Page 19 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

“That…is not on the menu.” The words come out and I feel like an idiot when Claire chuckles at my side.

“I’ll be alright for a minute or two,” she assures, “but I’d stay close just in case.”

Bless her heart, but there is nothing good about stepping to the side to talk to this man. Whatever he wants, it can’t be good.

Oh god, what if Jake told him about the club? What if Nicolas is the one who has to be the messenger to tell me to not fool around with the guy? I do not want to have a conversation with my ex about another man making me come at the club.

Swallowing thickly, I nod and shift to the side. The shop is long but narrow. Unless I want this new hire to get an earful of this dreaded conversation, I have to take this more out of the bakery. Keeping close enough to be able to hear my name if called, I lead Nicolas to the side.

Crossing my arms over my chest to stop myself from fidgeting, I take in the lobby. It’s far more interesting. Well, not really. Unfortunately, it has to be.

“You can relax, this won’t take long,” he assures. Reading me like a freaking book, a chuckle rumbles through him when my body deflates. “I came to see if you had any free time coming up.”

Now that catches my attention. Jerking to look at him, I take in his relaxed state. “What?”

“I wanted to catch up,” he explains with a small shrug. “Now that you’re here and we can’t exactly avoid each other, I’d like to make sure there isn’t any bad blood between us. Possibly over a coffee or something.”

Nope. No. Nada. I know trouble when I see it, and his request is overflowing with it.

I’m not harboring any bad thoughts toward this man, quite the opposite. Does Nic need this for himself? Or, what if he simply wants to spend time with me?

“A coffee?” Repeating his words, my brows pinch together. “You think that’s a good idea? If you dislike me–”

“I don’t,” he interrupts before I can finish my sentence. He looks over in the direction of the line growing longer with a new body every minute. “I just want to treat you to one cup of coffee and have a conversation. One that won’t be interrupted because someone wants to make a purchase.”

“You won’t find that here around this time. Not until the weekend, really. That, or after I close shop. With clean-up and everything involved, that wouldn’t be until later. I’m sure you’re a busy man.” With half of the weight of the company on his shoulders, he should be too busy to be talking to the likes of me.

There’s always the small shop next to mine. There are a few cushioned seats for those to relax for a few minutes while they drink their cups. However, I doubt that is what Nicolas is looking for. If I have to guess, he’s going to want somewhere with a bit more privacy. Somewhere we can talk without risking bumping into someone every few seconds.

“I can clear my schedule. Say the word and I’ll make arrangements.” So stubborn that he doesn’t understand why he shouldn’t bother trying to get close to me again, he remains headstrong on taking me out.

I’m no better, hardly rushing to shut down the idea of sitting down and spending a little time with him.

“So, can I borrow a few hours of your time?” He tilts his head and there’s no way anyone can tell this man no. He’s got a soft gaze, one that makes me fold.

“Sure. I’m sure I can find the time to sit down.” A public coffee shop, a place where I won’t go thinking anything I shouldn’t.

Refusing to hunt this man down to schedule this platonic meeting of ours, I offer up my phone so he can type in his number. Promising that I won’t bother him, he almost looks disappointed.

With how crazy I’ve been feeling lately, I’m adding this moment to all the other hallucinations I’m seeing.

Satisfied that I’ve agreed to his request, he wishes me a good day and drifts off to do what I assume is to enjoy his lunch. Leaving me standing there feeling silly for this sloosh of happiness creeping into my gut.

Watching him head off, I’m surprised to see who he’s meeting up with. A familiar face, but not one I’ve ever spoken to.

The CEO of the company. Rhett Landersan. If the website I found didn’t confirm Nic’s position, the relationship with the guy on top sure does. First time seeing him, even from a distance, I have to admit he seems powerful.

Doting a suit and a fresh appearance with his black hair slicked back, he takes a look at his watch.

Nicolas says something to him, the distance making it impossible to tell what is being said. Whatever it is, it’s enough to make the CEO look in my direction.

Only for a brief moment, our eyes meet. One small glance is all it takes for my chest to tighten. Weird enough, I can’t tell if it’s from fear or arousal. Maybe it’s his frown that does me in. I don’t even want to start thinking about a third problem.

The frown on his lips seems natural. Like his face is simply carved that way. He couldn’t possibly dislike someone he doesn’t know.

Thankfully, they’re on the move quick enough for the eye contact to be broken rather instantly.

I would rather Rhett not know of my existence if it’s possible. Doubting he’ll ever come into my zone, I assure myself there’s no need to start getting worried.

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