While I wait for Ivar to get back, I sign up a couple of people for one-week free memberships to our other branch in Everburn, where Aron and Olivia run the gym. A tall, handsome man comes and waits until I’ve finished, then holds out his hand.
“Is it Juni? I’m Lucas Slate.” His voice is deep.
“Hi Mr Slate. Great timing, my partner Ivar and I just finished setting up. I think you know Aron Langstone, is that right?” I smile.
“Yes, correct. He’s a brilliant advocate for Langstones. I’m intrigued by the idea of three brothers deciding to set up in business together. Can you tell me more?” He walks forward, picking up the bamboo stretching device.
As I talk him through the history of the business, he picks up Ivar and Theo’s equipment, examining it carefully. I get the impression he’s a man of strong opinions, even though he’s polite and understated.
I hand Mr Slate a photograph of the two Langstone gyms with all the staff members standing outside. His gaze falls to my hand.
“What a beautiful ring. My wife has a similar engagement ring.”
“Is she here with you today?” I ask.
“Yes, she’s over by the juice counter getting us a drink. We live in Snowflake Falls, so not too far from here. Ah, this must be a Langstone brother, I recognize him from that photograph.” He looks past my shoulder as Ivar arrives.
Ivar smiles and sets down the coffee he’s carrying to hold out his hand. He’s obviously scoped Mr Slate is someone of importance as he’s not usually so formal.
“I’m Ivar Langstone. Pleased to meet you.” He says.
Mr Slate nods as he shakes his hand. “Your lovely fiancée Juni was telling me about the history of Langstones. Your brother filled me in a little when we met, but it’s great to know more about such a family business.”
Ivar freezes at the word ‘fiancée’. I widen my eyes at him. I don’t want to spoil the mood when everything’s going so well. If Mr Slate wants to think we’re engaged, will it hurt to pretend for a minute? Maybe when I said partner he thought I meant relationship partner, not business partner?
Ivar smiles and comes over to put his arm around me. Despite myself, the heat of his warm body next to mine makes my core clench. I’m not sure if my whole body has tensed up, so I let out an audible exhale and both men look over at me.
I turn it into an unconvincing cough. “Ivar, darling, why don’t you tell Mr Slate about your and Theo’s designs?”
Ivar’s eyebrows shoot up at the word ‘darling’ but he styles it out. “Okay,babe.”
I suppress a laugh at how awkward this is. It’s like we’re strangers instead of friends, playing some kind of weird roleplay game.
Mr Slate asks questions about how the equipment works and what sort of materials are used to make them. He nods as Ivar mentions recycled plastics and quizzes him on the durability of each design. As he’s talking a pretty, younger woman walks up carrying two reusable containers filled with juice. He looks over and reaches his arm out, his eyes lighting up.
“This is my wife Natalie. Natalie, this is Juni and her fiancé Ivar Langstone. I think I mentioned I’d spoken to his brother Aron about potentially working with the Langstone group.” He smiles as she hands him a cup.
“Lovely to meet you both. Are you coming to the party tonight?” She smiles.
Ivar looks excited. “There’s a party?”
I laugh. “He loves parties. It’s sort of how we met.” I don’t fill them in on the whole picture; Ivar rescued me in high school when a guy grabbed me at a party when I was dancing, threw him out the door and won a dance off with me. It wasn’t at all romantic, but it’s one of my favorite memories.
Mr Slate nods. “Yes, we’re hosting it. I insist you both come!”
“I should have brought a dress.” I shake my head. “Know of anywhere around here where I can do a quick shopping trip?”
Natalie points upwards. “There’s a store on the level above that fits the bill. Lucas will approve since all the designs are eco-conscious. Let’s leave the boys to talk and I’ll come shop with you.”
Mr Slate reaches down and kisses Natalie. “You have thirty minutes, then I need to do the presentation, okay?”
She nods and kisses him back, then looks at us. We’re going to have to kiss each other to make this convincing.
I can’t believe this is happening. Ivar pauses for a second just before his lips reach mine and I hold back a gasp. I’ve wanted this for ten years. His mouth meets mine and an electric thrill travels from my lips down my spine. I want this to last forever.
Natalie clears her throat.
Shit, we must have been kissing longer than I thought. I break away.
