I sucked in air. That was also the morning after that sleepless night with Mirabel. I didn’t leave her flat until late, after we’d spent the entire night and morning talking, fucking, drinking tea, and fucking.
“That meeting was called a little too soon for my tastes. Dad had only died three days before. Savanah didn’t make it either.”
He raised his palms in surrender. “Hey, I wasn’t there either. For the same reason, I thought it in poor taste too. But I got the minutes. Didn’t you?”
I rubbed my head. “I haven’t read it yet. It’s there on my laptop.” I pulled a tight smile.
Possessing a sixth sense around discussions of business, my mother stepped in. “The hotel’s running at a loss, I hear.”
I turned to her. “Not for long, if I can help it. And must we discuss this now?”
As the new CEO, I knew I had difficult decisions to make. I wasn’t so naïve to assume it would be smooth sailing. As all these commercial concerns restored me to the land of the living and what awaited me, I turned and spied Mirabel chatting to Sammy, one of the local farmhands.
Her gaze reached mine, and I raised my hand to acknowledge her. She touched Sammy’s arm and headed my way just as my mother turned to speak to me.
“The new spa by the duck pond looks to be progressing nicely. I hear that you’ve signed off on the designs and that it’s to expand to the Newman farm.”
Just my luck, Mirabel arrived in time to hear everything my mother uttered.
Sudden frustrated anger shot out of me. “Not now. Dad’s only just been buried.”
As I turned to Mirabel, she looked at me as though I’d grown horns and my face had turned furnace red. Her brows knitted. “Newman’s farm used to belong to my family.”
I led her away from my mother’s supersonic ears.
Mirabel spoke, but all I could see was her naked, my mouth on her nipples as she ran her hand over my throbbing dick. Pushing that lusty scene aside, I reminded myself this was hardly the time for such wicked thoughts.
I lost myself in those beautiful, angry green eyes, almost forgetting my name before an uncomfortable mix of grief, desire, and remorse shook me out of my haze.
“I just asked a question.” She was back to her feisty best, and much to my guilt-ridden shock, my dick hardened. I couldn’t have my pants tenting at my father’s funeral.
“That’s a community space for everyone in the adjoining properties,” Mirabel persisted. “We played there as kids. Remember?”
I forced my mouth into a weak smile. “It’s nice to see you, Mirabel. Thanks for coming. It means everything to me.” I paused for a response, but my subterfuge must have taken her aback. “You didn’t respond to my texts.”
She was staring down at her feet, then her stunning green eyes rose and nearly bowled me over. “I’ve been busy.” Despite her mouth twitching into a faint smile, her mood remained dark. “People are worried about what’s going to happen now that your father’s no longer alive.”
“That’s understandable. Can we talk about this over dinner? Like another time.”
Her face softened. “You’re right. I shouldn’t’ve brought it up here. And again, I’m so sorry about your father.”
I touched her soft, warm hand, which brought back memories of holding her in my arms. “Your presence here today means a lot.” I sucked in a breath. “And don’t worry, I’m going to rescind the project. First thing Monday.”
She studied me, looking deep into my eyes as though sifting through bullshit.
Itwasbullshit. I’d signed a contract—one that came with a big price tag. The investor who owned part share was dead keen on the project. I couldn’t imagine him budging, even if I offered double to buy him out.
What would I say? “Um… sorry can’t go ahead, I want to fuck the woman opposed to this project.”
“It’s all good. Promise. I’ll sort it out.”
She nodded slowly. Those witchy eyes penetrated deeply. Whether angry or nice, Mirabel had this uncanny ability to lift the dark cloud hanging over me.
Was that a spark jumping between us?My heart seemed to feel it because I felt blood pumping through me again.
Chapter 3
Mirabel