My eyes lingered on her a bit longer. She was pleasing to look at. She had a soft, curvy body, but it looked powerful. I’d have to be careful. That kind of soft power was my kryptonite.
She adjusted her bag on her shoulder as Geoffrey stepped outside to greet her. Her expression was open and attentive. She didn’t seem intimidated by the mere scale of my house. Good.
Chandler glanced sideways at me. “That’s her?”
“Yes.”
She shifted her weight slightly while Geoffrey spoke, sunlight catching along the curve of her cheek. I forced my attention back to the reports.
“She appears efficient,” Chandler said with a smirk I didn’t care for.
That was the thing when you spend the majority of your time with the people who work for you. While they were both more than efficient at their job, they were both a little too familiar. And Chandler specifically tended to overstep. It was only tolerated because, being in the hospitality business, someone had to be hospitable. He was much better at that than I was.
“That’s the requirement,” I replied.
“Of course.”
Chandler’s mouth hinted at a smile, but he said nothing. He resumed. “Atrium renderings for Columbus need final approval before eleven.”
“I’ll review them.”
Outside the office door, faint footsteps moved down the hall.
I kept my eyes on the file, having to reread the same line twice. As I read, I heard Geoffrey’s voice carry faintly down the hall.
“This wing is maintained biweekly. Mr. Renault’s office sits at the end of the hall and is restricted unless specifically requested.”
“Yes, sir,” Belle replied easily.
I rose. There was no operational need to be present during the tour. I wasn’t even sure why I was leaving my study, but even still, I stepped into the corridor.
They were halfway down the east hall when Geoffrey noticed me.
“Sir,” he said smoothly.
Belle turned. Her expression shifted to recognition, then a polite brightness.
“Good morning, sir,” she said.
“I wanted to introduce myself properly, I am Raphael Renault,” I said as I extended my hand.
“Isabelle Blythe, but everyone calls me Belle,” she said as her mouth curled into a warm smile as she took my hand.
The instant our palms met, it was as if I felt an electric current run up my arm. Interesting.
Geoffrey inclined his head slightly.
Belle glanced between us.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” I said with a curt nod.
Geoffrey resumed walking. “The east wing guest rooms are used intermittently. Linens are rotated monthly unless we have a guest arrive.”
Belle nodded, making a note of it.
“And the study?” I added.
