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“The one who says she doesn’t want anything, and then eats half her—” I couldn’t saydateorboyfriend“—dining companion’s food. Besides, I have my own, which was thoughtful, if not presumptuous, of you.”
“Fuck, you’re stubborn.” Kingston sounded amused.
“Says the man who refuses to takenofor an answer.”
“If you want the food, eat the food. It’s not like you care what we think,” Owen said.
“Andyou’reinfuriatingly logical.”
Kingston laughed. “Isn’t he, though? That’s why he lets me do the negotiating. People want to come to the bargaining table with their hearts, not their minds, regardless of what they say. You, for instance, are looking at our offer mostly based on your heart.”
“I told you this was my passion. You don’t need a psychology degree to figure out I’m not turning you away because of the money.” I didn’t care for being analyzed, even if I was doing the same to them. But Owen had a point, too. If I didn’t care what they thought of me, why was I hesitating to eat? And now I’d done the one thing I didn’t want to—made a big deal out of the food.
“I’m not doing this because you’re right. About anything.” I set my salad aside, grabbed a pair of chopsticks, and plucked a dumpling from the broth.
“Of course you’re not.” Owen kept a straight face.
Kingston was smirking though.
It was a good thing they were leaving at the end of the day. They wreaked havoc on my mind and body, and part of me wanted a lot more of the same.
I really wanted the focus off me and my dietary choices. Always, but especially now. “How long are you two going to be in town?” That was polite and gave me information at the same time. It would tell me how long I needed to hide and avoid them.
The glances they exchanged were impossible to interpret.
“Is it a secret?” I asked.
Owen opened his mouth.
“Yes.” Kingston talked over him. “At least for now it is.”
“Ah.” Not that it was really my business, but it was an odd thing to not want to discuss. “Then, how about that gorgeous weather we’re having? Or are your thoughts on that a secret too?” I kept my tone light.
“Itwasa secret, but then the press caught wind, and social media started talking, and noweveryoneknows I think the weather is perfect right now.” Kingston finished with an exaggerated sigh, and the corners of his eyes still crinkled with laughter.
If he weren’t gorgeous and rich and completely on top of the world, I might start to think the steady stream of humor was there to mask an insecurity.
“Speaking of the gorgeous weather—” Owen looked like a light bulb had just gone off in his mind —“we’re meeting a few friends up at Strawberry Reservoir on Sunday. They’ve got a huge cabin up there. You should come with us.”
Besides the fact that the invitation was completely out of the blue, the lake meant water meant boats and swimming and most likely people in bathing suits. Not for me. “Why?”
“They come from some of the more influential families around here,” Owen said. “In politics. In money. It’s a good chance to make some connections.”
“Also, they’re fun. Otherwise, what’s the point?” Kingston added.
That still didn’t answer my question. “I’ll be clearer. Whyme?”
“You’re smart. You’re an excellent businesswoman.” Owen ticked off bullet points.
I stared at him blankly. “Which doesn’t translate tocome hang at the lake with us and meet our rich friends.You barely know me.”
Owen raised an eyebrow. “We’re still trying to make you a business partner, and this is a good excuse to get to know you in a social-but-professional environment.”
And there it was. His answer didn’t bother me the way I thought it should.
“Some people think it doesn’t matter who you know, but it does. Use this to your advantage,” Kingston said.
I hated the idea of owing anyone or calling in favors, but Kingston was right. Their reasons for introducing me didn’t have to be mine. “Don’t suppose any of your friends are connected to the city council.” As in, could they put me in touch with someone who could help me with my zoning issues?
