April scrunches her nose. “Ew.”
“Don’t knock it till you try it,” Anna says, raising her champagne in salute.
“Moving on… Are you guys free in two Saturdays’ time? James and I want to host a little engagement dinner at ours,” April says. “And before either of you say we’re moving too fast, we’re just so excited, we don’t want to wait another minute.”
“Considering my plans only ever involve the two of you, yes, I am free in two Saturdays’ time,” Anna says.
“Me too,” I say.
“Oh Gemma, I’ve been meaning to ask—what happened at work?” Anna asks.
I launch into the details of my workweek from hell, detailing my disastrous meeting withThe CEOand how Louise and her little minion Theo are trying to take the account from Henry and me.
“It’s turned into a corporate showdown for the account!” I finish.
Anna tilts her head. “So, let me get this straight.My brotheris the one deciding between Louise and Theo… and you and Henry?”
“Yup,” I say, popping theP.
Her eyes narrow. “It might be time to pay my dear old brother a visit.”
April laughs, waggling her eyebrows. “Ooh, I’ve always wanted to say something that dramatic. It’s very soap opera. Should we get you a trench coat and dark sunglasses? Maybe a fedora?”
My spine snaps straight. “You don’t need to do anything. This is my mess. I’m confident Henry and I have what it takes to keep this account. It’s just frustrating, that’s all.”
I don’t need Anna weighing in. Max saw right through my pathetic attempt to play it cool last night, so he knows exactly how much he affects me. I can already picture his smug satisfaction when we’re back at work on Monday.If Anna gets involved for my benefit, it’ll only fuel his ego more.
I lean forward. “Promise you won’t say anything to him? I don’t think he needs another reason to be pissed off with me.”
The last part slips out before I can catch it, and my mind scrambles for damage control.
Shit.
“What do you mean ‘another reason to be pissed off’ with you?” Anna asks, confused.
“After spilling the coffee and the button,” I blurt, trying to make it sound obvious.
“Oh, right,” she says, sipping her bubbles.
I keep the details of my night at Ruby Lounge to myself. The girls know me far too well—I don’t turn down penis on a platter without a damn good reason. They’d immediately become suspicious.
My shoulders sag with relief when Anna and April dive into a conversation about floral arrangements, and I nod along. Meanwhile, a battle rages inside me. I keep recounting the way Max’s lips brushed against my ear last night.
I haven’t even touched the man and I already feel like I’ve committed a forbidden sin.
The worst part?I think I want to.
I pass London’s new Gallery of Contemporary Art on my way home. I peer through the window, catching a glimpse of canvases hung on stark white walls, splashed with a kaleidoscope of bold colors and abstract shapes. Sculptures, from small to massive and imposing, bring the space to life. The pieces make a statement and command my attention the moment I see them. And just like that, an idea strikes me. One that could take Gray Hotel to an entirely new level.
Chapter Fourteen
Max
I still haven’t made my decision. Grayson’s been on my arse ever since Friday’s pitch.
Do I want to work closely with Gemma? Abso-fucking-lutely.
Do I want to fuck her? Naturally.
