He’ll have to see me eventually. My pitch is due in a couple of days. While I’m still offended at the tone he took with me, it takes more than a few coarse words for me to give up. That’s not how I play. Besides, my designs are coming along swimmingly…enough.
We’re almost done with dinner when footsteps approach the kitchen. My heart catches in my throat as Salem appears in the doorway. Fresh from the shower, his hair still wet, you can smell the clean scent of soap wafting off of him. My center clenches thinking of his dripping wet body under a steamy stream of water.
“Sorry I’m late.” His eyes dart to mine, but he pulls his gaze away before I can make heads or tails of what’s lurking beneath the glance. Salem strips off his jacket and grabs a chair. Everyone starts to make room for him at the table, but it’s Phoebe who moves the quickest leaving him sitting right next to me. I stare holes into my empty plate, wishing I would’ve refilled my wine glass before he got here. Now, I’m paralyzed with him so close to me. The tension between us is palpable.
Salem fills his plate while the conversation continues around us. The Strong family isn’t lacking in chatter. They’re warm, welcoming, and loud. I’m surprised none of them are married. I’m glad Salem isn’t.
What would even make you think that?
“Hey, Eliana.” He mumbles in a low voice so that only I can hear.
“Hm?” I can’t look at him, because he’ll see how I feel. How the entire time I’ve been here I’ve been pretending that I’m a part of this family. That maybe he’s my boyfriend or my husband. This fantasy felt so real until he arrived. That illusion has since shattered on the spot.
“Can we talk later?”
“Mm-hmm.” I nod, eyes still cast downward on my plate.
“I have to come back to the hotel to finish up a few things. Will you be around.”
“I will.”
“I’ll call your room when I arrive.” I’m about to agree, but his words interrupt me. “Better yet, I’ll drive you back.”
I turn to Phoebe who, to my surprise, is eavesdropping on us. She shrugs and nods yes, but there’s this devious look in her eye that I remember all too well, the “wingman” look. She can’t know that I have the total hots for her brother, right?
Feeling brave and validated, I sneak a glance at him. His golden brown eyes bore into me. Heat rises to my cheeks. Just looking at him makes me feel helpless, overcome with a kind of desire I’ve never felt in my life. “That’s fine.”
Dangerous, that’s what he is. Having feelings like this could be the death of me. Which is why I remind myself that this is strictly a business situation. This is my ticket to building my portfolio and moving onto bigger and better jobs. I tell myself this over and over until it’s time to leave and I’m on my way out to Salem’s car. Hopefully, the thought will sink in, and I’ll actually start to believe it.
6
Salem
We don’t talk muchon the way back to the lodge, mainly because I’m afraid I’ll screw things up again. The last thing I meant to do was hurt Eliana’s feelings. It’s best I tread carefully.
“How’s the room been?” I ask as we pull into the parking lot.
“It’s fine.” Eliana’s curt tone tells me maybe she hasn’t quite forgiven me. I can’t say I blame her. “There are some really cute little features. I love the oak chairs.”
“Are you comfortable?”
“Right now?” She turns to face me. Of course that’s not what I meant, but it’s interesting that’s where her head went.
“Now. In the room.” My stomach clenches and I know what I have to do. “Eliana, all night I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you that I’m sorry. The tone I took with you was not professional.”
“It’s okay.” She waves her hand through the air.
I turn off the engine. “No, it’s not. I was short with you, and it wasn’t fair. Dammit.” I grip the steering wheel. “I’m not used to talking about things so close to home. Not with anyone, not even my family.”
“Salem, I totally understand.” Her face twists, brow furrowed. “True you didn’t need to snap at me, but I accept your apology.”
“You do?”
“Yeah.” Even her half-smile dazzles me. “Life’s too short to hold stupid grudges. Besides, it’s your mom. Clearly, this place is more than just a business to you.”
I want to pull her to me and ravish her mouth. “You’re right. It is. It’s much more.”
“That’s why I’m excited to show you what I came up with today.” She bites into her bottom lip, teasing me further.