Page 27 of Nigel

"I will see toyour vehicle. Joe will point you to the private elevator."

"Thanks."Slinging her pocketbook over her shoulder, she forced herself toremain calm and collected and not goggle too much as she entered thelofty building.

"This wayplease." Joe gave her a pleasant smile as he led the way fromthe reception area to a bank of elevators. "This will take youstraight up to Mr. Hawthorne's office."

"Thanks."She grimaced, realizing that she had said that same word three timesalready. The car was fast and lacking the usual annoying elevatormusic. Before she could even form an impression or had time to wonderwhat she was doing here, the doors opened.

Teal blue and rubyred greeted her as soon as she stepped out of the car. Double doorswere open in front of her revealing a large office, no doubt that ofhis assistant. She felt a pang as she looked around quickly. Theelegance and sumptuous wealth was apparent. And he was waiting forher as soon as she stepped in.

"Hi."

Her heart contractedas she stared at him. She had seen him once, aside from his photos onthe internet. But seeing him now, wearing a lime green shirt with thesleeves rolled up and ash gray dress pants, gave her a start. He wasNigel Hawthorne.

"Nice office."Tearing her gaze away from him, she concentrated on the decor.

"Thanks. Shallwe?" Stepping back, he gestured towards the office behind them.Gripping her pocketbook, she walked past him and stepped into comfortand absolute style. It looked like him, not flashy, but simplyelegant and breathtaking.

His desk was largeand open, shiny glass and ultra-modern. There was a large fireplacetucked into a corner of the light blue room. The towering windowsoffered views of elegant buildings, a stunning backdrop.

"Let me takeyour coat." His deep voice jarred her from her concentratedadmiration.

"How do you getanything done?" She shrugged out of the jacket and handed it tohim. Teal blue carpet came up to her ankles.

"It takeswillpower." He smiled at her and was careful not to touch her.He had spent the day vacillating between anxiety and despair. Andseeing her here inside his office was doing funny things to hisinsides.

He wanted to kiss herso much that he had to forcibly restrain himself. He had promised herthat there would be conversation and was going to leave it up to herto make a move or at least give some indication that she wanted more.

"I hope you arehungry."

She had been so busytaking in the elegance of the place that she had failed to notice thetable set up with the meal.

"Starving,"she admitted with a shaky laugh. She was not exactly relaxed, but itwas not as bad as she thought it would be.

"Then we shalleat." He held the chair out for her and waited for her to sitbefore going to take his position at the head of the table.

"It smellswonderful."

"Roast beef.Claude makes the best. I know you are driving after, so the wine issomething fruity, with just a little bit of alcohol to it." Hepoured two glasses and handed her one. "How was the commute?"

So, they were reallygoing to talk, Ava mulled as she took a sip of the wine. "It wasnot bad at this time of the day. How are you?"

A smile touched hissensuous lips and had her heart rate spiking. "Good as new. Ihave you to thank for taking care of me."

"All in a day'swork," she said carelessly.

"But that's notthe case, is it?" He sliced into the beef before giving her aglance. "You run an agency."

"I would like tothink it is much more than that. Agency sounds regimented andelementary. I think of the company as something that offers varietyand is tailor made for what the clients need."

He gave her anappraising look. "Service with a difference?"

"Precisely."She cut into her baby potato and took a bite, dark brown eyeswidening in appreciation. "This is- I don't even have thewords."

"Claude is oneof the best."

"He works here."

"Yes. We have afull kitchen staff. We entertain associates from out of town and itusually makes more sense to have a working meal right here. And thestaff benefit from it as well. You were telling me about thecompany."

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