AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I suddenly feel cold.
I am freezing from the inside out, and my thin-strapped dress doesn’t keep me warm.
My legs are rooted to a spot, and my mind shuts down. I am still processing the shock of seeing him again.
The soft slam of the door reminds me of John's presence behind me. It causes me to flinch, but I don't turn around. He shuts the door and walks past me like a breeze, chuckling. Then, he slides into his swivel chair.
His eyes drift to mine, sensing my uneasiness immediately.
"Well, don't just stand there, Pumpkin." He teases me. My lips are stiff at his attempts to lighten the atmosphere. But then, I remember how observant he is.
He can pick up on my discomfort in a nanosecond. So, I mask my nervousness with a forced smile.
"Ugh! What will it take to finally get you to stop calling me that?" I ask him, moving from where I stood. My legs wobble as I slump forward into the chair before him.
"Nothing." He replies.
"You can't get me to stop calling you that. Now, wipe off that frown from your face." He dismisses my sulking and stands up.
Knowing him well, I know he will fetch a drink from the bar at the rear end of his study.
Sure enough, he grabs a drink and offers me one.
I plan to decline his offer but realize I need a drink now.
He walks back to the table, hands me a glass of red wine, and sits.
My heart jams against my ribcage, pounding furiously. I immediately chug the red wine down my throat to ease the tension. I am at a loss for how to ask John the question that nags at the back of my mind.
"You asked if we could talk in private…." John’s voice trails off. It is difficult to maintain eye contact with him without swallowing.
"I am sorry I couldn't introduce you properly to Michael. He apologizes. My heartbeat quickens at the mention of his name. It's been over two years, for goodness’ sake! How can he still affect me so much?
Heck, it was only one night.
"Who is he?" I play dumb. Even though he had just introduced him to me as his business partner.
"I know all your friends, John. You certainly didn't tell me about him." I arch a brow at him.
"And from what I saw out there, you two look quite cordial." I sit up, waiting for an explanation. John cannot conceal the smile on his face. The hint of glee in his eyes indicates that John holds him in high esteem.
He leans into his seat, taking a sip from his wine glass.
"Michael is my partner in the hotel business. We met a few years ago." He answers.
I furrow my brows at him.
"How did you meet him?" I ask.
He picks up on my eagerness to know more about Michael and continues.
"It's quite a funny story, actually. We met at a conference about three years ago. It was around the time when you left for Milan." He explains.
I shift uncomfortably in my seat at the mention of Milan. It triggers memories I would rather bury within me. It’s best if they never see the light of day again.
"Oh," I mumble.
"It was like we have known each other for years. We clicked immediately, and it got even better after I realized Michael was also in the hospitality business,"
