Page 12 of Embracing Love

Chapter 6

Gabriel watched the American slide past him, only raising her eyes briefly towards his, just the once.

He thought he saw a thinly veiled flash of anger cross her face but at least she was smiling this morning even though he’d kept her waiting again.

“Sorry to have made you wait,” he said. The apology came easily this time because she seemed to be in a better mood than she had been in yesterday.

“That’s not a problem at all.” She said happily, as she took her seat.

He eyed her warily and noted that she had tied her hair up into a neat little twist today.

It was either her much improved mood, or the fact that she was calmer than Vanessa, but Ms. Braun looked good today. He felt his tension begin to slip away.

She looked professional, and appealing with a touch of mascara and light lipstick. She didn’t need much to clutter up her inviting face. And yet she looked very much together, composed, with it.

It was refreshing, dealing with someone calmer. Especially after the drama that Vanessa was. Tanya Braun was obviously older; he guessed her to be in her late thirties, and his gaze swept in her left hand, noting the absence of a wedding ring.

“You said you’d looked through the mockups and the creative designs I’d left behind?”

“Yes. They’re …not bad.”

She laughed, and he looked up surprised. She really was in a better mood today, and he instinctively lightened up, needing a little laughter in his life, which lately had been full of heaviness.

“These are some more concepts agreed between our respective companies in the States. I thought it might be an idea to look through these as well. You met with Nadine Stefano last week, our executive creative director. Russell Trent is very happy with what she and her team have put together.”

He nodded, looking at the proofs she handed to him. She seemed enthused by her work, and this sudden change in her, so much the opposite from their cold conversation on the phone yesterday, was a complete turnaround.

It made him feel lighter—he was done with news and people who drained him and sunk his spirits lower.

“Unfortunately, I had to put Ms. Stefano off until the end. Things have been a little …” he paused, as though looking for the right words, “difficult around here lately.”

She narrowed her eyes, but it was so quick if he’d blinked, he would have missed it. “Yes. It was unfortunate that you couldn’t see her until the very end. Nadine is based in the States but she’ll be visiting every so often. You’ll liaise with her directly most of the time, but it makes sense for me to oversee this while I am here. I used to be in that role previously and I have the necessary experience to ensure your campaign gets the best support.”

“You used to be in that role?”

She nodded. “I’m trying something different, you could say.”

Aaaaah. He watched the way she adjusted her position in her chair, the way her hands were clasped tightly even though she smiled at him. He wasn’t so easily fooled. He’d honed his people skills over the years, just so that he wouldn’t have to hear the lies any more. Just so that he would know the truth, based on people’s actions, and not their words.

“Different is good. Variety adds interest. I’m sure you’ll do a great job with the campaign, Ms. Braun, whatever your role.”

The Tanya Braun who sat before him today felt uneasy about something and he hoped it wasn’t because of him.

She looked up, and his eyes raked over her smooth skin, noted the creases at the corners of her eyes, and wondered how her hair would tumble if he let out her clip.

“That’s reassuring to hear.”

“Reassuring?” He asked, curious to know why he got up and walked over to the side of the desk and rested his bottom on it. He turned his body toward her, feeling better now that he was seated a little higher.

She swallowed. “You didn’t seem so keen on the Flight campaign.” He’d have to be careful what he divulged here. “I don’t like being told what to do. Who I should do business with.”

“You prefer to use another ad agency?” She was smart, too. Didn’t miss a trick. He felt his facial muscles tighten, and his eyes fixed on the high arch of her cheeks. Folding his arms across his chest, he told her, “I’ve worked with the best ad agencies in Paris, before we were acquired by Flight. And even now, with the US company taking over, we’ve been been doing very well working with people we know and trust.” He heaved out a sigh.

She watched him calmly then knit her brows together as he continued. “I know my job, I know the professionals. I understand that I have to follow the steps and mandates of my parent American company, but I can’t say I like it.”

“You would prefer to work with another ad agency?” She was digging for information. Why did women constantly ask questions?

He uncrossed his arms, and stood up, exasperation sliding all over him. This was the very question Vanessa had just demanded the answer to. The only difference was that Ms. Braun was poised, calm and, goddammit, still smiling at him.

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