With the waitress no longer devouring Gavin with her eyes, the unpleasant emotion invading Leah’s thoughts faded away. Maybe later she’d examine whatever she’d just experienced, because it wasn’t the first time it had happened, but with him sitting across the table watching her, doing so now was impossible.
“What about this weekend? Any big plans?” Leah inquired.
He reached for his water glass and shook his head. “Catching up at the office.”
“You are not.” Any other weekend she’d accept his response, but not this one. “Saturday is the Fourth of July, Gavin. You kno
w, cookouts and fireworks. Spending time with friends and family. Having fun.”
“I know.” He shrugged matter-of-factly before sipping his water. “And since the Fourth falls on a Saturday, the office will be empty until Tuesday morning. I can work and not be interrupted.”
Leah admired how dedicated he was to Culloden, but seriously, the restaurant giant wouldn’t go under if he took a few days off. “You can’t work on the Fourth of July. Monday, sure, okay, if you insist, but not Saturday.”
“I’ve got no other plans, and thanks to my business trip to Jackson, I’m behind on a few projects.”
It was time for a little friendly intervention. He might be the chief development officer for the Culloden Company, but even he needed some downtime. “Well, you have plans now, my friend. Saturday, Mom is hosting her annual Fourth of July party in Newport. You’re coming with me. It’ll be fun.”
Mentally Gavin pumped his fist in the air. For the past three months he’d been fostering his friendship with Leah, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. Considering the way things ended between her and Harry, he hadn’t wanted to move too fast. Although it had been pure hell, he’d refrained from pursuing her the way he wanted, allowing her time to get past her breakup while at the same time getting to know him better. If she was inviting him along to her parents’ house, perhaps the time had finally come to step things up.
“Shouldn’t you check with her before you invite me?” His mom didn’t hold many parties. When she did, the guest list was planned at least two months in advance, and she didn’t take well to last-minute additions. He’d never met Judith Sherbrooke, but he wouldn’t be surprised to learn she had that in common with Mom.
Leah waved a dismissive hand in his direction. “She’s used to last-minute additions. And don’t worry about this being a big family event. Mom invites a lot of her and Dad’s friends too. You’ll probably even know some.”
Whether he knew anyone there or not didn’t matter to him. The only person he cared about sat across from him.
She narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at him. “And I’m warning you right now. If you say no or give me some other excuse, remember I know where you work and live. Don’t think for a minute I won’t storm your office and drag you to the party by your hair.”
No need to drag me anywhere.
Gavin threw up both hands in defeat. “Just tell me the address and time and I’ll be there. Promise.”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, but when it comes to taking a day off, I don’t trust you, Gavin.” There was no missing the trace of humor in her voice. “Meet me at my house Saturday morning around nine o’clock, and we’ll drive to Newport together. We can spend the night at my parents’ house and come back Sunday afternoon. They have plenty of room.”
Showing up at her family’s party unexpectedly was one thing, but staying the night was another matter. He’d happily make the three-plus hour drive back and forth with Leah, but he’d book himself a hotel room for the night.
“I’ll meet you at your house, but I’ll get a room nearby for Saturday night.” There was no shortage of hotels in and around Newport.
Their waitress appeared with the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella they’d ordered. Despite the fact Leah sat across from him, the waitress sized him up as if he was a prime piece of horseflesh she wanted to add to her stable.
“Is there anything else I can bring you at the moment?” the waitress asked, her eyes never leaving him.
“I’m fine, thank you. Leah?” When he transferred his gaze back across the table, the last thing he expected to see was an annoyed expression on Leah’s face. Yet, with her jaw clenched tight and her lips forming a partial frown, it was the only word that came close to describing the look she wore.
Interesting. He’d given up trying to guess what went on in a woman’s head a long time ago, but right now he’d love to know what was going through Leah’s mind.
She gave the waitress a curt nod. “I’m fine too.”
“Fabulous. I’ll bring out your entrées when they are ready.” The waitress sent him one last I’m yours if you want me look before walking away.
“Do you want to drive on Saturday or do you want me to?” he asked.
Leah’s gaze trailed after the waitress briefly before her eyes turned back in his direction. “We can figure it out then.” She added some of the appetizer to her plate and then pushed the rest closer to him. “I had this the last time I came. It’s delicious.”
***
Gavin massaged the back of his neck and stood. He’d arrived home from the country club three hours ago and gone straight into his office. Since then he hadn’t moved from his desk. The cramps in his neck and back were telling him it was time to call it a night, even if he hadn’t gotten as much accomplished as he’d hoped.
Switching off the lights, he left the room and headed for his bedroom. Tomorrow morning he’d get up a couple hours earlier than normal and get some extra work in. When he told Leah he had some catching up to do, he hadn’t lied. The projects in Mississippi had dominated all his time while he was down there, meaning everything else had gone on hold. Then he’d gone straight from Jackson to his apartment in Providence, where he’d spent the weekend before coming back to New York late Sunday night. While in Providence he hadn’t touched his laptop or his briefcase.