Page 3 of Romanced By the Silver Fox

“Yes?” Impatience threads through her voice. If this were a normal interview, I might be concerned as to what that says about her temperament. In this case, having just discovered that her ex-fiancé basically tricked her into coming back to town, she deserves all the slack.

“Would you please meet me at the hotel restaurant? I’d like to discuss… all this.”

She looks at me, scanning my face for something. Probably a sign of the man I used to be. The man she loved, once upon a time. I don’t know if she finds it, but she nods.

“Thank you. Is seven o’clock good?”

She glances at her watch, confused. It’s just after noon. It’s clear Genie doesn’t understand why I’m putting off our meeting until tonight, but she shrugs. She doesn’t want to ask and I don’t want to spill the secret just yet.

“Seven is fine. I’ll see you there.”

We look at each other again. It’s been too long. My eyes have been starved of the sight of her for five long years. Now that she’s here, they can’t get enough. Her gleaming dark hair shimmers next to the smooth gold of her skin. Her brown eyes are deep and endless, and those fierce cheekbones … I could write poetry about her cheekbones. Knowing me, I probably did.

I don’t dare think about the tender curves of her body. The barest memory of them is enough to drive me crazy with need.

“Right.” Genie shakes herself as if coming out of a trance. “See you then.”

She abruptly turns and walks away. Too desperate for the sight of her to look away, I watch her check herself in. The easy smile she bestows on the gentleman at the front desk. I’d give my left arm to have that directed my way. I hope to earn back that smile after this week. Starting with the surprise I’ve set up for her in her hotel room.

A call from Marin disrupts my thoughts.

“Yes, Marin?” I find a quiet corner of the lobby. I’m frankly shocked that there is one during this very busy season.

“Has she told you to go to hell yet?” The amusement in my assistant’s voice is clear. I’m pretty sure she’s seconds away from a full-on cackle.

“I know you think this is a bad idea. You’ve said so many times in many ways. But I have to try.”

“Grant, I’m trying to keep you from destroying my chances of recruiting the best candidate I’ve found. I’ve had multiple recommendations for her from some of the smartest people I know. People who never vouch for anyone unless they are one million percent on board.”

“I know, I know.” I’ve read the messages from Marin’s contacts. Genie is deeply admired by her peers in the nonprofit world.

“I can’t lie,” she continues. “I’m worried that your little ‘I want you back’ scheme will interfere with FLB Trust’s potential success. It’s feeling a little desperate, G.”

Her teasing tone makes me smile. “I think this level of smack talk is much more likely to harm your personal success.”

“I’m not worried.” She snorts. “You know perfectly well there’s no one else who’d have been willing to go to the ends of the earth to get you set up for this week. You have nothing to complain about.”

“So true, Marin. All the way across the Columbia Bridge. What was that, thirty minutes of travel?”

She huffs in feigned annoyance. “Fine. The metaphorical ends of the earth. Anyway, I’m simply calling to let you know that I’m done. All the arrangements are ready. I’ve emailed you the details — and I wish you luck.”

The sudden sincerity in her voice hits me hard. I clear my throat to push away the emotion.

“Thank you, Marin. Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Be grateful you don’t have to find out. Goodbye, and don’t try to call me. I’ll be in Bemidji.”

“Ice fishing with your dad again?”

“Yep. He’s determined to catch more bluegills than me. This year, I might let him,” she chuckles. “Take care, Grant.”

“Merry Christmas, Marin. See you in the New Year.”

I blow out a breath. I need this to work. Marin might be right about me sounding desperate, but I don’t care. If it means having Genie back in my life, I’ll take any chance, no matter how slim. I will do whatever it takes.

Including playing Santa Claus.

CHAPTER3

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