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I sighed. “I’ll be ok. Don’t worry.”
He licked his lips. “Okay. But tell me immediately if you’re not.”
I nodded at him, then sat down and went to task. Completing the draft letter in record time, I ran over to the PR department and put together an extra fifty packages, along with extra media packages for Gregor. I was purposely distracting myself so I wouldn’t obsess over my pending encounter with Jonas.
I understood Gregor’s reservation better than I had before, though I didn’t have a way to block out Jonas’s charm or charisma. His kiss alone had me reeling, craving more. So the most I could do was put my worries away and focus on work. Before I realized it, the day had gotten away from me. By the time I checked my watch, it was ten minutes to six.
Wringing my hands, I took inventory of my clothing and hair. My pinstripe suit was wrinkled, there was a run in my cheap nylons, and the chignon I styled my hair in this morning was askew. In all my excitement, I didn’t realize until I arrived at work that I forgot to bring a change of clothing. Not only did I look a mess, but I hadn’t gotten everything done I wanted to prepare Gregor for his conference.I can’t go like this. Perhaps try to reschedule for tomorrow?
I didn’t want to cancel, but I didn’t want to hold up his time if I were to work another hour or two. Or was I delaying?At least an extra day would give me a chance to dress up, relax and prepare,I convinced myself as butterflies fluttered behind my ribs. Pulling out my phone, I took a deep breath before calling Jonas Crane.
After two rings, he answered. “Hello,” he answered in a low sultry voice that made my pulse quicken.
I touched my face. “Hello, Mr. Crane. It’s Lily Salomé.”
“Yes. My driver should be downstairs now. You’re on your way?” he asked.
I touched the bridge of my nose. “I thought to check with you on possibly rescheduling our dinner for tomorrow?” I stammered. What was it about him that had me stumbling over words when I spoke to him?
Jonas let out a breath. “Unacceptable. I expect you downstairs in my car and in front of me in approximately thirty minutes,” he said in a low tone.
I gaped at the phone, rendered speechless.
“You’ll need to leave now,” he said as he hung up.
Still holding my phone, I thought,Jonas Crane just hung up on me.I covered my smile.
“What are you doing?” Gregor asked as he approached my desk. He startled me.
I raised my shoulders. “I was going to try to work a bit more here, and reschedule with Jonas—”
He pressed his lips together. “You can’t do that. What were you thinking?”
I swallowed. “I just wanted to get some more stuff ready for you—”
Gregor lifted his chin. “I’m more than ready. You did enough. Now go before I change my mind,” he said.
I sighed. “I’m going.” I reached over and turned off my computer and glanced down at my creased pinstriped suit. “Jonas insisted.”
He squinted. “No man likes to be toyed with, Lily.”
I grabbed my jacket and put it on. “I didn’t mean to toy. I just wished I wasn’t such a mess.”
Gregor tucked an errant curl back into my bun. “I know. You’re nervous, but just know you’re perfect.”
I scrunched my face. “Hardly perfect.” I sighed, quickly packing up my things. “Thanks for that, Gregor.”
We walked to the elevators and through the lobby. Once outside, I turned and said, “Don’t forget to save the honey roasted peanuts from your flight for me.”
Gregor’s lips quirked. “I wouldn’t dream of forgetting.”
I waved at David and walked over to the car, climbing inside and leaving Arch for the Waldorf. And Jonas.
Arriving at the hotel just before 7:00 p.m., my pulse raced as I stepped out of the car. I hastened my step past the doorman and through the lobby until I made it to the lavish carved bronze clock with a miniature Statue of Liberty at the top. I didn’t know how I had missed it before. It was beautifully positioned in the luxurious lobby, as was the man standing next to it. Jonas Crane.
My body hummed as I moved closer to him, undoubtedly his complete opposite. Confidence and authority exuded from him. Still, he was standing there, among the many admirers gawking at him, waiting for me. For me? A thrill went through me. This incredibly gorgeous man wanted to spend the evening with me.For work.
Jonas looked striking in a charcoal gray two-piece suit. His impossible sea blue eyes bore into me upon approach, making me flush as they roamed over me assessing. He came close to me and tucked my hair behind my ear and a tingle went through my body on contact. My skin heated as I thought about my creased suit under my gaping coat and running nylons. I had hoped to be looking more at my best for my next meeting with him.
