Page 21 of His Rules

“Then I could squeeze you in on Monday morning at ten since you’re already in town if that works for you.”

“That would be fantastic.”

“The name of the company once again is Aeronautical Enterprises. I’ll send you an email with the address and particulars.”

“That’s wonderful. I really appreciate your call.”

“Yes, you’re very welcome.”

While she said all the right words, she was colder than a fish. I was beginning to wonder if moving back to town was a good idea.

Oh, hell, no. I wasn’t going to allow one little hiccup to derail my plans. Even if it had been a colossal mistake. A lump formed in my throat. Why did Sebastian have to look so damn good in atuxedo? How had I not recognized him? Maybe I’d been blinded by lust.

And why of all things on this earth had he decided to purchase the painting? I could tell in his eyes that he’d envisioned me as the girl in the picture.

Ugh. How had my life derailed so quickly?

I’d been unable to face my dad that morning, needing some space and time to think things through. As I strode into the coffee shop, I took a deep whiff. The scent of freshly brewed coffee was a tremendous welcome. Yes, I could have made coffee at my dad’s house, but I knew he’d ask questions. I hadn’t been certain what to tell him.

Hey, Dad. I’m thinking of moving back. If I can find a job.

I just wasn’t up for the scrutiny. There were at least twenty people inside the tiny spot and I was forced to wait in a line of six before making it to the counter. When my phone blipped, I smiled. I’d texted my best girlfriend late the night before. As expected, she was returning my text.

Stephanie:How about meeting for a late lunch at Roxy’s Café?

Me:Sounds good. What time?

Stephanie:How about two-ish?

She was never a girl who liked to narrow down her options. She was the adventurer, always following her heart, while I’d learned to be very careful with mine.

Me:Two-ish it is.

Stephanie:Be prepared to provide details…

Details. I’d made the mistake of mentioning I’d had an interesting homecoming. She’d taken that to mean I’d had a hot date. I had, just not in the way she’d expect. I’d been the cautious one my entire life, only going on a few dates during college. They’d been a precursor to the horror show I’d suffered in New York.

But I couldn’t talk about that. Not to anyone. It was far too painful.

I shoved my phone into my purse, taking a few minutes to scan the store. Stephanie and I had come here at least once every time I’d come home from college. We’d laughed and spilled the beans about heartaches and classes, usually going shopping after we’d snacked on muffins and had too many cups of java. The memories had kept me going when feeling so alone in the big city.

I still had no clue why I’d insisted on staying after graduating Columbia University. Maybe I’d been a glutton for punishment. The sad truth was I’d felt suffocated. Dad had tried too hard to be both my mother and father and I’d needed space. Air. Room to breathe.

The coffee shop hadn’t changed. It still had a quaint feel with artwork from local artists on the walls, the brick façade adding to the cozy feel. It felt like home and I was able to take a deep breath.

I had a job interview for a coveted position. Maybe the stars were finally aligning for me.

The line moved forward and I couldn’t see the person standing directly at the counter because a large man stood right behind her. He was dressed impeccably in a dashing suit and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned over sideways so I could catch a glimpse of his shoes. I’d always had a thing about men’s shoes.

You could tell a lot about a guy by his selection. Nikes? Athlete wannabe. Dockers? He didn’t take life too seriously. Steel-toed boots? He thought he was a badass when in fact he was a marshmallow inside. This guy was wearing Christian Louboutin Corteo patent leather oxford shoes. That meant he had money. At over a thousand dollars a pop, he was dressed to impress.

I could only imagine how much his suit cost.

His dark brown hair fell across his collar, the sunlight filtering in through the front window creating a slight golden tint. I had a strange longing to run my fingers through the thick strands.

I laughed softly to myself as I heard laughter, the coffee barista still conversing with the same girl.

“Can we hurry it along? Some of us have important business to conduct.” The man’s voice was deep and rich, the tone almost gravelly.

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