His next bleat sounds suspiciously like laughter.
CHAPITRE 24
ALISTAIR
The Fragile Balance of Hearts
I’ve been staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror for the past fifteen minutes. I didn’t go so far as to time this pathetic episode of self-reflection with my watch, but I know it’s been too long. Far too long spent trying to convince myself I’m completely in control, trying to erase the memory of her lips on mine.
Total failure on both fronts.
— Get it together, McKenzie, I mutter to my reflection, which stares back looking anything but convinced.
Today matters. The official presentation of the boutique renovation plans is happening in front of investors, local press, and—of course—Keira. They’ll all be there, expecting the professionalism and confidence I’m known for.
The problem is, I don’t feel professional. I don’t feel confident. I feel like a teenager before his first date—nervous, awkward, and obsessing over a kiss.
A kiss that never should’ve happened.
A kiss that changed something in me.
I splash cold water on my face, hoping it’ll wash away the doubt. We’re adults, for God’s sake. What happened in that barn was an anomaly—a moment of madness born from adrenaline and absurdity.
Nothing more.
So why the hell can’t I stop thinking about it?
My phone buzzes on the counter, pulling me out of my thoughts.
MARTHA
The first guests will arrive in 30 minutes. Miss McGregor is already here, setting up her models in the conference room.
I type a quick reply.
ALISTAIR
I’ll be there in 10 minutes.
Then I take a deep breath, straighten my tie one last time, and brace myself to face the woman who’s been occupying every one of my thoughts for weeks.
The first thingI notice when I step into the conference room is that Keira is wearing a dress. Not her usual professional suit, but a navy-blue dress that hugs her curves perfectly while still being entirely appropriate for the setting.
She’s also very clearly making an effort not to look at me.
— Morning, Keira, I say, aiming for casual.
— Morning, she replies without lifting her eyes from the models she’s meticulously arranging across the large table. I hope these placements work for you.
— They’re perfect. Need any help?
— No, thank you. I’m almost done.
Her voice is polite. Neutral. Completely stripped of the emotion that pulsed between us in that barn. She’s clearly decided to act like nothing happened.
It’s probably the best approach. The most reasonable. The most professional.
So why does it disappoint me so much?
