Page 24 of Nigel

*****

“What is it?”Ava barely looked up from the contract she was perusing as herassistant stood inside the doorway.

“I – er -I have Mr. Nigel Hawthorne on the phone. He is asking for you. Justyour first name. He does not seem to realize that you run the place.”The woman appeared flustered. “What should I tell him?”

Taking a deep breath,she put the contract away. “Put the call through.”

“Of course.”

“Monica.”

“Yes?”

“What did youtell him?”

“Nothing. Ijust asked if he would hold.”

“Thanks.”She tapped her blunt fingernails on the desk and realized that shehad been on pins and needles waiting for the call. Two days hadpassed since the incident and she was still trying to block it fromher mind without success.

The light flashedindicating that the call had been transferred. Taking a deep breath,she pressed the button and picked up the receiver.

“This is Ava.”

“You did nottell me you owned the company.”

His deep voice wasplaying havoc with her senses.

“You neverasked.” Her free hand was clenched on the desk. “How mayI help you?”

“I need to seeyou.”

“Need is such astrong word and the answer is no.”

“I could forcethe issue by reminding you that I have a contract with you or bribeyou by sending some more wealthy clients your way.”

“I don’trespond to either.”

“Or I couldsimply ask you to swing by and have dinner with me at the office.Later. When the staff are gone for the day. I could also point outthat you did not call to find out how I am doing.”

“You were doingfine when I left.”

“Ava, I need tosee you.”

“Why?”

“You know why.”There was a sigh in his voice. “Look, this is not easy for me.I never thought I would feel this way and after just one meeting. Youcannot tell me you did not feel it too.”

“I did feel itand now the moment has passed. I am not your type and I am notlooking for a quick roll in the hay.”

“I don’tdo rolls.”

“Whatever. I amnot interested.”

“One meeting.”His voice had turned persuasive. “I just need to see you. Wecould talk if that’s what you prefer. Just talk and I promisethat will be it. I just- “He sighed again. “I am not usedto this, not used to pleading like this, but here we are. Please sayyes.”

Closing her eyes, shetook a deep breath. Kyle had told her to go for it, but she knew itcould not just be sex between them. It had been too explosive forthat. And it had been their first meeting. “I don’tknow.”

“Tomorrow. Comeby at seven. I will be waiting. We could have dinner. I have somethings to finish up, but I should be through by that time. Do youknow where we are?”

---