AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Then he burst, flooding her with his fire, scorching the tender flesh he’d loved so thoroughly the night before. She broke apart, shattering into a million pieces, each a mirror to the glowing flame of his love, until she was engulfed in a brilliant inferno without end.
* * * * *
Eileen had no time to think about the coming meeting as she hurriedly showered and dressed in her book-signing outfit of a long gray wool skirt, white blouse, and gray velvet shawl. As soon as she was ready, Dermot called for his limousine.
He glanced at his watch. “Barring traffic, we’ll make it.”
“Isn’t traffic usually a problem in Manhattan?”
He grinned as he escorted her to the elevator. “Compared to what you’re used to, I’m sure it would be. My driver can handle it.”
The driver and limo were waiting for them in the circle outside the apartment building. A new and younger doorman held open the limousine’s door for them. As she entered the passenger compartment with Dermot right behind her, Eileen was assailed by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
As soon as they’d taken their seats and the doorman sealed them inside, Dermot pressed the intercom button. “The Silver Moon offices. For a nine o’clock meeting.”
“Yes, sir!”
Dermot released the button and reached for one of the brushed steel coffee cups engraved with the Stone Industries logo, only to be flung backward into the seat as the limousine shot out of the circle and into the street.
He righted himself, and grabbed a bagel from the bag beside the coffees instead. “I’ll wait until a traffic light to try drinking anything. Would you like a bagel? We have plain, sesame, cinnamon raisin, and blueberry.”
She rested her hand on her stomach, which chose that moment to gurgle. “Yes, please. Blueberry.”
She tore into the bagel, surprised at how suddenly ravenous she was.
He smiled indulgently, more interested in watching her than in eating his own bagel. “Built up quite an appetite last night, did you?”
“What with all the time zone changes, I missed a meal along the way.”
“Would you like another bagel?”
She pressed her palm to her stomach, which was now churning. “No, thank you. That wouldn’t be a very good idea right now.”
The limousine stopped at a light, and Dermot quickly swallowed half a cup of coffee. She added cream and sugar to hers, so only had time for a single sip before the car lurched into motion again.
The driver continued darting the big car in and out of traffic in a manner that did nothing to soothe her nerves. Dermot held her hand, offering her silent encouragement.
“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” she admitted. “I suppose it’s because I don’t know what to expect.”
“My publicist is excellent. She’ll find your comfort level, and book you accordingly. Just be yourself. You’ll be fine.” He squeezed her hand lightly. “There is one thing, however. It would be best if you didn’t mention we knew each other.”
She smiled, recognizing now that he was trying to protect her. “You don’t want them to think this publicity is favoritism?”
“I want them focused on enhancing the value of the publisher’s lead author, and public recognition of Silver Moon.”
“How long should we wait before telling them, do you think?”
“They don’t need to be told.”
Eileen frowned. “Your limousine driver, and the two doormen at your building all know I spent the night with you. You know what they say. It is not a secret if it is known to three people.”
“Don’t worry about it. They are well paid for their discretion.”
“And when you run out of those whose silence you have paid for, what then? Am I to be seen nowhere in public with you?”
“Don’t be silly. Of course we’ll be seen together. We have to eat. And I’m eager to show you man
y of my favorite places in the city. That doesn’t mean our personal lives need to be fodder for the gossip rags.”
