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She hesitated. “I figured if you don’t need me here with Ben, I should go back…”
I shook my head as she talked, and her voice trailed off.
“There’s no reason to send you packing. You’re here now, and just because Ben isn’t doesn’t mean I won’t pay you for your time.”
She blinked at me. “Really?”
“Of course, you made an effort to come. You can…relax. Take some time off. I have a few things I need to take care of.” I glanced at my watch. Time was already ticking, and I was relieved Ben wasn’t here. I’d felt guilty about having to work since the moment Richard had twisted my arm.
I groaned inwardly.
What a Dick.
“You’re welcome to take the car, head out, and explore if you want,” I offered.
Jade shook her head slowly. “I have a few things I want to take care of if that’s okay.”
“Of course,” I said. “You’re free to do whatever you want. I only have one request.”
“Yeah?” She looked unsure.
“I’m going to a really great restaurant for dinner tonight. You can’t miss out on this place when you’re in Aspen. Come with me.”
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and she glanced away for a moment.
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“Do I think it’s a good idea for you come to the best restaurant in the northern hemisphere with me? Absolutely.” I knew what she meant, but we were just going to have dinner as two individuals who spent time together. I wanted to get to know her better.
A smile spread across her face, lighting up her features like a sunrise.
“Okay,” she said.
“Yeah?”
She nodded, still smiling. “Sure.”
“Good.” I felt a sense of accomplishment. I was going to dinner with a pretty girl. Averypretty girl. God, she made me feel all kinds of things I wasn’t supposed to feel, but I would be good and keep those feelings at bay. “I’ll be done by six.”
“I’ll make sure I am, too.”
What did she have to do? I wondered what it could be, but I didn’t ask. Time pressed on me, and I had to take care of the paperwork Richard needed so I could relax and breathe.
I walked to my office––I hated that even my holiday home had to have an office in it, but with high-profile clients who invested all their money with me, making me a rich man in the process, I had to be at their every beck and call.
I sat down and started working. I was painfully aware of Jade and the fact that she was so close––just a few rooms away. I forced myself not to think about her.
I brought her here. I could at least try to control myself.
I grunted and shook my head at myself, forcing myself to focus on my work. I was better than this––I never got this swept up by a woman. Women just didn’t do that for me. I wasn’t the type of man who dated. Sure, I fucked around now and then, but I mostly focused on work and Ben.
Jade was different, though.
I had to firmly push her out of my mind so that I could focus on work, and I threw myself into it to get it done.
Halfway through, a news bulletin popped up on my screen, breaking my attention. I read the words at least three times.
Weather warning: severe snowstorms predicted. Stay indoors, stay warm.
