Page 30 of Never Finished

That made me laugh because, as usual, she was right on the money. Caroline was an expert on reading people. "I just think she wouldn't want you to get so wrapped up in everything your dad wants or fighting him at every turn. There’s more to life than world domination. She’d want you to enjoy your life—and that includes life outside of work. That's why I'm so glad that you reconnected with Jaime. I admit I was a little worried at first, but it seems like things are going well?"

I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. "Yeah, I’m not really sure where it’s headed, but I’m trying to just be in the moment with him."

Caroline nodded her head in approval. "Well then, let's raise a glass," she said, raising her champagne flute, "To staying in the moment… and not allowing any jackasses ruin them."

We laughed as we clinked our glasses together, and I was so grateful she was here. Otherwise, I would've spun out over what’s going to happen next and for once in my life, I wanted go with the flow and have fun.

And I had a hell of a lot of fun with Jaime, not to mention how comforting it was to just be in his presence. I felt at peace around him, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for us. If he even wanted a future with me.

***

Yet another meeting with Andrew and more stalling. We got as far as agreeing on the location of the boutique on-site where we would offer their services, but then Andrew got distracted and seemed determined to take me out for a tour… of my own hometown. He swore he had run into a local who showed him some spots that even I wouldn’t know about.

I gritted my teeth and gave a tight smile. I seriously doubted that claim and I couldn't help but bristle at the presumption, when he slid his hand around my waist, trying to pull me in closer as he tried to sweet talk me into spending the afternoon with him.

"Look, Andrew, I appreciate you taking the time to experience the grandeur that is Silverpine. Believe me, you will find no bigger fan of this town than me. But we have business to tend to," I reminded him, gently pushing him away, so he understood I was done playing games.

He gave me an oily smile that had my posture stiffening defensively. "Come on, you can't be like this all the time. All work and no play makes Jane a dull girl," he sang out, and I resisted the urge to throat punch him.

I gave him a smile that more closely resembled a grimace as I told him, "Indeed it does, Mr. Travers," I bit off. "But work comes before play, and I know our fathers are quite eager for us to settle this deal."

"You don't know the half of it," he said, and alarm bells went off in my head.

"I don’t? Then please, do tell."

Andrew looked like he'd been caught sharing too much, then just laughed it off. "I just mean those two have gotten their heads together and seem to have some specific ideas about what needs to happen here. I can't say they're bad ideas… we just have to get everyone on board," he said.

"You don't know the half of it," I muttered, parroting him, not wanting to continue this cat-and-mouse game any longer.

I looked at him for a long moment, trying to decide what my next move was. I’d never had this much trouble with a potential client—and I’d never disliked one so intensely.

At his core, Andrew was an overgrown child, but he had a greasiness about him that set me on edge. It didn't help that there were a million other things that I would rather do with my time than babysit him.

"Listen, I think we made good progress today settling on the location for the boutique. Why don't we call it a day and you can continue exploring Silverpine? I have a friend visiting, and I would like to show her around town."

"Oh, well, there you go. Why don't you and her join my little tour—we can make it a threesome," he said, grinning, and I cringed at the way he emphasized that last word.

My smile was turning into a baring of teeth and I could feel it. I sucked in a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Actually, it's a girls' day out, sorry."

He nodded, still leering at me, but I was already moving towards the exit.

"I'll be in touch to arrange another meeting. Hopefully, we'll be a little more productive next time, and Andrew," I said before turning away, "Please be prepared with those figures. It would be really helpful in determining staffing needs so we can begin recruiting." With that, I waved to him and headed towards the elevator.

The lobby of Pine Crest was turning into a heaven and hell situation for me. The meetings I had to endure with Andrew in The Lounge were exhausting, while the dimly lit bar featured Jaime, which instantly put me at ease… and excited me.

I'd been pondering whether I was just trying to recapture my younger days, but there was nothing childish about what was happening between me and Jaime. Any sense of decorum I had went out the window when he was around, and I couldn’t keep my hands to myself. Thankfully, he was more than receptive.

Even if we didn't have sex, getting to touch him had become vital to my ability to get through the day now. It hadn't even been a week, and yet so much had changed. I had changed. I couldn’t help but worry about how this was going to hurt like hell when I returned to California.

Damn it, Emma, remember what you told Caroline.

I sucked in a deep breath as the elevator rose to the top floor.

Stay in the moment. Take it one day at a time. You don’t know what the future holds.

I don’t know why I was torturing myself. There was nothing that could keep me away from Jaime at this point, so why was I fighting it?

I walked down the hall to my suite, remembering the last time I was with Jaime. How I had woken up to him trailing kisses down my jaw and neck, tickling the sensitive skin of my neck with his scruffy beard. I could get used to that wake-up call every day.

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