by Anna Sugden
He agreed with her appraisal. “Obviously, I’m thinking about a sports bar. Large flat-screen TVs, memorabilia on the walls and in display cabinets.” He grimaced as he ate his dinner. “Definitely a better chef, too.”
“A change of name, look and management, and the added benefit of your name, should encourage people to give the place a try.” Pushing aside her unfinished meal, Sapphie sipped her drink. “But how do you plan to make this work? You’ve never managed a restaurant and you have a full-time job with the Cats.”
“Grey wants to be involved as a silent partner. He’ll invest some money, oversee the menu and personnel, and help me hire a manager to run it, but it won’t be overtly linked to him or his restaurant.”
“That should work out nicely for both of you.”
“So you think it’s worth pursuing?”
“Bearing in mind I haven’t checked out the books, and basing my opinion on what I’ve seen, I’d say go for it.” She smiled. “If you’d like and you’re serious, I can look at it in more depth and give you a better-informed opinion.”
He was stunned by her unexpected offer. “That would be great, but I know you’re really busy with your clients.”
“If this has the potential I think it might, I wouldn’t mind investing myself. If you’d be open to another silent partner.”
“Definitely.” As pleased as he was by her enthusiasm, he was bemused that she would commit to a business venture with him but not a relationship. And why did she want in on a project based in New Jersey, when her main office was in Chicago? Did she have a hidden agenda—maybe one that involved seeing more of him?
“Are you planning on spending more time here?” he asked casually, searching for a clue to her thinking.
“No more than usual. Once I’ve finished with the Cats, I’ll have to check in on my other clients, so I’ll be traveling again. But I don’t need to be here to invest, do I?”
“Nope.” Hiding his disappointment, he said, “I’ll discuss it with Grey and let you know.”
“Sounds good. Now, I’m going to try their strawberry cheesecake.”
Over dessert and coffee, Scott and Sapphie talked more about ideas for the sports bar. They bounced ideas off each other, then challenged and built on those ideas. Their debates were occasionally heated, but there wasn’t the underlying tension their meetings at the office had. Their strengths—her ability to look strategically at the big picture and his ability to plan tactics and problem-solve—dovetailed nicely.
There were also more of those lingering looks and sizzling touches. It was as if a bubble of intimacy had formed around them and the rest of the tavern didn’t exist.
All too soon, it was time to leave.
“Would you like to walk along the riverfront?” he asked as they headed out into the night air, trying to delay the moment the evening would end.
“I’d love to, but I have a conference call with my people in LA about a client issue.” She looked at her watch. “If I don’t get moving, I’ll be late. Thanks for dinner. Have a great weekend. See you on Monday.”
It seemed like he barely blinked and she was in her car, heading out of the parking lot.
He ignored his frustration and tried to focus on the fact that they were making progress. Just not quickly enough. Especially as Sapphie’s time with the Ice Cats would soon be over.
Of course, if she was involved in this sports-bar project, he’d still have a reason to contact her on a regular basis and he could continue his plan to win her over.
That thought lifted his spirits as he started for home.
Slow progress or not, things might be working out in his favor after all.
* * *
“HERE’S TO A long and fruitful partnership.”
Sapphie clinked her flute against Ryan Grey’s and Scotty’s, then sipped her champagne. “I can’t believe I’m at the same table with two of my favorite Ice Cats players, let alone embarking on a joint project with you.”
“Would you like our waiter to take a picture of us for your scrapbook?” Ryan grinned.
He’d been teasing her like an older brother since they’d been introduced tonight. Sapphie caught herself. What was wrong with her? One of the best-looking players, retired or not, and the man whose tastefully naked picture from a famous sports magazine’s body issue had been her computer wallpaper for years, and she thought of him as a brother?
Because he’s not Scotty. The thought shocked her.
She looked at the two men seated with her in Grey’s restaurant and couldn’t help comparing them. Both were tall, with great bodies that said they continued to work out. Both had short dark hair flecked with silver. But Ryan’s face was longer and thinner, with high Slavic cheekbones, and his silvery-gray eyes matched his name.
But when Ryan looked at her, his gaze was clear and friendly, while a banked fire smoldered in the depths of Scotty’s blue eyes that made her feel far from sisterly.
They were formalizing their partnership for the proposed sports bar. There were still some reports pending and contracts to sign, but in principle they would be the new owners of the Brew House.
“Are you kidding? That photo will take pride of place on my desk.” Sapphie gave her cell to their server and beckoned the men closer. “Smile big, boys.”
Ryan slung his arm over her shoulders, while Scotty leaned against her. The press of Scotty’s arm affected her more keenly than Ryan’s. Where his shoulder touched her, her bare skin tingled, making her nerve endings pop like the bubbles in her champagne.
What’s more, she liked the feeling.
When she got her phone back, she flipped through the pictures. “Very nice.”
Ryan looked at the screen. “We don’t look bad for two guys past their sell-by date.”
“Speak for yourself, old man.” Scotty smiled. “I’m still in my prime.”
“Once you stop playing, it gets harder to keep those pounds at bay.” Ryan patted his flat stomach. “Especially when you own a place that serves great food.”
“Maybe I should keep the Brew House chef so I won’t be tempted to chow down.”
“Trust me, it’s better to do the extra reps and enjoy what you eat. Your customers will thank you.”
“Even if my waistline doesn’t.”
As Sapphie cut into her perfectly cooked steak, the two friends continued to rib each other. It was fun to see this lighter side of the normally serious Scotty. He was more at ease in Ryan’s company than he was with most other people.
He was even more relaxed with her. As lovely as their evenings together had been over the past couple weeks, she’d felt an underlying edginess in him. Like he wouldn’t let himself loosen up fully. She had to admit, she’d held back, too. But in her case, it was because the more she’d gotten to know him, the more tempting he’d become.
Before she could examine that thought, a woman in a blue suit appeared at their table and murmured in Ryan’s ear.
Grey rose. “I’m sorry, but a problem’s come up in the kitchen that needs my attention. Carry on and enjoy your meal. I’ll be back once it’s sorted.”
Once he’d gone, the easy atmosphere turned a little tense. Just a notch, but noticeable nonetheless. Sapphie and Scotty talked about the quality of the food, the weather and the latest Ice Cats trade rumors. As they ate, their glasses were topped up regularly. She was aware of her defensive barriers lowering. She noticed that Scotty’s came down a little, too.
When Ryan still hadn’t returned by the time they’d finished, they ordered dessert. The conversation turned to books, movies and TV shows. They shared their love of Nordic noir crime procedurals, imported period dramas and classic Westerns and their dislike for reality TV, popular guy comedies and miserable literary tomes.
Gradually, the last vestiges of tension d
issipated. They exchanged warm smiles. Every time he laid his hand on hers, pleasure rippled through her. When she touched him, the banked fire in his eyes started to burn more brightly.
The spell was partially broken when Ryan returned as they were finishing their coffees. Disappointment nudged.
“Apologies. That took longer than I thought.” He explained briefly about the piece of equipment that had failed. “These things always happen during service on our busier nights. This is why you don’t want to be hands-on in the restaurant business.”
“I’m happy to leave that to the experts.” Scotty nodded. “When I was playing, I always trusted the equipment guys. I trust you to help me hire a great manager, Grey.”
“Like you trusted me to keep the snipers away from our net.”
“And you trusted me to steal the biscuit off their sticks.”
Sapphie smiled at their banter. “I wouldn’t trust either of you as far as I could throw you, but I figure you’re too stubborn to let this venture fail.”
“Especially since we’ve retired and the money we earned playing doesn’t last forever.” Ryan slapped his friend on the shoulder.
“You’ve got that right.” Scotty pushed back his chair and stood. “I have early meetings tomorrow. Callum and I are seeing a couple of agents who’ve gotten nervous about their clients postacquisition. Who knew general management involved so much hand-holding?”
Sapphie rose and hugged Ryan. “Thanks for a lovely evening and for the opportunity to join your project.”
“My pleasure. Don’t be a stranger, partner.”
“If you serve that caramel trio dessert when I visit, I may move to Jersey permanently.”
Ryan laughed. “Done deal.”
“Come on, partner, let’s get you a ride home.” Scotty crooked his arm, but his tone was a little curt.
Could he be jealous? That thought went to her head faster than the champagne.
Sapphie slipped her arm through his. “I’m in your hands, Captain.”
“Now, there’s a thought,” he murmured so only she could hear it.
As they strolled out of Grey’s toward the valet stand, she realized she didn’t want the evening to end. She didn’t want to scoot off like she had previously. Nor pretend she couldn’t feel the heat shimmering between them like the waves rising off the sunbaked tarmac.
Their time working together with the Cats was almost over. At the end of the week, Marty would return and both groups would present their recommendations. Then she’d be moving on—either to Marty’s next project or one of her other clients’.
Her company was in such great shape, with new projects coming in all the time, she could be flexible about what she focused on next. A lot of her work was repeat business or recommendation and referral, so she never had to hunt for new clients. Her people were top-notch. Sharp, innovative and loyal, they could be trusted to deliver to her standards. That left her free to be involved in only the most important projects.
Strangely, she was loath to head to Chicago and wondered about choosing an East Coast project for her next challenge. Confused by that feeling, unsure whether she was being influenced by her growing desire for the enigmatic man standing beside her, she decided to test the water.
“Let’s go for a walk along the river.” She tugged on Scotty’s arm, pulling him toward the walkway beside the Hudson.
“Okay. Sure.” He tucked her arm more firmly in his. “Which way would you like to go?”
“Left takes us toward the Brew House.” She wrinkled her nose. “Let’s go right. I know there’s a lot of condo construction that way, but at least the waterfront is being retained and they’re trying to keep it parklike.” Damn it, the babbling struck again.
“Sounds good.”
They strolled for a while saying nothing. Darkness had fallen, but old-fashioned lamps lit the path. The bright lights of Manhattan sparkled across the water. Lapping waves, chirping crickets and the low rumble of traffic provided an almost musical backdrop.
Scotty was easy company and comfortable with the silence. She smiled to herself. He was probably glad she wasn’t her usual chatterbox self.
“What’s so funny?” Scotty’s deep voice washed over her like a caress.
“I was thinking that you were likely relieved I can keep my mouth shut for five minutes.”
His laugh startled her. She stopped and looked at him.
“It hadn’t crossed my mind.” His eyes twinkled in the moonlight. “I was amazed that it was this quiet so close to the city.”
“Maybe those mega condos help absorb the noise.”
“Think of all the potential new customers living in those buildings, eager for a place to chill, eat great food and watch a game.”
“Suddenly, I feel like they should build even more.” She sighed happily. “This time next year the Brew House will be named Scotty’s—or whatever you call it—and we’ll be sitting on the new patio, enjoying an after-dinner drink.”
His eyebrows arched. “That’s a whimsical thought from someone who usually worries about turnover, profitability and market share.”
“I’m not all work, all the time.” Her defensiveness surprised her. Since when did her focus on her business bother her?
“It wasn’t a criticism,” he said softly.
“I didn’t take it as one.” She hoped her smile didn’t look as forced as it felt. “Shall we go farther or head back? I don’t want to keep you out too late.”
“We can go a bit longer.”
Inordinately pleased that he hadn’t opted to curtail their time together, she nodded and they resumed walking.
After a few hundred yards, the path began to break up near a construction site, so they turned and headed toward Grey’s. By unspoken agreement, their pace slowed as they neared the restaurant.
“Do you know yet where you’ll be working next?” Scotty asked.
She shook her head. “Marty’s my biggest client, so he tends to get priority. I’ll head to Chicago for a few days and touch base with my people.” She didn’t share her earlier thoughts about choosing a project closer by.
“So you won’t be sticking around Jersey?”
Did he want her to stay? “Not initially.” She added, “That doesn’t mean I can’t come back for nonwork reasons.”
They stopped again. This time, Scotty slipped his arms around her. “I know this isn’t what we agreed, but I feel like if I don’t do it now, I may not get another chance.”
She wanted to say something light, but her throat was so tight she couldn’t get any words out.
He continued, “Once Friday’s meeting is over, things will be different for us. We won’t be working together anymore, so the rules will change.”
“That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.” Her breathy words sounded like an invitation.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping it’s the opposite.”
Sapphie hesitated. If she took the next step, she’d be opening a door she’d always kept firmly closed. A relationship was not in the cards, no matter how much she liked Scotty. Nor how much her body wanted him. She would walk away the minute she felt the commitment noose tightening. But she didn’t want to hurt him.
She looked into his face. Thanks to the moonlight, she could see the steady, determined look in those serious eyes as he watched her patiently, waiting for her response.
Her conversation with Issy came to her. Why was she worrying about the end before it had even started, again? If Scotty was prepared to take a chance on them having a no-strings relationship, then who was she to argue?
Assuming he was still interested. There was only one way to find out. “I’ve changed my mind about us.”
He looked startled by her abrupt words. “In what way?”
�
�I think, once this week and this contract are done, we should date. With the understanding that there’s no commitment on either side and that we can both walk away at any time.”
“I see. So we get together whenever you’re in town and enjoy each other’s company.”
“Right. Or you could fly to Chicago. Or we could meet somewhere halfway.”
“Okay. Any other conditions I should know about?”
She couldn’t tell from his tone how he felt about it. “I don’t think so.”
“All right. That works for me.” He smoothed some strands of hair that had blown across her cheek. “Since Friday’s only a few days away, we could get a head start.”
Sapphie didn’t want to wait either. She wanted him now. But she didn’t want to upset a delicately balanced situation. Once again she heard Issy’s admonishing voice. Sapphie needed to get over herself and let Scotty decide how he wanted to play this.
“It seems silly to waste a perfectly good evening,” she said finally.
“So you wouldn’t mind if I did this?” He ran his thumb over her bottom lip.
The tip of her tongue followed the path his thumb had taken. “Not at all.”
“That’s a relief. I wouldn’t want to go too far.”
Not far enough!
His chuckle made her realize she’d said the words aloud. Heat brushed her cheeks, but she didn’t retreat.
“How about this?” He pressed his mouth to her forehead.
“That’s better.”
“And this?” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“That’s okay, too.” She wanted to tell him to speed it up, but she enjoyed this teasing side of him.
He skimmed his lips over her cheek, lingering for a moment, then moved lower and along her jaw to her chin. “Still all right?”
“Yes.” Instead of boldly, the word came out on a breath.
“What about now?” He kissed the corner of her mouth.
She turned her head, wanting the full press of his lips against hers. But he wouldn’t let her have her way and repeated the kiss on the other side of her mouth.
