A red hue stains her cheeks as she whispers, “No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
I drive her to the complex where she told me her serviced apartment is, and invite myself upstairs. I can’t believe my eyes when she opens the door to her room.
"When did you arrive?” I ask.
“This morning.”
“This place looks like you’ve lived here for months.” There are photographs and little keepsakes from her numerous trips.
“You like it?” She smiles proudly.
“It looks almost like a home.” It’s warm, bright, and colorful, like her.
“Well, I spend so much time traveling and living in hotels or serviced apartments that I try to make it seem like home everywhere. It feels less lonely.”
“You don’t have to be lonely. There’s me and a bazillion other Bennetts to keep you company. My family is very friendly,” I add, before I can stop myself. I should go, but something makes me want to stay. “Aren’t you going to invite me for a drink?”
“It’s early afternoon, and I don’t have any drinks. Besides, I already have plans for today. I have to leave in about half an hour.”
“You’re kicking me out?” I ask in disbelief. I like this woman more with each passing moment.
“I am. I officially start working for you tomorrow, so the rest of the day is mine. I’m exploring the city.” She presses her luscious lips together in a tight line.
“I like a woman who is confident enough to spend time by herself, but wandering through San Francisco on your own is not the best idea. You don’t know the city.”
“Sebastian! Thank you for your concern, but I live in New York, and I have traveled to some very shady cities. I know how to take care of myself.”
I back off, trying to rein in all the feelings she stirs in me: protectiveness, desire, and something more.
“Besides, don’t you have work to do? I heard you’re a workaholic.”
This sobers me up. Yes, I am; but she made me forget that for a few hours. Stepping in front of her, I brush the hinge of her jaw with my fingertips. I take endless pleasure in the way her pupils dilate and her tiny body quivers at my touch. “Enjoy your day. See you tomorrow morning.”
Chapter Five
Sebastian
“I can’t believe you took her to Alice’s place. How was lunch?”
I look up from my papers to find Pippa in the doorway. Alarm bells ring immediately at her characteristic smile. When we were kids, that grin usually meant I broke a window—don’t tell Mom. As of late, that grin means I’m trying to set you up with someone.
It was a bad omen then, and it is now.
“The food was good.” Despite my neutral tone, Pippa’s smile morphs into a grin.
As I said, bad omen.
I hold
up the report I’m reading to show her I have no time. Instead of taking the cue, Pippa proceeds into my office, sitting in the chair opposite me and resting her elbows on my desk.
“Oh, but it’s all in the company, not in the food, right. So, how was the company?”
“Ava’s smart,” I reply curtly, still surveying the report in my hands.
“And beautiful and sexy. You want to add anything to that list?”
With a groan, I give up and push the papers away. It’s not as though they’ll stop Pippa when she’s on a mission anyway.