Page 36 of Embracing Love

“There are some plans,” said Nadine slowly, “It seems only right that we have a London office as well. But nothing has been finalized though I'm sure by this time next year we possibly might have a tiny London presence.”

“I'm sure Michael won't leave it at that,” said Thierry with a laugh. “He’ll want to expand further. He’s going for world domination, I think.”

“There’s nothing wrong with world domination,” said Michael, suddenly wading in with Russell Trent in tow.

But, Tanya noted, Michael didn’t elaborate further on the topic of London and instead introduced Russell Trent to the group. “The infamous Tanya Braun,” boomed Russell, shaking hands with her.

Slight trepidation crept along her skin and she hoped she could carry off the presentation well. “It’s good to meet you again,” said Russell.

She returned the greeting and nodded her head at Michael, who asked her if things had gone well in Milan.

“As well as could be,” she reported, conscious that she’d given him a vague answer.

“Ah, there you are, dear,” said Michael, suddenly breaking away from the group. He reached out to his wife, Dorothy, as she joined the group. Like her husband, Dorothy was older, in her early sixties, and as small and as sprightly as Michael. He introduced her proudly to everyone and she shook hands with them all.

The conversation suddenly turned quiet. Meeting Dorothy again made Tanya feel uneasy, yet she managed to gracefully shake hands with the wife of the man she had slept with at a time when he had also been separated.

Seeing the two of them together, Tanya couldn’t imagine them ever being apart. The insides of her stomach began to slowly drip towards the soles of her feet as Tanya faced Dorothy with a smile on her face.

“Nice to see you again,” said Dorothy. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?”

Tanya could only nod her head in reply. They had only met here because Dorothy didn’t turn up to any other company events, not even the Christmas party. It had been a while though, since neither of them had been here last year.

“Michael tells me you’re back with the company but you’re working in Paris?”

“Yes, I am.”

“It’s just as well. I don't know how the company could ever do without you.” Dorothy told her, graciously and Tanya could only smile weakly back. Thankfully Dorothy then moved onto Nadine and the two women struck up a conversation.

“I think this is going to be the best marketing convention, yet,” declared Michael.

“You say that every year,” chuckled Thierry.

“It’s a great venue, I’ll give you that,” Russell towered over them all, with his huge frame, as he looked around.

Tanya was once again edgy and restless. Coming here was supposed to be a break for her, but she was having a hard time relaxing.

“Gabriel! What time do you call this?” Russell’s voice boomed loud over the chatter. Mention of his name sent an adrenaline rush straight to her head and she felt the sprint of her heartbeat.

Could it be—him?

In answer, she heard his voice, smooth and controlled directly behind her. “Russell, Michael.”

She dared not turn to her side, cleared her throat, which had suddenly turned bone dry.

He came and stood by her side, while Michael introduced him to everyone.

“Hello, Tanya,” he said, when it was her turn. She felt her skin tingle as though dry sparks had emptied all over her bare arms. Gabriel put out his hand to shake hers and when their palms touched, it was electric.

“Gabriel,” she said. And tried for composure, but failed. She’d need another drink or three to get through the rest of this evening.

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