Page 9 of The Plus-One Deal

Uncertain —hadit been? Or full of options? Back then, it’d felt like the future was ours. Like it could be anything we could imagine. Now it was work and thinking about work, getting ready for work. Doing good work brought more work, its own reward. Surely life offered more than that, some better prize.

“We should talk strategy,” I said, changing the subject. No sense getting bogged down in what was over and done.

Conrad swallowed quickly. “It’s Verity we’re schmoozing? Verity Halford?”

I nodded. “That’s right.”

“I did some digging on her. She’s all self-taught, no college, no mentors, no apprenticeship. She launched her brand out of high school, from her mother’s garage.”

“Not her garage,” I said. “Her, uh, laneway house.”

Conrad’s brows drew together. “What’s a laneway house?”

“Like a pool house, a guest house, that kind of thing. A second, smaller house you build on your property, and your guests can stay there, or you’d rent it out. I think it’s a Canadian thing. She’s from Vancouver.”

Conrad took a quince tart. “So her parents were rich.”

“More middle class, I think, but they were doing okay. But I wouldn’t mention them. They tried to sue her. They thought they were entitled to a share of her business, what with her starting it in their laneway house.”

“Gross.” Conrad scowled. “If my mom did that… Well, she’s awesome. She wouldn’t.”

I glanced at my laptop, though it had gone to sleep. “So, she’s big into sustainable production, which is obviously what makes her a great match for Timeless. But apart from that, she supports youth programs and mentorships. She does a big scholarship for girls in fashion. She’s been married a long time, but they haven’t had children. That might be a sore spot, so let’s avoid that topic.”

“You going to be wearing one of her designs?”

I held up my wrist. “Right here, this bracelet. It’s one of the first pieces from her accessory line. But I thought one of her dresseswould be too on the nose. I’m going with an Anne Turner for the big do tonight.”

“Her first scholarship winner. See? I did my homework.” Conrad reached for my garment bag. “So, do I get to see it?”

I snatched the bag back. “Careful! It’ll wrinkle.”

“Come on. Just a peek.”

I stood and held the garment bag flush to my body and pulled down the zip to show him my dress. I pulled it down slowly, mindful of the fabric, and the slow reveal felt almost… naughty. My face went hot. Conrad sat up straighter. He set his fork down and watched the silk ripple.

“It’s, uh… It’s lovely,” he said, slightly hoarse. He cleared his throat and tugged his tie into place. “That pink with your hair, you’re going to look striking. Pink cherry and maple leaves. All you need is some green.”

“I brought emerald earrings.”

“Perfect.” Conrad reached out and thumbed at the fabric. “It feels good as well. Sensual. Soft.”

My eyes darted unbidden to the bow of his lips.Sensual. Soft.Like a touch in the night. Like his voice right now, sultry and low.

“I love silk,” I said, teasing. “A caress that you wear.”

Conrad shuddered slightly. I ran my hand down my skirt. This wouldn’t lead anywhere, this banter, this flirting, but I loved that it still worked on him, and he still flirted back. He could have anyone, but for me, he’d still shiver. He’d still drop his voice tothat deep, growling pitch, the one that made my heart race and my skin prickle for his touch.

His laptop made a beeping sound, interrupting our moment. I thought how tragic it’d be if I spilled champagne on it, but Conrad was already thumbing it awake.

I sighed. “Work calls?”

“Wi-Fi’s back.”

As if on cue, my laptop woke too, multiple apps pinging at once. I checked my notifications and groaned.

“I’m out of contact an hour, and the sky’s tumbling down.”

Conrad chuckled. “What happened?”

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