Page 42 of Embracing Love

Chapter 19

Gabriel had scarcely been gone a couple of seconds when Nadine gently tapped her on the shoulder. “I think he's the perfect man for you” Nadine’s green eyes glistened like emeralds.

“Who?” Tanya feigned ignorance.

Nadine arched an eyebrow. “It’s certainly not Zimmerman is it?” she hissed into Tanya’s ear.

“You asked for that,” said Nadine quickly, when Tanya looked horrified and looked around to see who was in earshot.

“Would you please be careful? That was a secret, only for your ears.”

“I’m sorry. But can’t you see how perfect he is for you?” Nadine pulled Tanya’s elbow and gently moved away to a corner of the room, away from prying eyes and ears.

“Hey, Tanya.” Melissa reached out and gave her a gentle hug.

“Melissa. How are you?” Tanya was pleased to see her former secretary again. “You’re looking very well,” she commented.

“Thanks,” replied Melissa. “Things are good!”

“I’m glad they are.”

“Who’s the handsome guy you were standing with over by the corner?” Melissa asked innocently.

Nadine nodded at her. “Told you.”

“We’re not together.” Tanya replied defensively before turning a bright shade of scarlett. “But I hear you’ve met someone.”

“Oh,” Melissa looked at Nadine who replied. “I told Tanya I was trying to get Noah to come here for the weekend. That’s all.”

“She’s a great boss to work for, isn’t she?” Melissa asked Tanya.

“Hey, I was good to you too.”

“You were. I miss you. When are you coming back?”

“I’m not sure yet. It might go on longer than a year. Michael’s talking about London, and he’s dropped hints that I might be involved.”

“I think you’ll definitely be involved,” Nadine confirmed.

“I better go,” said Melissa, looking over to the side where her friends stood, drinks in hand, patiently waiting for her. “My friends are waiting for me.”

As soon as Melissa vanished Nadine gave Tanya an I-told-you-so look. “See, I’m not the only one who’s noticed the chemistry between the two of you.”

“Chemistry, pfft.” Tanya pretended to stifle a yawn. “All because we happened to stand beside one another and talked about work and stuff.” Kind of.

“It didn't look much like business talk to me,” countered Nadine. “It looked like a serious soul-searching conversation.”

“Do you have a bugging device on me?”

“I was observing you from a distance.” Nadine said, defensively. “I was having a much better time watching the two of you interact.” Tanya pressed her lips together into a defensive denial and said nothing.

“Did something happen between you two?” Nadine asked.

“No.” Almost. She thought something was happening, something subtle, invisible, but definitely something. But nothing concrete to tell Nadine. Tanya shook her head. “Nothing happened and please keep your voice down. How many bullfrogs have you had this evening?”

“I’m feeling happy,” Nadine replied, indignantly. “Aren’t I allowed to let my hair down a little?”

“That’s how it started last year—am, I right? You and Ethan?”

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