Chapter 12
Catherine
“The conference room is ready Ma’am.”
I turn to my secretary and dear friend Melissa who spoke while opening my office door. “Thank you Melissa, and again please stop calling me Ma’am. We’re friends.”
She lets out a small laugh and replies “Well :
I since we’re friends I can call you any way I want, I choose Ma’am.” She then closes the door after giving me
wink.
1 laugh at our small banter, refocusing on the impending meeting. Breathe in. Breathe out. I walk out of my office and enter the conference room, proceeding to set–up my laptop. I move on to rearranging the needed documents, placing them beside my laptop.
A few minutes later, I hear a knock on the door. I look up to see Melissa ushering in Stan, the owner’s representative,
“Good morning Stan.” I stand and reach out my hand,
“Good morning Catherine, you look as radiant as ever.” He replies giving me a hand shake.
“Of course
but never more radiant than your wife.” I say.
“Well of course! My wife is the most beautiful, radiant and stunning woman in the world!” Stan replies with a huge and proud grin in his face.
“And how about your daughter!” I tease. He suddenly becomes sober and Jeans a little closer.
“Between you and me, my daughter is even more stunning since she has both my wife’s and my blood”
I let out a chuckle, stopping myself from bursting our laughing.
Stan pats me in the shoulder while giving me a small smile. “There you go. Don’t be so tense He likes, appreciates, and loves your work.” “Thank you teply and return to him a smile,
a
We are interrupted by a knock on the door. We turn to see Melissa usher in the man I did not expect to see ever again. He was looking down at this phone but I could tell it was him. James.
I tense up and my mind freezos
Good morning Sir. I would like you to meet Archt. Catherine.” Stan says, ushering me forward with a hand on my back “Catherine, this owner of the soon to be put up restaurant, Aurrella. ”
James looks up and visibly tenses upon seeing me. Does this mean he didn’t know?
is Sir Ian
James,
It is only
y when Stan’s interjects that I notice we were both staring at each other. Catherine, you can do this
Before James could reply, I try to put on a polite smile and extend my hand towards him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Edwards.” As a possibile, Jaties tenses, even more return my handshal saying “Nice to meet you as well Architect.”
my actions. He continues to stare at me then to my extended hand. Seemingly having made up his mind, he
In this were a rouance novel, this would probably be the part My experience right now is slightly different. No sparks – just the warmth of his hand heating my cold nervous hand. Dang it Hand! Don’t expose how affected lam by last presents “Shall we take a seat? What would you like to have? Collee? Tea? Lask James.
where the protagonist and love interest touch and sparks start flying around. I beg to ditter.
He Juoks
Ican see the glint of challenge in his eyes I turn to Stan and say, “How about you Stan, what would you like
intezinely, almost maling nor step back. Almost, Catherine, be strong! “Surprise me.” He answer indifferently as he sits, But knowing him,
the lukunwarin water plone”
“Okay Melissa you head boar Will you also please propate coller with milk creamer and three super cubes for Mr. Edwards? And some of the budge
brownie Thought earlier. Thank you so much; ”
After instru
ng Melissa I iin across bran, quickly stealing a glance at James who was sitting at the head of the table. Sadly, I haven’t forgotten your
Hall wel
or begin them?” I say, wanting this meeting to end as soon as possible. Stan looks at the questioningly but signals to begin.
ng the whole meeting it was difficult to focus with Jaimes in the same room. James was known for being difficult to read, which was the case at the moment with his mask of Indiference. However, I can feel him looking at me intensely with notions that I cannot decipher
D
Dreame–Read Romance Stories BInstalled
By the end of the meeting, I am a bundle of cold sweat. I quickly stand up and say “Thank you very much for your time Mr. Edwards, Stan. I will make sure to address your concerns by the end of the week.”
“Thanks to you too Catherine. I will keep in touch.” Stan says while rising from his seat.
Stan and I awardly stand in place while waiting for James to rise. Janies looks at me intensely then says “Sta to discuss with the Architect privately.”
“Stan, you can go ahead. I have some matters
