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He set his wine on the coffee table and reached for her hand, his fingertips brushing against the inside of her palm. She curled her fingers around his, sending a thrill up his arm and straight to his chest. He needed to be closer to her, to take her all in.
The candlelight on her golden hair made her look like an angel, draped in white. He wanted to run his fingers through those unruly curls. At the same time, the soft curve of her lips had him wondering what they tasted like. If he didn’t get a grip, he was going to cradle her head in his hands and find out just how much Emily Sevenson could truly affect him.
“Families are tough,” he said, his voice husky. Clearing his throat, he turned to stare at the candles. “Just like running a business. At least with work, I feel like I can fix the problems that pop up.”
“Lucky you.” Emily gave him a dry smile and sighed. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this since you are technically my client, but I can’t hold it in. My business is failing. Today, I received an eviction notice at the office. Sevenson Selective was my mother’s baby and I’m watching it slowly die. I can’t seem to stop it.”
Michael watched her close her eyes and take a sip of her wine. Her dark eyelashes splayed on her cheeks. He wanted desperately to be able to fix her problems for her. To tell her that everything would be okay, but he just couldn’t make that promise.
“Have you considered campaigning for your business?” he asked, unable to stop himself. “Going out to meet your potential clients where they’re at?”
She opened her eyes, confusion flickering on her face. “What do you mean? Like knocking on doors and handing out pamphlets?”
“No.” He chuckled and readjusted his seat. “Sevenson Selective is renowned for its ability to match the elite, isn’t it? Go to their galas, the soirees, the parties and bring in the clientele yourself.”
She stared at him as if he were the most brilliant man in the world.
“Hunt out the clientele.” She blinked hard, and then stared down at his chest. “Bring them in myself. Do you really think that could work?”
“You’re an enchanting woman, Emily,” he said, swallowing hard. His fingers itched to stroke the soft curve of her cheek. “You’ll have them eating out of your hands in no time. I know it.”
Her gaze flickered up to his just then. Within it he saw something that made his stomach lurch with need. She leaned forward, her pink lips parting slightly. He wanted to reach out and take her into his arms. All it would take was for him to give into his urges. She could tell what he was thinking. The same need flashed in her own eyes. He only needed to act on it.
With a click, the power came back on, along with the overhead lights. Michael swore under his breath and shielded his eyes. Emily squinted at him, leaning back in her seat. Her cheeks burned red and she tightened the robe across her chest with an anxious flutter of her hands.
“Guess that’s my cue. I should be heading home,” she said nervously. She hopped off the couch and looked around, taking in the corners of the lush parlor that had previously been hidden in the dark. Her eyes went wide with awe. “Well, maybe after a personal tour of this fabulous place.”
Michael grinned and jumped up after her, offering his arm. “I happen to know the perfect tour guide for the occasion. He’s quite handsome, too.”
Emily threw her head back and laughed. Michael felt his heart flutter as she clutched at his arm.
“Lead the way, handsome.”
Chapter Eight
Emily hopped out of her Volkswagen beetle, clasping a purse in one hand and pressing her cell phone to her head with the other. She closed the squeaky door with her hip and stared at the sleek design of the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. If she had been nervous before, it was nothing compared to now.
“I’ve got to do this, Lydia,” she said into her phone, shifting the purse to her other hand. “This tech conference is going to attract some of the richest people in the country. I’m sure a lot of them could use a little help finding love. I’m just going to pass out a few cards and then I’m out of here.”
She could hear Lydia clicking her tongue in dissatisfaction on the other end of the line. “I just don’t favor the idea of you out there pandering. You’re the boss. You should’ve sent me. I’m the lowly secretary.”
“Yeah, well, too late now. I’m already dolled up and ready to go.”
She looked down at the little black dress and heels she’d put on for the occasion. It was an outfit she usually paired with a sensible cardigan for formal events. The last time she’d worn it had been her mother’s funeral. That thought made her throat tighten. She shook off the sad feelings with a toss of her head and resolutely started marching toward the convention center.
“Besides, this was Michael’s idea,” she continued. “I’m not about to throw you to the wolves when I’m not sure if this will even work.”
“Hmm, Michael Knight.” Lydia hummed with excitement. “Two dates in and you’re already taking advice from him. I’d call that a good sign.”
Emily forced out a laugh. “I’d call that a desperate sign. At this point, I’d try anything.”
But that wasn’t really true. Michael had surprised her during their date last weekend. He gave off such a strong and commanding presence, yet there was an underlying sweetness about him that attracted her. A sincerity, as if he really cared for her and her livelihood. Not to mention, he was a businessman himself. He probably knew what he was talking about.
They’d been texting on and off all week, even talked for an hour on the phone one night before bed. Every time her phone pinged, her heart fluttered with anticipation. She felt like a teenager with a crush.
“Well, whatever the reason, good luck darling,” Lydia said. “Bring home the sad, single bacon.”
Emily laughed and stashed her phone in her purse. She had entered the convention center doors where a registration table sat, welcoming new guests. Biting her lower lip, she assessed the situation.
