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Addie watched a boat as it made its way down the river, the fire tender on board ensuring that the giant bonfires remained aflame. In the two years since she’d opened Designs by Addison no one had ever asked her that question. When her family, specifically her mom, brought up the matter of her career choices it was just to remind her she could always close up shop and take a more active role at the bakeries. That wasn’t to say she hadn’t considered whether or not her decision to branch out on her own had been wise or not.
“Yes and no,” she said admitting for the first time to anyone her true feelings. “I love being in complete control, but I do miss the security of working for Ducat and Wakefield. Running a business, even one as small as mine, entails more than I anticipated.” She hoped the desperation and anxiety she sometimes suffered from regarding her business didn’t seep into her voice.
“If there’s ever anything I can help with, just ask.”
She heard nothing but complete sincerity in his voice. Even still, she doubted she could ever ask him for help of any kind. Not only was he a virtual stranger, but someone who helped run a multi-billion dollar company didn’t have the time to help a small fledging company such as hers.
“Thank you, but you’ve already helped me. When people learn that I’ve designed for a Sherbrooke it will boost my reputation,” she answered, anxious to move the topic of their conversation away from her business. “You still have one more question you can ask me.”
“Are you busy tomorrow afternoon?”
For a moment she wondered whom she might be able to ask to cover her shift at the bakery, but just as quickly she killed the idea. While her business had started picking up since the picture in the paper, who knew how long it would last? If she hoped to keep herself afloat, she needed the extra money from her part-time job. “I’m scheduled for a shift at the bakery from seven until two and afterwards I need to catch up on some paperwork.” She hated admitting to him she still worked at the bakery, but at the same time it did no good to lie.
He glanced over at her, the flames from the torches on the bridge casting his face in shadows, making it difficult to see his expression and gauge his reaction to her answer. She suspected few women ever told him they had other obligations when he asked them out.
“Does that mean you want to call it an early night? I thought we could go back to my apartment for a little bit before I take you home, but we can do that some other time if y
ou want.”
In the past two years or so she hadn’t done much dating, but she still recognized the signs that a guy was interested in her. And although difficult to accept, Trent was sending out a lot of signals in that direction. “No, not that early. I’ve worked enough at the bakery that if need be I could do it half asleep and with one arm tied behind my back.” At this point in her life she wouldn’t have sought out a relationship, she just didn’t have the time. Yet she enjoyed Trent’s company and saw no real down side to spending time with him.
Trent squeezed her hand as they continued walking. “Good. How about we head to my apartment now? You can see the fires along the river from there, too.”
Already by agreeing to dinner with him she’d crossed that professional line and entered into dangerous territory. And while the businesswoman in her suggested she consider carefully before stepping any further over the line, the woman in her urged her to close her eyes and leap toward him, see what happened now and worry about the possible repercussions later. In the end, she gagged the businesswoman in her and stuffed her in the closet. “I’d love to.”
His lips, the very ones she dreamed about kissing, formed a smile and for a brief moment the world around them disappeared. Then just as quickly as the moment came, the music from the band registered again as did the other people around them.
“Great. I promise not to get you home too late.”
It was a short ride to Trent’s apartment, and soon Addie found herself stepping off his private elevator.
“After you.” Trent pushed open the door to his apartment.
Addie took a step forward but stopped just inside and looked back at him. “Do you want me to take my shoes off?”
Trent followed her in and let the door close behind them. “Whatever would make you feel at home.”
Addie moistened her lips and considered his words. Again, his words made it sound as if he intended something to develop between them, at least that was how she interpreted them. Turning forward again, she moved further into the apartment’s entrance, and across the glossy hardwood floor.
She’d driven by The Hillcrest more times than she could count since its construction five years ago. Not once during all the time had she considered or cared who lived there. After all, The Hillcrest was the city’s premier apartment building. No one she knew could afford the price they asked for even the one-bedroom apartments. Given the building’s luxury status, it made perfect sense that Trent lived not only in the building but also in its penthouse, which occupied the entire top two floors.
Without taking another step forward she took in her surroundings and hoped Trent hadn’t heard her jaw hit the floor. Since the beginning of her career she’d been in and worked on several luxury projects, but this place put all except one to shame. It quite literally was a designer’s dream come to life. Not one detail had been overlooked, and judging by the looks of it, no expense had been spared.
“Why don’t you check out the view while I pour us some wine?” Warm hands came down on her shoulders and caressed her skin as they made their way down her arms. “Do you prefer white or red?”
Even with space between them she felt the heat coming from his body and she began to lean back toward him seeking the intimate embrace they’d shared earlier that night.
“Or if you’d rather I can make you something else, perhaps a Cosmo?”
Her bare back rubbed against the front of his shirt, the friction causing goose bumps to form on her arms and her answer to Trent’s question slipped from her mind. Closing her eyes, she focused on the rise and fall of his chest against her as he breathed. Would he consider her crazy if she turned right now and kissed him? And even if he did, it might be worth it.
“Are you cold?” He moved so that they stood face-to-face. His hand moved back up her arms, but instead of getting rid of the goose bumps, which must have been his purpose, she shivered under his hands.
“I just got a little chill. I’m fine.” She glanced away as she spoke. When he opened his mouth as if to argue she beat him to it. “Really, I’m fine. See, the chill is already gone.” Addie held her arm out toward him, the goose bumps now gone.
Without looking away from her face, he lifted her hand toward his mouth and kissed her just above the knuckles. “If you say so, but if that changes let me know.”
Voice gone, thanks to his brief sign of affection, she nodded and let herself get lost in the moment.
