Reliving the story about what happened with Kelly was a good reminder of that. Miles had cut him off in heartbeat and it had taken Austin a solid five years to work himself back into his father’s good graces. He couldn’t jeopardize that for these strange feelings that had suddenly materialized.
He hadn’t been in his right mind last night. Actually thinking he’d seen Felicity in a car parked outside the gallery. In retrospect, the woman in the car hadn’t looked anything like her. The woman’s eyes had been large and haunted, not at all like Felicity’s. While she wasn’t the blind eternal optimist, she had a way of holding herself that was so steadfast. Even in his darkest times, even being near her gave Austin hope. But if he knew what was best for everyone, he needed to keep a professional distance between Felicity and himself. At least until he could sort out these feelings and get them under control.
As Austin exited the elevator and navigated the long corridor to their little corner of the Fortune Investments world, he contemplated whether he should invite Macks to the ball. Felicity would be there as Kevin’s date. The thought sent pinpricks of irritation coursing through him. Even though she’d said she wasn’t interested in Kevin and was only going to the gala with him because that had been a stipulation of his donation. Austin had driven home the point that she didn’t have to do that, but she had still insisted on going with him. Maybe that meant she wanted to?
Even if it would be difficult to watch her with the guy, he wasn’t going to invite Macks. He didn’t want to make her think he was interested in her in any way that wasn’t platonic. Maybe seeing Kevin with Felicity, as painful as it would be, was exactly what he needed to get over her and on with his life. As he rounded the corner, he heard her on the phone. She was using her all-business voice. He hoped she wasn’t upset about last night.
* * *
“I’m sorry, Ms. Cole, I can’t give you Mr. Fortune’s personal cell number. I’m happy to take yours and give it to him.”
Felicity thought Austin had called Macks from his personal phone. He must’ve used his work cell phone. He had two, and he guarded his personal line jealously.
“Felicity, isn’t it?” Macks asked.
“Yes.”
“Felicity, I thought we were friends. Friends take care of friends.”
Good grief, the woman was persistent. She was probably the type who wasn’t used to people telling her no.
“I’m sure they do. But I still can’t give you Mr. Fortune’s personal number.”
Macks growled. She actually growled. Low and guttural. “When will he be in?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Now she’d switched into superiority mode. Her words were clipped and crisp. So much for being friends. “Aren’t you the one who keeps his calendar? Isn’t it your job to know?”
Felicity looked up and saw Austin standing there. She made a face and pointed to the phone. He mouthed, Who is that?
On her notepad, she wrote, Macks Cole. Shall I tell her you’re in?
He shook his head and waved her off. Then he took the pen from her hand. His hand brushed hers and she flashed back to last night when he’d held her hand.
He wrote on her notepad, Coffee before Macks. I’ll call her back. The way he smiled at her put her completely at ease. He wasn’t acting differently toward her after sharing such a big part of himself with her last night. In fact, it felt as if the two of them shared a secret—a few secrets, actually. The intimacies they’d shared last night and the fact that Macks wanted to talk to him, but he didn’t seem very eager.
“I’ll have Mr. Fortune call you at his earliest convenience,” Felicity said into the phone.
Austin reached over her and pushed the speaker phone button in time to hear Macks say, “I certainly hope you do, because after I talk to Austin and tell him how unaccommodating you were, it could mean your job.”
Their gazes locked. Austin frowned, and Felicity simply raised her brows at him.
“I will relay your message, Ms. Cole. Have a nice day.”
Felicity heard a click and the line went dead.