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“So, Arthur?” I question, getting our conversation back on track. Harrison smiles, moving his hand, but not before his thumb caresses my skin again so softly that I feel the tingling shoot up my arm, spreading warmth throughout my body. His smile is infectious, making me grin even wider.
“Well, hopefully, we can get his support. It would mean a lot. He is well respected and admired, and I think it could really move the needle for me in terms of garnering public support.”
“Arthur is a smart man, I am sure he will either be supportive or have good reasons not to be. Either way, I guess we will find out soon.” He nods, taking in my words.
“So do you have any questions about the party next Saturday night?” Harrison asks, looking at me. I shift a little in my seat because I am still not sure what the hell I am going to wear. I went through my entire wardrobe last night when I got home and there really wasn’t anything worthy.
“It should be great. I just need to find something to wear,” I say jovially, covering my nerves with humor in my tone.
“I will organize a stylist. Will early afternoon work for you?” he says as he grabs his cell from his pocket and starts typing, all while I sit stunned for a moment.
“Harrison, no! That is too much. I am sure they are busy. I can find something to wear, no problem,” I say, not quite believing he would offer me a stylist. A luxury that I certainly can’t afford.
“It is my event and we invited you at the last minute. I have a team who can dress you and provide hair, makeup and anything else you need. I can have them come to your house.” He ignores my pleas, his face still buried in his cell.
“No, I am sure I can find something. I am thinking I will stay in the city. Hotel Providore has a great deal at the moment, and I can just go shopping between now and then. It will be fine. I can sort something out.” The words rush from my mouth, trying to act nonchalant, even though my palms are sweating.
He looks up at me then, searching my eyes.
“Beth, I need you with me and focused on the campaign at all times. Things such as event attire, a driver, city accommodation, and anything else you need, I will handle. If you need something special for the event, clothes, hair, makeup,anything, I will get it for you. Any request, I will arrange for you. Anything you need, I will provide it for you. Do you understand? No worrying about any of it.”
“Okay, if you say so...” I reply quietly, not feeling comfortable to accept such extravagance, but it ishiscampaign, so I will be a team player.
“Give me a minute,” he says as he types into his phone.
“What about your dad?” He pauses what he is doing and looks at me with concern, making my heart melt a little. Even though he has a myriad of things to be worried about, my dad comes to his mind. The two of them haven’t even formally met, yet Harrison is already taking him into consideration.
“He is fine. Jeff will look in on him. They are trying a new medicinal program for his legs, so they are all into that at the moment,” I tell him just as his cell phone dings.
“Medicinal? Is it safe?” he questions and, to be honest, I hadn’t even thought about it. Dad trusts Jeff, and throughout the years, we have tried all sorts of things to help Dad through his disability and mental struggles.
“Yes, it’s a new juice cleanse or something. Jeff has my dad trying all sorts of weird and wonderful things to get some muscle improvement back into his legs since ongoing physio is not within our reach.”
“Does he not have regular support? Medical or anything else?” Harrison asks, and I appreciate his interest.
“No. I have medical through work, obviously, which helps a lot, but we can’t really afford all the top care that he needs. We make do.”
Harrison looks at me for a beat, taking in my smile, but doesn't say anything.
“Alright, all organized. I have booked you the suite at the Four Seasons, and I have a team coming to you at the hotel at four. I will pick you up at seven,” Harrison says with finality.
“Wait, what? Harrison. This is too much,” I do not want him spending more on me than he has to. I can make my own way; I always have.
“Beth. Listen to me. You are a professional who does a damn good job, and I want you with me. I need to introduce you to people, and you will have to work the room as well. I want you by my side for this event and the next one, so it is the least I can do. Call it a work perk.”
Harrison’s eyes focus on mine before he pockets his phone, turning his body slightly to me like he is challenging me to continue, knowing that I won’t win. His charming smile is back, and I don’t miss his eyes as they flick to my lips and then back again, something he has a habit of doing. The backseat of this car just got a whole lot smaller.
“If you’re sure?” I say, still not convinced. No one has ever brought me anything like that before, but I guess he does have an appearance to uphold, and it is important for me to look a certain way in public at such a well-attended event.
Harrison also wants me by his side.I didn’t miss that comment and now my heart is thumping loud enough for my throat to vibrate. He lifts his hand and brushes a stray hair from my cheek and pushes it back around my ear, and my skin tingles from his gentle touch. I need to bite my tongue to remind myself that we are in work mode. But it’s hard to tell sometimes with him.
“I’m sure,” he murmurs, our eyes hooked on each other, before his lower to my lips once more, and flick back to meet mine again.Is he going to kiss me?
I’m nervous, and my body feels hot. We shouldn’t be looking at each other like this. Like we are wanting to be more than we are.
We sit like that for a beat, the air getting thicker by the second, and my heart jumping from my chest. It is not inappropriate, but intense. If he was anyone else, I would ease into him, the moment just right for me to get closer, and seal our fate. My body strumming with need for more of his touch. But he is my boss, so I refrain, not moving a muscle.
Tom clears his throat from the front seat, and we pull apart quickly.
