Straightening up, I shrug. “Everything needs work and polishing to shine.”
“We agree on that.” He steps right behind me, his proximity making it impossible to gather my faculties. In these blissful seconds, all I’m able to do is feel—soak up all the things he exudes: power, masculinity, and something else I can’t pinpoint. Maybe it’s his commanding presence, but I feel safe around him.
“Rubies are my favorite,” I continue. “When I was little, I was convinced fire was in them.”
“You’re not alone. There are ancient legends and stories in which people believed there was fire in rubies.”
“There is a bit of fire in everything and everyone,” I say.
Sebastian lets out a sharp breath. Feeling the hot air at my nape weakens my knees, so I turn around. Big mistake. His gaze smolders. Biting my lower lip, I force myself to break eye contact. As we head back inside the elevator, I ask, “Why is everyone down here so stressed out?”
“We have a small collection presentation in two weeks for our international buyers.”
Frowning, I inquire, “Don’t they receive catalogs?”
“They do, but inviting them over for a private presentation makes them feel special. Also, we have more negotiating power if we bring them to our territory.”
“Smart,” I admit.
“It’s good you’ll be here for the presentation. It’s nowhere near as elaborate as our big runway shows, but it’ll give you an idea.”
“That’s great.” My job is to set up a more aggressive marketing campaign for the next season, which will culminate with one of the Bennett runway shows. They’re so famous
they often attract more press than fashion mogul shows.
“You’ll love the show.” We only travel for a few seconds in the elevator; and when the doors open, we step out in an underground garage. “Rubies are the focus.”
“Will you be there?” I make sure to keep my distance as I walk alongside him.
“I haven’t attended shows in years. Neither the big ones nor the ones for buyers. Reporters are always milling around. They’re like hawks when they see me. I’m not much of a front man.”
That is true. Business magazines regularly showcase Bennett Enterprises as a poster child for the most successful American companies. I did my research before I came here, reading everything that’s been written about them. Sebastian leaves interviews and editorials to his siblings. Nevertheless, that doesn’t keep magazines from mentioning him.
“I avoid the spotlight. Thankfully, most of my brothers like it. Blake and Daniel especially enjoy it. They’re the party brothers,” he says with a smile and a wink. We come to a halt in front of a black Mercedes, and he opens the door for me. Such a gentleman.
“So if Logan is the nice brother, Blake and Daniel are the party brothers, which brother are you?”
The sexy one, a voice in my mind says. That’s not fair to the other brothers. From what I’ve seen in magazines, they’re all yummy, but I doubt they’d have the same effect on me.
“You’ll have to find out.”
“I’ve never backed away from a challenge.” I hold my chin high.
Sebastian pins me with his gaze, his eyes snapping fire. “Neither have I.”
Oh, my God. Sebastian Bennett is a flirt and I love it. I’m teetering on the brink of dangerous territory.
Chapter Four
Sebastian
“Where are you taking me?” she asks ten minutes later, while we’re speeding through San Francisco.
“To one of my favorite restaurants.”
“I hope it’s not an expensive one.”
I blink. I’ve never heard these words from a woman before. Generally, the more expensive the location, the better. But Ava Lindt is full of surprises. The first one was down in Creative today. I watched her carefully while she was inspecting the rubies. Women usually look with greed at the gemstones. However, the expression on her face was one of pure interest and awe.