I head behind Ashlynn’s desk and come up beside Rainey. Unable to help myself, I lean down and brush a kiss over her soft cheek.
She blinks in surprise, but I don’t miss the shudder that ripples through her body. “What was that for?” she asks.
I grin. “A hello. I wanted to, and now we’re even.” For the light touch of her lips that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind since last week.
Blushing and speechless, she tips her head toward the inner office area. “Come in and I’ll show you around. This is the office.” She gestures to two desks across from one another. “Kaylee and I wanted to be close so we can talk through ideas,” she explains.
The shared space is modern with light cream hardwood floors, and a combination of plum and the same cream paint on the walls. Matching area rugs are strategically placed on the floor and facing us behind the desks are partition doors hiding what’s behind them.
Rainey steps over and slides one side open. I follow her into a designer’s dream of pinboards containing ideas, photos, fabrics and more, surrounded by walls and windows.
I can’t help but be impressed with the business she and Kaylee have built. “This place is amazing.”
She turns to me, smiling. “I love it. I really wanted a loft with open space and when I found this available for rent, I knew it was perfect.” She gestures for me to follow, and we walk to a table by a window set with water bottles and what looks like fresh muffins. “I thought we could sit here and discuss my concepts and see if you’re interested in partnering Midnight with the Thunder’s 50thanniversary season.”
“And you’re buttering me up with food?” I ask, picking up a muffin and taking a bite. Blueberry sweetness explodes on my tongue.
She laughs and the sound echoes in the room. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but if it works, it works.”
“Let’s say you’re off to a good start.” I pull out a chair and sweep my arm, indicating she should sit.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, lowering herself into the seat. “I appreciate it. Not all men are that polite.”
I raise a shoulder, though she can’t see. “I didn’t grow up with parents who taught me manners—” Yelling at each other was more like it. “But my adopted family did.” Now why had I admitted even that much about my past?
I already know what her parents thought of me way back when Jack became my friend. Though I don’t know if their opinion has changed in the years since, I don’t care. I know my own worth. Another lesson courtesy of the Carras family and one I was happy to learn.
“I’m glad they were there for you when you needed them,” she says, without questioning me more about my past.
I nod. “They’re good people.”
“Jack really likes them,” she murmurs.
I sit beside her. “So, where do we begin?” I ask, eager to change the subject.
“Okay, our proposal to the Thunder involves a huge pre-season party for the team, their significant others, front office staff, and the like. I’d love to have that at Midnight, and before you say no because you’d have to close up for a night, I have permission to make it worth your while.”
“You’ve piqued my interest. Go on.”
After Rainey mentioned wanting to meet with us, my partners and I already discussed the possibility of teaming up with the Thunder and agreed it will be a win-win for bothbusinesses. The details will need to be hammered out, and I need to hear more of what Rainey has to say, but I’m going into this meeting with an open mind.
She continues her pitch, describing the connection she thinks Midnight and Golden Palm Events can make with combined charity outreach. We discuss celebrating the history of the team and the legendary coaches and players who have come before. She’s already spoken to the PR people in the front office about creating a highlight reel to be shown during halftime of the first game, and she suggests that Midnight open a concession booth featuring specialty cocktails geared toward the team’s name.
“And the pièce de résistance? I have a meeting with the curator of a local museum to discuss a temporary historical exhibit to display team memorabilia, such as photographs, old uniforms, and trophies. It’s going to be bigger than just one or two anniversary events.” She sounds as proud of herself as she should be as she winds up her pitch. “And I realize some of this doesn’t involve Midnight, but what do you think of the parts that do?”
She looks to me for my approval and my answer. I’m damn impressed and interested. “Fantastic ideas,” I tell her. “Midnight is in.” I reach out a hand.
She immediately places her palm against mine and curls her fingers around my hand. “Deal,” she says with a huge smile.
I, meanwhile, am having a hard time focusing on anything but the soft feel of her skin and the scent of warm amber that clings to the air around me.
“I’m so excited!” She pulls her hand back and rubs it against her slacks, looking everywhere but at me. At least I’m not the only one affected by our close proximity. “I know we’re going to make a great team. There’s just one more thing.”
“And that is?” I ask.
“Kaylee is busy with another account, and I was hoping you would help me out with the Thunder events. The cross promotion will help Midnight, too. I have a staff when it comes to setup and takedown, but there may be things I need a hand with.”
What she’s asking means we’ll be spending more time together, something I’m all for. I’m just surprised she wants to do the same, but I’m not going to argue. “Jack’s away but Tristan is around for any emergencies at the club. If you need my help, just ask.”
