Page 17 of Trouble Me
Emma bit her lip to keep from laughing and decided to show him a little mercy. “You wanted to talk?”
His smile was slow to form, but when it did, she felt the power of it low in her belly.
“Yeah, care for a quick walk?”
“Sure.” She glanced over at Amelia, who was sporting a Cheshire grin. “Behave,” she muttered low enough for only her cousin to hear.
When they stepped on the sidewalk, the cold February morning air hit her face, making her eyes water. She shoved her hands into the coat pockets and huddled down inside it as they walked side by side.
“This coffee really is amazing,” Shane murmured. “What kind is it?”
Emma shook her head. “Can't give away trade secrets.”
“Damn,” Shane responded, playing along. “Can't blame a guy for trying.”
She laughed while Shane took another long pull on the cup, his gaze lingering over the town before glancing down at her with a smile. “Madison Ridge is as charming as I remember the first time I was here.”
His smile made her belly quiver every time. She cleared her throat and swiped at an errant lock of hair that blew across her face. “It has character. So, what did you want to talk about?”
He stopped and faced her, causing her feet to halt forward motion. His face turned serious, looking away before bringing his gaze back to hers. “I want you for my director of operations. You’re exactly what I need for the winery.” A wry smile played on his lips. “Like you said, there's no one around here with your experience, expertise, or vested interest in the community. There's no one I want to captain this ship more than you.” He named her annual salary and bonus potential, then paused. “Do you accept?”
Slowly, Emma nodded, her eyes on his, vaguely aware of people walking around them on the sidewalk. Her body vibrated with excitement but she needed to play it cool. “I accept.”
A huge grin spread across his lips, revealing straight white teeth. It was like looking into a bright light that held her spellbound.
“Great. When I get to the office, I’ll draft the offer letter and email it to you. HR will be in contact for any other paperwork they need.” He extended his hand. “Welcome aboard, Emma.”
God, his eyes were impossibly bright blue against his blue-checked flannel shirt. She returned his smile and extended her hand, her coat swishing with the movement, and placed it in his. His palm was warm against hers and tingling shot up her arm, landing squarely in her chest. When appropriate, she pulled her hand back and stuffed it in her pocket. “Thank you, Shane. I look forward to getting started.”
“Me, too.” He gestured toward the bakery. “I’m sure you have to get back, and I don’t want to keep you any longer.”
She nodded and started back the way they came. “Yeah, Amelia’s probably wondering where I am.”
When they came to the door of the bakery, Emma turned and looked up at Shane. The man was so tall next to her. “Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’m excited to get started.”
“Can you start Monday?”
A grin curved her mouth. “Absolutely. I’ll see you then.”
Shane saluted her with his coffee cup. “See you then.” That devastating smile appeared again. “Take care, Emmaline.” His eyes held hers for a beat longer before he turned and walked away. A feeling akin to a caress danced along her skin when he used her full name.
“Oh,” Shane turned back to her. “Maybe you can give me a tour of the town sometime.”
“A tour?” Emma tried to play it cool in spite of her heart pounding. What was it about him?
He grinned and Emma nearly fanned herself. “Well, you did say knowing the town worked in your favor. And I’d like to get to know it better. Goodwill and all.”
“Right.” Emma looked away, letting her gaze linger over her hometown while she caught her breath. Cars cruised through the roundabout circling the old historic courthouse in the center of town as people milled about on the sidewalks, moving in and out of the boutique shops, the general store, the bank. The town bustled in the way of small southern towns.
Watching the activity helped bring her body temperature back to normal. She turned back to him and smiled. “Of course. I’d be happy to show you around sometime.”
He nodded, a cocky grin in place as he turned to leave. “See you Monday.”
She let out a deep breath. It was wrong on so many levels, she was sure of it. But she couldn’t help admire how his ass looked in those well-worn jeans. Emma liked the casual Shane as much as she liked the powerful businessman attire.
No, no, no. Accepting his job offer slammed the door on any other kind of relationship. That beautiful man was now her boss.
And totally off limits.
