‘I’m sure I could fit you in somewhere.’ She gave a wink.
‘Sounds good to me.’ He chuckled. ‘How about dinner?’
‘Should be OK, we’re fully staffed.’
‘Great. There’s something I want to run past you.’
‘Sounds ominous.’ She eyed him thoughtfully.
‘Nothing to worry about.’ He leant over and kissed her lips.
*
That evening Christie took extra care with her appearance. Wanting to look her best and enjoy the evening, she wore a figure-hugging black dress, which flattered her curves perfectly and rested above her knees, showing off her long, slim legs. The neckline hinted just a glimmer of cleavage, finishing off the job nicely. Applying a small amount of make-up made her eyes shine and gave her a rosy complexion. She assessed her appearance in the full-length mirror. Not bad.
Daniel too was looking pretty hot in his pale jeans, showcasing his firm thighs and white open-necked shirt. Christie couldn’t help but notice the heads he turned when entering the bar. She’d put them in the far corner, by the leaded window out of the way. Once they’d ordered and Daniel had poured the wine, he pulled his chair closer and spoke.
‘You look beautiful, by the way.’ His eyes bored into hers, making her heart start to pound.
‘Thank you.’ She smiled. Despite trying to stay relaxed, curiosity was burning inside her. She sat patiently waiting for him to continue.
‘Christie, I have a proposition.’ He gave her a serious look. ‘I’ve sold the house Jenna and Emily lived in.’
‘Oh, right.’ She was surprised and wondered why he hadn’t told her before.
‘Which leaves me with a considerable sum of money.’
Christie sat still, listening. All the while her heart continued to pound.
‘I’d like to invest it.’
‘I see.’
‘In The Templar.’ Daniel stared at her, waiting for her reaction.
‘You mean buy Stephen out?’
‘I mean buying a stake in your business and offering him three hundred thousand pounds to see the back of him. I suspect technically he could get more, but would it be enough to tempt him, especially if he could have the money soon and not have to wait for a possible sale?’
Christie chewed her lip in thought. There was so much to consider and this suggestion had taken her unawares.
‘Maybe… he did sound desperate.’
‘From what you’ve told me, he’s getting a good enough deal.’
Christie nodded in agreement; after all, she had stumped up the bulk of their savings towards The Templar. Daniel was right: to offer Stephen that kind of money was indeed reasonable, but would he see it that way? Unfair as it was, Stephen could easily dig his heels in and hold out for more, even though her money had provided the lion’s share.
‘His baby’s due shortly. He will need the money.’ Christie’s eyes narrowed in thought. Could a glimpse of light be flickering in this gloom?
‘Give it some thought.’ He closed his hand over hers.
