Page 11 of No Going Back

CHAPTER FOUR

With a spring in his step. Guy left his fiery-red F-type Jaguar in the car park and headed for the front entrance of the hotel. He’d called ahead, so hopefully Maddie would be available—not that he cared if he had to wait. The prospect of spending some time in her company, no matter how short, was worth it.

He gave the doorman a nod and made straight for reception, from where he was escorted to Maddie’s office. As he entered, she rose to meet him, her arm extended for a handshake. This time, he held on a little longer than might be the norm for a business greeting. He looked straight into her eyes, claimed her gaze, and held it until she broke the contact by glancing down in a classic gesture of submission. His interest in her hit a new high.

“Sir Guy, how lovely to see you again. Would you like to take a seat?”

“Thank you, Maddie, and it’s still just Guy.” He waited until she resumed her seat, then took the same chair as last time.

She returned his smile with a radiant one of her own. “I’ll try to remember that. What can I do for you?”

“I’m here on an errand.” He reached into the interior pocket of his jacket and brought out the stiff white envelope. “One contract, signed, sealed and delivered. Given the timescale, I thought it might be advisable to return it in person.”

She nodded and took the envelope from him. “Do you mind if I…?”

“By all means.” He was content to watch her as she checked the signatures on the document. Simon had barely set foot inside Stonehaven before Ros had shoved the contract under his nose, with an unequivocal instruction to sign on the dotted line.

“Everything seems to be in order. Given the timescale, I’ll start the ball rolling immediately. It’ll be our pleasure to provide Ros and Simon with a wedding day to remember.”

“Thank you. After you were kind enough to give us the guided tour, and go through all the options, she said it was no contest.”

“And what about the bridegroom? I assume he’s happy with the choice?”

Guy gave a wry smile. “He’s given her free rein and a blank cheque. He’s a wise man.”

Maddie raised her eyebrows. “I see. Even so, we’ll endeavour to keep costs reasonable.”

“Thank you. Ros did have one stipulation.”

“Yes?”

“At our original meeting, you mentioned the planner we were supposed to see wasn’t available.”

“I remember. She’s back at work now, and I’m sure her schedule could accommodate Ros and Simon.”

“That’s the thing. Ros would prefer you to handle the arrangements—if possible.”

Ros hadn’t said anything of the sort, but Guy had his own agenda for manipulating the truth. He was willing to use any remotely feasible excuse to remain on Maddie’s radar.

“I can assure you all members of my team are highly competent and experienced. Between them, over the last five years, they’ve handled some very high-profile weddings.”

“I don’t doubt it, but you impressed my niece so much, she’d like you to manage her big day.”

Maddie appeared to weigh up his words. At least she hadn’t refused outright… yet. Although he didn’t think it was the kind of decision that warranted quite this much consideration.

“It’s unusual, but I don’t see why not.” Her smile warmed him from the inside out. “I should probably keep my hand in occasionally, anyway.”

“Good. Now that we’ve settled that, I have a request of my own—have dinner with me.”

Whatever reaction he might have anticipated, Guy hadn’t expected her face to drain of all colour.

“I… I’m not sure it would be a good idea, Sir Guy.”

He noted the use of his title to put distance between them. He didn’t like it. His Dom side bristled. “Does the hotel have a policy of non-fraternisation with clients?”

“Not exactly—there’s nothing in the code of conduct, but…”

“But?” he pressed when she fell silent.