Page 14 of Nash

"We’refriends. I see some-"

"I’d liketo apologize for my behavior earlier this week."

Her eyes widened atthat and she couldn’t believe her ears. "I see."

A slight smiletouched the sensuous lips. "That's an unexpected response. Idon't apologize much."

"Or at all."She shook her head. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that,and apology accepted."

He nodded, disturbingher composure as he continued to stare at her. "There’s amatter I need to discuss with you. Be in my office sometime onMonday. I’ll let you know the time."

"Of course."

They stood therestaring at each other for a minute before he looked at something overher head. "Please excuse me."

Allison let out thebreath that was backed up inside her throat and reached for anotherglass of champagne, her hands trembling. The man was positivelylethal, she decided as she took a sip of the champagne. Turningaround, she saw he was with both the artist and the blonde.

The story Michael hadspun to her came tumbling back and she felt the distaste curlinginside her belly. Why are women so damn stupid? If what Michael toldher was true, then it would appear he had no qualms about having twowomen at the same time.

Why would the artistagree to such a disgusting arrangement? It was plain she was dazzledby him. The woman was hanging on every word that was coming out ofhis mouth. Shaking her head, she turned, just as Michael came back.

"You abandonedme." She accused.

A grin touched hisface. "I had the feeling your esteemed employer wanted amoment."

"He just wantedto apologize."

"For?"

"His nastybehavior in his office earlier this week. What did you talk aboutwith her?" She nodded towards the artist who was now surroundedby reporters.

"I justcongratulated her on her paintings. The poor woman could barely keepher eyes off the two of you. Or more specifically, Nash Hamilton."

"I can’tbelieve he’d bring another woman to her show." The disgustwas obvious in her voice.

"The artistunderstands she’s just a diversion."

"She’s abeautiful, successful woman. Surely there must be someone she can bewith."

"She wants to bewith Hamilton and is willing to take what she can get."

"That's patheticand sad."

"I agree. Let'sgo and look at a painting I’m interested in. The one with thecabin."

"You’regoing to have to be more specific." She told him dryly. "Thereseems to be a lot with cabins in the background."

"You’reright." He chuckled. "The artist must have a love forcabins.”

*****

He didn’t takeJacqueline back to his place and neither did he go to Miriam. Theshowing had been successful and he was happy for that. She deservedthe applause and recognition. His mind wasn’t on the two womenhe’d spent the evening with. He couldn’t stop thinkingabout Allison Simpson and it was frustrating the hell out of him.

He was also drinkingtoo much, he decided darkly as he prowled his elegant living roomwith a glass of whiskey in his hand. He was due to go to his membersclub, and from there, to South America where he had some businessinterests. His mind wasn’t on work or the upcoming holiday.

The company hadseveral charitable events they were responsible for. He waspersonally invested in several addiction centers across the country.There were several functions he was forced to attend. Taking a sip ofthe drink, he walked over to prop his foot on the mantle, his moodygaze taking in the hypnotizing glow of the flames.

The trip away wouldgive him some perspective and take his mind off a woman he had nobusiness lusting after and that was what it was – plainold-fashioned lust. He’d employed thousands of people and neveronce had he been tempted – until now. The trip away was goingto change that.

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