Our bread arrives, and he grabs a roll and starts buttering it.“Everything is matching up with what I see on paper.”
What a non-answer.
“So, you see potential?”I straighten my silverware.
“I didn’t say that.”He takes a bite and indicates I should try the break rolls.
“I’m gluten-free.”
“Of course you are.”
“It’s a health thing.Don’t be rude,” I snap.“So, you don’t see potential?”
He chews, watching me with his unreadable expression, and I want to scream at him.I want to tell him to stop taunting me with his solid jaw, his big, strong shoulders and the way his shirts fit him in a way they do no other man.
To stop his eyes from glowering in a way that makes my panties wet no matter where we are.
That he needs to stop showing up in my early morning dreams, his face between my legs feeling so real I wake up on the edge of an orgasm.
How I wish I were someone else.That he was someone else.That we were on that vacation in the Maldives for a month and could simply be naked and enjoy this chemistry.
But he’d laugh at me.
I was a one-night wonder to him.Despite the diamonds.There is no way I’m going to embarrass myself further.
Better to let him think I’ve forgotten it and am purely focused on the business.
“One of the challenges with keeping owners on as consultants after buying a company is the attachment they have to the outcome.”
“What outcome?”
“Thepotentialyou’re asking about.”
He chews some more, and I start to get angry.Drew is treating me like an idiot.
I might not have been able to keep Open Leaf afloat, but I’m not completely stupid.I did get a degree from Columbus, after all.
“Well, you wouldn’t have purchased it if you didn’t see potential.Surely.I doubt a man like you throws money at things you don’t think will have value.”I finally sip my wine and mumble against the glass.“Even diamond necklaces.”
Shit, that fell out.
His eyes glower.
I look away.
That was dumb.
I crossed the line.
Please let him forget that comment.
“Thatwas an investment which has already shown excellent returns.”
I take a very big sip this time.Then, a second one.
“Gemma.”Drew leans an arm on the table.“I’m going to ask you a question.One I want an honest answer to.”
“Okay,” I almost whisper.