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I got up from my seat as Aiden walked through the door.
Aiden Hall was a very attractive man. At around six feet tall, he was dark haired and dark eyed. He had a friendly look on his face, though I could tell by looking at him that if he wanted to, I’d bet he could put a brooding, chill factor on people.
“Hey, Amelia. I thought I’d see how you were settling in. What’s that look on your face? Do I have pen on my lip or something?” He felt at his face. It was a hint of vulnerability and it made me chuckle.
“I was just wondering what your deal making face looks like. You know, when you’re trying to close in on an important deal and you’re being fucked over. What does your intimidating stare look like?”
“Ah, I don’t have one. I just charm everyone and they fall at my feet.” He laughed.
I shook my head at him. “Coffee?”
“Yes please.” He sat across from me while I asked Jessica for two coffees.
“So how are you settling in?” He asked me again.
“Busy.” I told him, “although this morning I had some free time, hence I decided to read up on some exciting company policies.”
“I’m glad I came in to save you from that then.”
“So what did you want Henry for? Anything I can help you with?” I relaxed back in my chair. I liked Aidan even though I didn’t know him well. There was something about him, maybe his easygoing manner, which put me at ease.
“Ah, I knew H wasn’t around this morning. I just came to check in on you and that was my excuse.”
“Right.”
“So, how was your first week?”
A knock came at the door.
“Come in.”
Jessica brought in both our coffees.
“White, two sugars?” She asked Aidan. He was obviously a regular fixture around here. After she left, I tried to take a sip of my too hot coffee.
“So, how do you know Henry then? What business do you do with him? I see you’re on my schedule to meet anyway, Thursday at four.”
“That’s why I’m here. I wondered if you’d like to go to dinner instead? Far nicer to discuss business over great food than sit in my boring office.”
I crossed one leg over the other and looked at him shrewdly. “Is there an agenda to this dinner?”
“No agenda, just like I said, nicer surroundings.” He changed his posture, sitting open-legged with his arms resting on his knees and hands between his thighs, fingers intertwined. He looked up at me, gaze direct. “So how about it?”
“Fine. I like Italian.” I told him.
“And that’s my business game face,” he told me laughing. “See how effective it is.”
I guffawed. “Well played, Aidan, well played. I didn’t even know you were gaming me.”
“See, mostly you win business with honesty and charm. I’m not much of a player and can’t do aloof to save my life. Now, I’m no pushover. I’m very, very ambitious, but I can’t manage H’s icy, brooding stare that wilts people under the pressure, so I go with being the good guy.”
“And are you a good guy?” I asked, eyebrow raised.
“Mostly.” He answered.
“So you met Henry through business then?”
He took a fraction too long to answer and so I made a calculated guess.
