Page 50 of Game Changer

“I’ll see you two soon,” Chuck says as he exits the bar with William on his heel.

As soon as the door shuts behind him, Posey shoots me a look and a direct question, “Opal, are you hooking up with that hot guy?”

That may never happen unless I get the contractor to nail the bar’s door shut with William and me inside to avoid any future interruptions. I briefly consider asking him to do just that when he stops by tomorrow to change out one of the light fixtures in the ladies’ washroom. I chase the idea away with a shake of my head. “No.”

“Why not?”

Shrugging a shoulder, I smile. “I’ve been busy, and the opportunity hasn’t presented itself.”

“Create that opportunity,” she encourages with a wink. “You can skip the baby store opening if there’s a chance you could get nailed in the next few hours.”

My hand leaps to my mouth to stifle a laugh. “Posey!”

“All I’m saying is that if the guy I’m crushing on ordered me into his bed tonight, I’d choose him over everything.”

“You’re crushing on someone?” I lean closer to get the scoop. “Who?”

“My boss’s brother.” She rolls her eyes. “Talk about awkward.”

I don’t press for more details because William opens the door and strolls back into the bar.

We exchange a look and a smile, but he’s the one who speaks first, “I think it’s time for me to head out, too.”

Frustration washes over me, but I expected this. William is too much of a gentleman to steal me away from plans I’ve already made.

“You’re more than welcome to come with us,” Posey offers. “Four is never a crowd.”

He looks her way, grinning as he does. “Thank you, Posey, but I have some important planning to do. I’m cooking dinner for the most amazing woman tomorrow night, and I want the evening to be perfect.”

My stomach drops. I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s got a date tomorrow. Whoever she is, I envy her.

“Okay,” she whispers before glancing at me with disappointment marring her expression.

I feel that, too, but I won’t show it. I can’t show it. I will never let a man see me break apart because of him. I let that happen once and vowed I’d never repeat it.

William keeps his gaze on my face as he approaches where I’m standing. “If you have any food allergies, now is the time to speak up, Opal. I don’t want anything interrupting our evening together tomorrow, especially not a visit to the emergency room.”

An uncontrollable smile edges over my lips. Usually, I’d be slightly annoyed if a man assumed I’d be free instead of outright asking me, but this is William, and all I can think about is being in his home alone with him tomorrow night.

“No allergies,” I say as I look into his eyes. “Should I bring anything?”

“Just you.” He moves even closer to tilt my chin up with his finger.

My breath hitches because I sense he’s about to kiss me again. This time it will be in front of Posey, but I don’t care. I’d kiss this man in the middle of Times Square any day of the week.

As he moves in, he smiles softly before his lips brush the center of my forehead. “I’ll text you my address, and we’ll figure out a time that works for you.”

“Perfect,” I say as I stare into his eyes because that’s exactly what this moment feels like.

29

William

I tugmy tie off and toss it on the black leather bench that is centered beneath one of the massive windows in my bedroom. The décor in here was carefully chosen by one of the city’s best interior design firms. Whenever they requested my input, I’d tell them they had my full trust because they did.

They transformed an empty and uninspired space into the penthouse of my dreams. All the work that’s gone into making all four thousand square feet feel like home is almost complete. The kitchen is still undergoing a massive renovation. I promised Opal a home-cooked meal tomorrow night, so I need to consider my options.

I rid myself of my suit jacket and vest, hanging both on a rack in the walk-in closet. My shirt is next. It lands in the bin that will be emptied when I go to Roberto’s dry cleaning shop to drop off my worn shirts and whatever suits need a refresh. That typically happens once a week when I remember to run the errand.

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