“You really shouldn’t admit something like that to your boss. Surely not on an occasion like this. We got to do everything possible to win Zimmerman over.”
Zimmerman was Sam’s potential big client. He was a top businessman from the city. He could have chosen one of the more prominent companies in the city to brand his next project, yet he crossed to our town to consider Sam’s company. It would be an enormous win for Sam if he’d get Zimmerman to sign on.
I patted my hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll work Zimmerman over. I have my way with words to persuade him.”
“Like you persuade me to be your personal chauffeurandto be late? You know I hate being late.”
“I promise I’ll rate you a five-star for your chauffeuring service.”
And did he earn it. Sam drove us into the town centre just to drop me off right on the restaurant’s doorstep and then, without a huff, he went the same way back around to find a parking space. Good thing traffic was minimal for once.
Sam came jogging towards me, wearing a coat over his suit. At least he had the sense to bring an extra layer of clothing to shield from the chill rather than rely on earlier’s weather of being warm and sunny like stupid me did. It was almost autumn. Sunny with a chance of rain was every day’s weather prediction.
“We’re twelve minutes late,” he muttered while checking his wristwatch. “Come on, let’s go in.”
Once again chivalrous, Sam held the entrance door open for me.
The female host at the front desk saluted us with a polite greeting. Till Sam’s alluring presence got to her. Straight away, the host directed her full attention towards him and only him.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one captivated by his eyes. Although this woman was probably more fascinated by the rest of him. Gosh, Sam really did magnetize women without any extra effort, didn’t he?
“Good evening.” Sam greeted the host. “Name’s Samuel Webb. Got a table booked for four. Have our guests been here a while? I’d hate to know we kept them waiting for too long.”
The woman checked her tablet. “It doesn’t appear that your guests are here yet.”
“Are you sure? We’re late. They must be here already. Can you check maybe you forgot to tick their arrival or our booking was switched or something.”
Happy to obey orders from Sam, the host returned a flirty smile. “I’ll go check personally, sir. One moment please.”
I elbowed lightly at Sam with my best mischievous smile. “See, we’re early, Mr Webb. You and your watch are liars.”
Sam set a hand on the small of my back, and leaned down just enough to whisper in my ear. “No more than you, Ms Hitch-a-ride. And by the way, you look beautiful in blue. Definitely not a lie.”
He was as much a gentleman as he was an excellent Casanova. He didn’t care that I could notice his gaze lingering on my breasts. Or that his eyes took their time to scan me from my legs up to my face.
Not that I minded at all. That night, I felt more confident than ever. It was the magic of knowing I looked good. No, gorgeous. Sexy even. Sure my dress was decent for a business dinner but I know it hugged all my right curves too. Who said you couldn’t look a bit sexy for a meeting? My boss was insistent that I needed to charm this prospective client. Sure, I could do that with my creative skills and perfectly chosen words, but I had to attempt my absolute best, right? And no man was immune to a little cleavage display.
The host returned to us. “Your guests are not here yet, Mr Webb. But your table’s ready if you’d like to go in. Unless you prefer to wait for them at the bar?”
“To our table, please.”
And we walked through behind the woman and the exaggerated sway of her hips.
Our table was located in the furthest area of the very chic restaurant. A quiet and secluded corner. Perfect for discussing business without any eavesdroppers.
Sam pulled out a chair for me. I sit down. “Thank you.”
Sam peeled off his coat. Just like he did but much more subtle, I allowed my own eyes to take him in. Specifically at the buttons stretching with his crisp shirt with every movement. Definitely a shirt tailored to fit his broad shoulders and strapping body.
“Looking handsome yourself tonight.” I returned, completely aware of the host listening in.
“Thank you, sunshine.” He sat beside me, leaving the opposite chairs free for our guests.
The lady host went around the table nearby Sam. A little too close. “Would you like to order refreshments?”
“I should wait for my guests but honestly, I’m dying for some wine.” Sam turned to me. “What about you?”
“Chardonnay?”