by Lily Harlem
“I think Tristan is just busy. Perhaps once he’s handed some run of the mill work over to me he’ll lighten up.”
“Lighten up.” She giggled. “If he turned into a lump of lead he’d still be lighter than he is now. I can’t see that ever happening.”
For some reason I felt defensive on Tristan’s behalf. Okay he’d been a prat yesterday but he’d found me and apologized. We were starting anew today. I was giving him a second chance.
But I didn’t want to involve myself in gossip with Jenny, so after gathering up the two coffees, I left the kitchen.
Tristan was standing at my desk leafing through a file.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Stella.” He turned to me, his gaze drifting down my outfit, then settling on the mugs in my hands. “Good morning.”
“Coffee?” I smiled as I passed it to him.
“Thank you.” There was a twinkle in the depths of his black eyes as he’d spoken.
Damn, the guy was model-hot when his features softened. He could easily grace a catwalk or the cover of a magazine. Andre was boy next door cute with an easy smile while Tristan was chiseled handsome with a smile that clearly had to be earned by the recipient.
I stepped up to him and nodded at the file. “What have you got there? Something for me to do?”
“Actually yes, if you think you can manage it.”
“Well, tell me what it is.” It had bold black print across the top of the folder indicating it was minutes of a meeting with a lawyer.
“I need someone to go through this with a fine-toothed comb, make sure the contracts match what we agreed at the meetings.”
“I can do that.”
“Sure?”
“How about we look at it as a test.” And when I pass you’ll be able to trust the fact that I’m qualified for my job.
“Okay.” He took a sip of his drink and studied me over the rim.
“I’ll get to it this morning, right after I’ve checked my emails.”
He nodded, then turned to his office. He took one step and his phone rang.
“Tristan Wainwright,” he snapped into it, his voice back to the briskness of yesterday.
As he walked away from me, phone pressed to his ear, I admired the cut of his suit. It was the finest quality, dark navy with sharp creases. He’d teamed it with a navy shirt and the collar peeked over the jacket, just touching the dark hair at his nape.
When he was being charming he was pretty damn hot. But when he was being a dick, he was best avoided.
I sat and clicked on my emails. My heart did a little flip when I spotted one from Andre and I ignored the others and opened it first.
Hey Stella
Great call on the restaurant last night. The customers loved it. I’d like to take you there one day, the views were stunning.
I hope you and Tristan are hitting it off. Would you ask him to check in on the Gent account? There are some pending issues in the joint inbox.
Have a great day.
Andre x
I read it twice, visualizing his lips moving as he spoke those words. Mmm, his lips. I could imagine them on my body, his skin against mine, our limbs entwined and sex-sweat slick against our chests.
“Stella.”
I started and caught my breath. Tristan stood right behind me.
“Yes?” I spun around.
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I pressed my hand to my sternum, my fingers catching in the bow on my blouse.
His gaze drifted to the silky ribbons. “I just…”
“Yes?”
“I just…” He looked back up at my face. “Wondered if Andre had mentioned the Gent account.”
“Er … he has. He said to check your joint inbox.”
“Excellent.” For a second, his eyes lingered on my computer screen.
I wondered if he’d noticed the kiss Andre had added after his name.
I twitched my finger, ready to shut it down, but resisted. Andre and I were hot for each other. How long would we be able to keep it a secret? Perhaps we could from the rest of the team, but Tristan? They worked so closely together. We worked so closely together.
No, you don’t want Tristan to know. It’s too soon.
By the time my thoughts had rolled like tumbleweeds through my brain, Tristan had returned to his office.
Oh well. If he suspected something so be it. Though chances were he wouldn’t. Tristan seemed so self-absorbed, other people’s affairs probably passed him by. Likely his own love life did too. I’d noticed that, like Andre, he didn’t wear a wedding ring.
The day passed quickly. The contracts Tristan had asked me to work on were complex and required a great deal of concentration. But I got there in the end and was happy I’d caught everything when I handed it back over to him.
He had the start of stubble shadow on his jawline and he’d loosened his tie. “Thanks,” he said, sitting at his desk and flicking over the file. “Was it okay?”
“There are a few things I’ve highlighted for you to double check. In the back, look.” I leaned closer and flipped the pages to my notes.
As he scanned over them, I inhaled his fading aftershave.
“Ah, yes.” He tapped one of my notes. “I’m pleased you picked that up, it’s happened before. Well done.”
A feeling of pride went through me. I’d done it to his exacting standards. “I’m glad you approve.”
“More than approve, I’ve got loads done today because I haven’t had to be pouring over this thing.”
I stepped back as he pushed his chair out from beneath the desk. “That’s the idea.”
“It is.” He looked out of the window then gestured at the road below. “Fancy a glass of wine? My way of saying thank you.”
I widened my eyes in surprise. “Another trip to the bar, that might be seen as a habit.”
“There are good habits and bad habits.” He twitched his eyebrows and a wicked grin tugged at his lips.
I tucked my hair behind my ears and studied his handsome face. Damn, he could easily become a bad habit when he smiled like that. All deep voice, wide shoulders and eyelashes a woman would kill for. “I don’t know.” What would Andre think of me going for drinks with Tristan?
Andre’s not your boyfriend.
No he wasn’t, but I wanted him to be.
“It’s a drink, Stella, not a marriage proposal.” He held out his hands, palms up. “Give me a chance, I’m turning over a new leaf, at your suggestion.”
“Well I don’t know if I suggested that.”
“We agreed to start over, this is the new me, being friendly and appreciating my staff’s hard work.”
“And are we going to invite Jenny, James or any of the other members of the team out for this drink?”
He leaned close, real close, until his mouth was right by my ear. “No.” His breath warmed my neck. “Just us.”
I swallowed. The urge to stroke my hand down his suit jacket was almost overwhelming. “Why not? They might want to come, too.”
“Because they’ve all gone home.” He pulled back but stayed close. “That’s why not.”
“Is it that late?”
“Yes. Just you and me here again.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. He was right, it was half-past-seven. No wonder my stomach had started rumbling. “I should probably get home…”
He averted his eyes from mine and turned away.
I paused. For Tristan being such a fast-talking, quick-working guy, he was remarkably easy to read. And right now he was disappointed.
“But I guess a quick one for the road won’t do any harm?” I said.
He spun back to me, a slow smile spread on his face. “Excellent. Let’s call it a day, then, shall we?”
Ten minutes later we were once again seated in Ruby’s Wine Bar. Tristan claimed a small round table in the recess of the bay window, then bought us both a drink.
I sipped my wine. I really shouldn�
��t make a habit of visiting this place after work. Though it was quieter tonight, there was a low hum of conversation and I could make out piano music playing from speakers in the ceiling.
“So how did you and Andre get on last week?” Tristan asked, leaning back in his chair. He’d removed his suit jacket and turned up the cuffs on his dark shirt.
“Didn’t he tell you how your newest employee had performed?”
He tilted his head. “Of course he did. I just wanted to hear it from you.”
“Well, obviously I don’t know what he said…” And it better not have included details about my performance in bed. “But I thought it went well. His diary is complicated but I got to grips with it, plus I needed to sort out the filing system to make it more logical.”
“Ah, Andre likes logical.”
“Doesn’t everyone?”
“I guess. He’s just very good at finding solutions to problems that suit everyone.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s a considerate thinker, he’s kind.”
“I’d agree with you there. He’s very popular with the staff.”
“Unlike me.”
I hesitated. “I don’t think you’re unpopular.”
He chuckled. “I’m just not popular. You’re very diplomatic you know that.”
“I try.”
“I like it. And, for the record, I’m trying to be more of a people person with the staff, as of today.”
“Good, though it might take a while for them to notice.”
“So you think I can do it?”
“What, lighten up?”
“Yes.”
“I think it will be a challenge, but yes, I think you can do it.”
He was quiet for a moment. “So, tell me about yourself, Stella. Do you have family? Brothers and sisters?”
“Is this you being a people person?”
He chuckled and pushed his hand through his hair. “Give me a break, I’m doing my best.”
A solitary strand of hair had been left sticking up. I resisted the temptation to flatten it. “Yes, I have one brother. He lives up north with his wife. We don’t see each other often but try and catch up on the phone once a month.”
“And parents?”
“They live in Cambridge. They’re well. Enjoying retirement and spending our inheritance.” I smiled, thinking of the big holiday they had planned to America in a few months. They were touring, something they’d always talked about doing. Road trip, Dad was calling it.
“Do you see them often?”
“When I can, every few weeks usually. It’s not that far.” I had a sip of wine. “What about you? Do you have family around here?”
“We lost Dad ten years ago, my mother lives with my sister in Dorset. She loves being surrounded by the grandchildren.”
I nodded.
He shrugged. “I visit when I can, but it’s not as often as I should.”
“Maybe I could schedule it into your diary for you.” I smiled.
“I think that might be for the best.” He shook his head. “That way I wouldn’t get distracted by work.”
“You and Andre are both the same. Too busy to fit in…” I paused. Was I pushing it too far?
“A life.” He finished for me. “Yeah, you’re right. We do need to at least make time for family and, maybe, romance.”
I raised my eyebrows. This was as good an opportunity as any to find out a bit more. “You don’t have a special someone?”
“A girlfriend? Nah. I try, I’m a bloke, I like women, would like one of my own, the whole shebang, love, marriage, kids.” He bit on his bottom lip and scrubbed his finger over his stubbled chin. “But it never works out.”
“Because you’re too busy.”
“That’s the one. I’ve discovered the fairer sex become less interested once they’ve been cancelled on a couple of times. Who wants to get involved with a workaholic who has to drop everything to go and meet with clients all over Europe? It’s a recipe for disappointment.”
“I suppose there’s a balance between not being too full on and then not being there at all.”
“And it’s that balance I struggle with.” He took a drink of his beer. “But I’m not the only one. Andre has the same issues. How can he not? We’re running the same company.”
Andre.
Hearing his name warmed me. Though I was feeling pretty good anyway enjoying time with a more relaxed and open Tristan. Plus, I’d noticed a few women in the bar throwing him appreciative glances.
I set my shoulders back and checked the bow on my blouse.
Tristan watched my movements.
“I wonder how Andre’s meetings are going in Barcelona?” I said.
“Good. I chatted to him earlier.”
“You did?”
“Yes.” He chuckled. “He called about several things and one of them was to ask me how you were.”
“That’s kind of him.”
“Like me, he wants you to be happy with us. We know we demand a lot from a PA so it’s hard to find the perfect person which you seem to be.”
“You think I’m perfect?” I laughed. “Far from it.”
He leaned forward. A serious expression set his jawline tight. “Yes, that’s exactly it. We think you’re perfect, Stella, for us.”
I looked into the depths of his dark eyes. They were eyes I could get lost in. Now that I was getting to know Tristan the harshness had gone from them and I saw a passionate, ambitious man who had hopes for the future in both his private and business life.
He didn’t have a girlfriend.
He wanted one.
The whole shebang.
Damn it, I’d be his girlfriend in a heartbeat. The guy was sex on a stick and I’d bet my last pound his body was honed to perfection beneath his beautifully tailored suit. What I wouldn’t do to find out.
What the hell…?
I shook my head and looked away. How could I be thinking things like that about Tristan? I had a major crush on his partner. This was simply ridiculous.
“I really should get going.” I stood and reached for my bag. There was an inch of wine left in my glass.
“Are you okay?” He leaned back in his chair and looked up at me.
“Fine, yes, fine. I really should be off … I’ve got Lullabelle to think of.”
“Lullabelle?”
“My cat, she’ll be hungry. All day in the flat, on her own.” Plus, I needed to eat too. I mustn’t forget.
“Ah, okay. Well, thank you for your company and all of your hard work today.”
I smiled, hoisted the strap of my bag onto my shoulder, and left the wine bar.
As I walked past the window, dodging a woman walking a huge dog, I wondered if he was watching me.
It felt like he was. I could almost feel the heat of his gaze on my ass, his attention following the sway of my hips.
And did I mind?
Hell no. His interest gave my ego one hell of a boost.
Chapter Nine
The rest of the week went by in a blur. Tristan had clearly gained confidence in my abilities and was trusting me to take on more of his tasks which meant he could concentrate on other things.
The office had a nice atmosphere. Staff were chatty but equally committed to their work. I certainly didn’t notice any slackers.
Andre emailed me several times. He suggested lunch on Saturday, when he returned from Barcelona. The thought of seeing him thrilled me. My mind had been so full of Tristan and his needs that I was forgetting the feel of Andre on me, in me, with me. I was looking forward to reminding myself and hoped that lunch would lead to more.
“I love your shoes,” Jenny said as I made coffee for myself and Tristan late on Friday afternoon.
“Oh, thanks. They’re from Zara.” I glanced at the high red stilettoes that had tiny black polka dots on the material and a looped ribbon on the back of the heel. I’d teamed them with black fishnet stockings and a black pencil skirt. My blouse matched
the shoes and had billowing sleeves that were silky soft against my skin.
“I love Zara. Can’t wait for the sale.” Jenny sighed.
“Me too.”
“We should go shopping sometime.” Her face brightened.
I smiled as I poured water into the mugs. “I’d like that.”
“After payday, it’s a date.”
“Looking forward to it.” And I was, it would be nice to get to know Jenny better. She had an easy smile and a quick wit. I also got the feeling she had quite a lot to cope with having such a hot-headed boyfriend.
I headed into Tristan’s office with his coffee.
He had large sheets of artwork spread over his desk and James was talking animatedly about the designs.
I set down the coffee.
Tristan looked at me and grinned. “Thanks, Stella. You’re the best.” He reached for the mug.
I returned his smile, then went to my desk. I had his expenses to detail from his trip away the previous week.
James and Tristan spent a couple of hours discussing logos and packaging for the new contract they were hoping to win. It took me all that time to get through the expenses then add them to the on-going spreadsheets.
“See you, Stella, have a nice weekend,” James said as he wandered past.
I glanced up. “You too.”
He left and I realized that once again, Tristan and I were the last in the office.
I quite liked it, though, the absolute quiet. The sense of stillness calmed me. Wainwright and Bramon had quickly become somewhere I felt very comfortable.
But it really was time to head for home. Lullabelle had been extra attentive each evening probably because I’d been working longer hours than she was used to. She’d become accustomed to having me around more when I’d been between jobs.
I shut down my laptop then reached for my mug. As I took a step away from my desk, I noticed the heel on my shoe felt a bit loose.
I frowned and looked down at it. It seemed okay.
I took another step.
The heel came away from the shoe, throwing my balance.
“Ohh…” I lunged for the desk and the mug went flying, the last of the coffee spraying over the carpet as it banged against the wall.
Twisting, I managed to get my rear end into my chair—it was a much better option than falling on the floor.
