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“Thanks.” Emma’s cheeks reddened slightly. Patrick had noticed that she always got a little flustered by compliments. He wondered how she’d react to a different kind of compliment, maybe about how lovely she looked today. Not that he was going to say anything.
“Did you decide to acquire that painting Owen recommended? Aquina?” Emma asked.
“I haven’t decided yet.” Patrick tilted his head. “Actually, I’d appreciate your input.”
Emma’s eyes widened slightly. “My input? I’m no expert.”
“But you have good taste. I’m on the fence about Aquina. Owen told me that it has the potential to be a great investment, as the artist is up-and-coming and some of his other pieces are starting to sell at higher prices. But something about the quality just seems off to me.”
Emma bit her lip. “Hmm. I don’t think I’m familiar enough with the painting to add any kind of opinion. I haven’t even had a good look at it.”
“Do you have a moment to stop by my office this morning? Maybe we can discuss it briefly.” Patrick realized as he said it that this was exactly what he should not be doing, exactly what he had told himself he wouldn’t do. He would not have asked the opinion of a lower-level employee about this kind of decision on any normal occasion, but he had asked Emma. He had fabricated a reason that sounded work-related to spend more time with her, even though he knew it would be better to keep his distance. Yet Patrick couldn’t bring himself to regret it, especially when Emma gave her little smile and nodded.
“I’d be happy to. Although, like I said, I’m no expert.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.” The elevator doors opened and Patrick and Emma stepped out. “Would you like to stop by in about ten minutes?”
“Perfect.” Emma nodded to him and turned toward her office at the opposite end of the hall. Patrick quickly turned in the opposite direction. He was looking forward to speaking with Emma about the painting. Beyond his attraction to her, she was clearly a rising star in LWC Capital and he valued her opinion on a professional level.
His reason to see her again wasn’t entirely fabricated.
Ten minutes later, Patrick was sitting at his desk going through emails when his secretary, Jay, let Emma in. She smiled at him and took a seat in the chair on the other side of the desk, the same place she’d sat last time.
“Can I get you anything?” Jay asked.
“Coffee, please,” Patrick requested.
“I’d have a tea, if possible.”
“Just a moment.” Jay disappeared, and Emma’s and Patrick’s eyes met.
“I didn’t know your assistant brought you coffee,” Emma said, her voice a little hushed.
“That’s one of the benefits.”
“Sure, but I’ve seen you around the coffee machine a few times.”
Patrick almost winced. He’d made a few trips to the kitchenette this week, but he’d been motivated less by a desire for caffeine than by the hope that he might run into Emma again.
“I like to stay grounded.” Patrick added a wink so Emma would know he was teasing. She smiled.
“Sure. I bet you even do your own grocery shopping and laundry.”
“Yeah… not so much.” Patrick shrugged helplessly, and Emma laughed.
“Really? I actually can’t imagine not having to wash my clothes or shop for food. What do you do with all your free time?”
“I try to jog at least a few times a week and I enjoy reading, but honestly I spend a lot of my extra time working. It takes a lot of work to run a company like LWC.”
“I imagine.” Emma leaned forward slightly and her braid fell over her shoulder. A few wispy strands had come free to frame her face. “You gave me advice earlier this week about painting that really helped. Can I give you some advice now?”
“Is it to work less and enjoy life?” Patrick raised his eyebrows at her.
Emma sat back with a grin. “How did you know?”
“It’s not the first time I’ve heard that piece of advice.”
“I imagine your family must have mentioned it at least a few times.”
