately for her, she’ll probably spend sixty minutes trying to find thirty minutes.

“Seriously, is that good or bad?”

I crane my neck to see the loud whisperer behind me. He stares back, horrified.

“If you’re asking the question, perhaps you shouldn’t be on the project. I’m not looking for good. I’m looking for extraordinary. Think you can manage that?”

“Uh.” Loud Whisperer goes completely still. “Yes?”

“Jack,” Jess cuts in, in the tone she uses to tell me I’m late.

“Yes, Jess.” I wave my hand. “Let’s wrap it up.”

I stand, and everyone follows suit.

“We’ll send over the conceptual designs by close of day,” Max says. “The minor adjustments will be included, and the rest will follow by Friday.”

“Great.” I anchor my attention back on Bonnie, who looks one thousand times more relaxed now. “Let’s do drinks tonight. I’ll reserve an area in my hotel next door. It’ll give the two teams a chance to get to know each other. Obviously, it’s on Lexington.”

I’m telling Bonnie. The rest can take it or leave it.

They’ll all take it.

“In Maggie’s,” I add, and the energy in the room rises.

Not surprising. The name is deceiving. It’s a nod to my amazing nan.Maggie’s has been named the sexiest bar in the world for four years running. As it is also the most exclusive, most people don’t get the chance to experience its sexiness.

“Wonderful idea. We’ll all be there,” Bradshaw says, puffing out his chest.

Max leans into me. “Jack, are we on track? Is this in line with what you are looking for?”

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