David’s gaze met hers in the rearview mirror. There was hesitation, but he caved upon seeing her sparkly eyes. “Well…” he started off, “he’s one of the most accomplished men I know. Being CEO of a global media empire at barely thirty is no small feat.”
She nodded attentively as David’s fingers tapped his leg in thought.
“He’s also a bit of a workaholic,” he chuckled. “Even so, he’ll make a fine husband, Mrs. Re, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Her mouth flew open, face growing red. “I wasn’t?—”
“It’s okay. I won’t tell him that you asked,” he reassured her with a wink.
She twiddled her thumbs, unsure of whether he was being honest.
Within the lush greenery on the outskirts of Long Island was a grand estate, stretching for at least two hundred acres. As the car went along the path, Emily grew silent. A few minutes later, they reached the main mansion. Freshly cut lawns, iron gates, and stone walls surrounded it. Staff moved and security cameras could be seen.
She’d expected a fancy high-rise apartment, not…this.
“Are you sure your boss isn’t secretly in the mafia?” Emily tossed out the old rumor she’d heard as a child. A part of her was still curious even though her parents had dispelled it.
“I’ll have you know my boss’s means of success are legitimate,” David said sternly.
She almost laughed at how quickly he came to his defense.
How cute.
Emily was escorted out of the car and guided throughthe front door by a housekeeper. David was preoccupied with unloading her luggage after he’d gestured for her to follow the woman.
Her eyes took in everything. From the gold and white interior to the familiar artworks on the walls. Before they could register, the sight of something else stole her attention.
Sitting in plain sight was none other than Nicolas. He was in a black suit and dress shoes. She wondered if he’d taken time out of his work day to welcome her.
He acknowledged her presence with dark eyes before glancing to David who hauled the suitcases in.
He got up. “Thank you, David. You may leave for the day.”
His assistant offered a courteous dip of the head, but he made sure to offer a sneaky thumbs-up in Emily’s direction.
She smiled at him.
So far, he’d been a sweetheart.
“Let me help you,” Nicolas offered, pleasantly surprising her. He didn’t wait for an answer and took the luggage set away from her.
“Um, thank you.”
Was he being…civil?
The last time she’d seen him he was growling at her for practically being stupid. It was a contrast to the gentleman in front of her.
“Come,” he beckoned. “I’ll show you where you’ll be staying from now on.”
12
Emily was in his house. In his space. Her scent drifted to him from behind. She smelled incredible. Like lavender and vanilla, but not in any way he’d ever encountered before. It was warm and soft, with a hint of something elusive that tugged at him.
He could hardly focus.
Nicolas could feel the heat of her gaze on his back, and hear her soft breaths as she tried to keep up with his long strides.
He slowed down.
