AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I fight to maintain my composure, subtly clearing my throat. “It’s an honor. Enviro Enterprise has been such a pioneer in green products. My eleventh-grade geography independent study project was all about the impact your company had on the way we manage paper product recycling.”
For a moment, I want to sink into the ground. I can’t believe I’m talking about a high school project with this man; he must think I’m such an idiot. But then Harmon’s smile widens. “I hope you got a good grade on that project.”
“Ninety-four percent.”
“Ah, clever and forward thinking. I see why Jackson was so adamant I meet you. I’ve been told you have a family-run event hotel. Why don’t you tell me a little about it, and I’ll show you around the estate?” I spend the next twenty minutes fielding questions from Harmon, explaining what we do at Spark House, how it started, and how my grandmother was always looking for the best and cleanest ways to run a hotel, researching the companies we did business with. By the time my sisters and I took over, we had a clear plan and were moving toward a green-friendly approach on all levels.
“I need to visit Spark House.”
“We’re hosting a charity auction next month to raise money in support of respite care, specifically for families with a terminal parent and younger children, if you’re interested in attending,” Jackson offers.
“Absolutely. You’ll send me the details?”
“Of course. I’ll have Mitchell forward everything to Colleen.”
“Perfect. I’ll leave you to browse the wing. Everything in the bedrooms is available, and we have several sets of mismatched china and a dining room that we’re looking to liquidate. If there’s anything you see that you’d like, you can flag it and we can set it aside for you.” He turns to me. “London, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well. I hope I see you next month.”
I wait until Jackson and I are alone before I whisper, “I can’t believe you did that!”
“Did what?” Jackson’s hands are clasped behind his back, his expression giving nothing away.
“I didn’t realize this was going to be an introduction to someone like him.”
“Estates are often owned by influential people. I thought it was a great way to feed two birds with one scone. Don’t you agree?”
“Don’t you mean kill two birds with one stone? And yes I agree, but some advance warning would have been nice!” I realize I’m admonishing him and probably shouldn’t be.
“My phrasing is less violent, and I’d apologize, but it’s clear that Harmon is completely enamored with you.” He arches a brow in challenge. “And you’ll get to meet him again in just a few weeks.”
“If he comes to the event.”
“I have a feeling he will. And if all goes well, you’ll have your first sponsorship under your belt, and that’s before the actual initiative rolls out.” Jackson grins, clearly very pleased with himself.
I tip my head up so I can meet his stunning, amused gaze. “This was all part of your plan, wasn’t it?”
“It wasn’t a bad plan.”
“Why are you doing this for me?” I can’t figure him out, and it’s driving me mad. I love what he’s doing for Spark House, but I also want to get naked with him. And I have no idea where he stands on that because his answers are always vague. He’s the king of mixed signals. None of it makes sense.
“Because I believe in you, London. We all come from modest beginnings at some point. I see the greatness in what you’re doing and the potential for growth. The way you approach this is authentic and real, and I want more people to see that.”
My heart stutters at his earnest expression and his warm tone. “Thank you.” I step forward and wrap my arms around his waist without thinking.
And suddenly our bodies are flush. My cheek makes contact with the soft cotton of his polo. I can hear the strong, steady beat of his heart. And I realize, with horror, that I’ve spontaneously hugged him. At least I’ve managed not to do a hip roll.
I’m about to release him and apologize for making things awkward yet again, when his arms circle me in return. He pats my back, sort of like I’m a kid who needs consoling. “No thanks necessary,” he murmurs. “It’s a joy to see you shine.”
He drops his arms, and I take a huge step back so I’m no longer in his personal space. “We should look around!” I’m back to sounding like I’ve huffed helium, and I’m eleven million percent sure that my face is literally on fire.
For the first time since we entered the wing, I take stock of my surroundings. We’re in the middle of the dining hall. The table is set with china. It’s immaculate and amazing, and I can’t imagine how much time and energy must go into making sure everything is dust-free. “Oh!” I clap my hands once, then lace my fingers together so I don’t look like an excited seal. “This is incredible.”
