“As soon as I can arrange my flight. But I’ll be leaving soon. A one-week whirlwind in the three cities you provided as the best locations to showcase the athletic wear and the designer look at the same time. You are brilliant, do you know that?”
He looks at me with such sincerity. It’s difficult to see myself that way sometimes. To know someone who wants to kiss me also thinks I’m intelligent has my heart swelling. Quietly I say, “I appreciate your words.”
“Of course. I mean it. Shelby will send over the full itinerary based on your locations, so you’ll know how to reach me if you need to.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cavendish.”
He pulls his top lip into his mouth, trying to hold off a laugh.
“Behind closed doors, I’d prefer you call me Charles.”
“Not Charlie,” I ask, grinning.
“I bloody hate that name. Shelby knows it. It’s her power play, and I need her on my team, so I allow it.”
“Charles, it is.” I smile, standing to head back to my office to check on Reagan.
He stands and walks around the desk, walking with me toward the door.
My hands are on the doorknob when his arm darts out, catching my free hand, turning me around, and tugging me into his firm chest. I yelp at the move, and he smothers the noise with his mouth.
The kiss is short, being as though we’re in the office and Shelby is just behind the door.
“I’m sorry,” he says, leaning his forehead against mine. “I know we said we wouldn’t do this in the office, but I couldn’t help it.”
I place a chaste kiss against his lips and step out of his grasp.
“I’ll allow it this once. Have a safe trip, Charles.”
I’m floating on a cloud the entire walk back to my office. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the long run, but I’m relieved to know it wasn’t a one-time thing. No matter what happens between Charles and me, I have a feeling I’ll be okay with simply having had any amount of time with him.
27
Raven
“You look beautiful, Raven.”
I stare at Asher standing at my door. He’s wearing a dark gray suit with a blue tie, and his hair is slicked back instead of the unruly, just-got-out-of-bed look I’m accustomed to with him.
“Uh... thank you,” I say, questioning whether I’m underdressed.
After spending too much time in the office and giving one final kiss to Charles before he got ready for his flight in the morning, I texted Asher, and let him know I could meet him after all.
Then I threw on a yellow shift dress with a red belt and nude heels. I thought I’d be overdressed for a night out with Asher. Boy, was I completely wrong
“Why are you staring like that?” he asks, smirking.
I motion to his body. “Because you’re in a suit. It’s Thursday, Ash. Where the hell are you taking me?”
“You’re dressed perfectly. Stop freaking,” he drawls. “You’ll easily turn all the heads in the place.”
I purse my lips. “Flattery will work with me.” He smirks but doesn’t say anything, so I continue. “Since when do you wear a suit when going to dinner with me?”
“Since I fucked up and need to redeem myself.”
“Damn straight. Take me to a Michelin star restaurant or lose me forever.”
He laughs, “You’re a nut, but youwillbe getting fine dining tonight.”