AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Gunnar slowly pulls down the drive to the stand by the front door and puts the car in park. We get out, and he hands the keys to the valet, offering me his arm. “Shall we?”
I grin and slip my hand into the crook of his elbow, giving it a little squeeze. “Are you sure you’re ready for round two of Victoria? She’s been in rare form since Alistair told her he wasn’t giving her nephew Hibernian Press’s new imprint to handle.”
“Hey, one entitled, demanding diva can’t ruin my evening. Not when I’m here with you.”
The way my heart flutters in my chest threatens my ability to breathe. Thankfully, Gunnar takes charge and guides me up the front steps to the door. Before we even lift a hand to knock, it opens, and Alistair appears. “Jocelin, Gunnar, welcome! I’m glad you both could make it. Come on in. Here, let’s take care of your coats.”
We hand them over to a blond man in a tuxedo, who disappears into a side room. “Everyone is either in the kitchen, the living room, or outside on the patio. Let me get you a drink, and then feel free to make yourselves at home, wander around, have some snacks.”
Alistair walks us through the entry hall, into a huge kitchen that was clearly designed for someone who loves to spend time cooking and entertaining. There are two ovens, an eight burner cooktop, an industrial-sized stainless steel refrigerator, huge amounts of counter space, and an array of kitchen gadgets and countertop appliances. The center island serves as the bar, with several varieties of wine, beer, liquor, and frozen drink ingredients arranged across the surface. Alistair leans against the counter. “So what can I get you?”
I look over the wine selection and choose a piquette, while Gunnar opts for a local pale ale. When we have our drinks, Alistair lifts his glass. “Glad you could make it tonight. Cheers.” We tap our glasses and take sips as a beautiful, petite blonde approaches and slips her arm around Alistair’s waist.
“Alistair, here you are!” A soft look passes between them, and I like that he can show affection and be human in front of his employees. It makes me like him even more than I already did.
“Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Selina Darcy. Selina, this is Jocelin Allard, a very promising lawyer in my firm, whose specialty is contract law.”
“It’s very nice to meet you.” I extend my hand to her, and she takes it, shaking firmly.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Jocelin. Alistair has told me some very nice things about you.”
Alistair gestures to Gunnar. “And this is Gunnar Osouf. Jocelin’s boyfriend.” Alistair frowns. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you do for a living.”
“Architect at MRB Concepts.” He flashes his heart-stopping smile and offers his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for inviting me to your lovely home.”
She grins back at him. “Aren’t you the charmer? And you’re very welcome.”
“Is this, by chance, a Paul Hayden Kirk design?”
I glance at Gunnar, not recognizing the name or what design he’s asking about, but Selina obviously does. Her face lights up, and she nods. “It is! Would you like a tour?”
Gunnar glances at me, obviously looking for some kind of permission, and I laugh. “Go. Geek out over the architecture. You can tell me all about it later.”
“Thanks, babe.” He leans in and kisses my cheek while I stand there, slightly stunned by the spontaneous endearment. We hadn’t covered that during our lengthy conversation the other day. Selina slips her arm through his, and they’re off before I recover.
I turn back to Alistair, who winks at me. “I hope you don’t mind.”
I frown. “Mind what?”
“That my lovely wife has whisked your boyfriend away, leaving you here with me.”
His grin is self-deprecating, and every time I think I can’t like Alistair more, he proves me wrong. “I don’t mind at all. I’m thrilled he has an opportunity to indulge his passion for architecture.”
“Good. Supporting your partner’s interests is key to a successful relationship. At least in my opinion.” Alistair grins. “So, I heard a rumor that you’ve had a rough week.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “I’m sorry for my unprofessional outburst at the office. I probably owe Victoria an apology.”
Alistair leans in conspiratorially. “If you apologize to her, I will reconsider my decision about the new imprint.” I glance at him, wondering if he’s teasing me, but his smile looks completely sincere. “From what I heard, she had it coming. And as far as what you said, my understanding is you were professional but very direct. The only fault might lie in the location of the discussion, but Victoria can be quite infuriating.”
I’m absolutely shocked that Alistair is aware of thediscussionand isn’t upset with me about it. He’s right. I should have asked Victoria to move the argument into her office. Hopefully, there won’t be a “next time,” but if there is, I’ll remember that. “I’m afraid she doesn’t care for me at all. But I’ve found, and will continue to find, ways to make it work.”
Alistair laughs. “Good for you. If it ever gets to be too much, though, let me or Nando know.” He nudges my shoulder with his. “You’re a valuable member of our team, and I don’t want to lose you over something like that.”
A snide voice cuts through our friendly moment. “Like what?”
I tense, Victoria’s voice grating on my nerves like her blood-red nails on a chalkboard. Alistair doesn’t miss a beat. “Miscommunications. Not enough down time. You name it. Whichever working conditions make things challenging for our employees. We want to ensure a happy work environment.” He turns to look directly at Victoria. “Don’t you agree?”
She flips her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Within reason. We don’t need to coddle anyone.” She turns and glares daggers at me. “How did you get an invitation?” She shifts her gaze back to scowl at Alistair. “Victor wasn’t invited.”
