Or was he making business excuses to do what he wanted to do for personal reasons? And did it matter anyway?
• • •
“Ah … Catherine, someone’s here to see you.” Melody’s voice sounded confused or nervous. Something. Certainly not like her usual self.
“I don’t have anything on my calendar, do I? Who is it?”
“He’s not on your calendar. And he’s on his way back now.” The call ended abruptly. Very unlike her usually efficient office administrator. And why was she working the phones anyway?
Catherine put down the phone and looked up as Mister Sex on Legs sauntered into her office. That explained it.
“Mister … ah … Dominic. What a nice surprise. What can I do for you?” Catherine tried to be more calm and collected than Melody had been. All she could really be was grateful she had an important client meeting later in the day and had worn her favorite cobalt blue suit, the one she knew was flattering to both her figure and her coloring. Because to hold her own in the same room with this visitor who always looked like he’d stepped out of GQ took the best she had.
Dominic Russo must have a closet the size of Rhode Island. In the two weeks she’d been in the building, she couldn’t remember seeing him in the same suit twice. Not that she was keeping track. Okay, yes, she was keeping track. She didn’t know why, but she was.
Today’s suit was a navy pinstripe number with a white dress shirt and a light blue patterned tie that looked like a William Morris print. A white pocket square peeked out of the pocket over his well-toned pecs. The man knew how to dress. And call attention to his assets.
Oh, for God’s sake. Pay attention to something other than his body, Bennett. What is wrong with you, anyway? You don’t behave like this.
She forced herself to stop staring at his chest and glanced around the room, hoping her office made a good impression. It looked tidy, at least. Although her artwork hadn’t been hung yet, all the furniture was in place: her glass-topped desk and small conference table, the cozy little couch covered in a bright red fabric, the Herman Miller Aeron chair for her, and a visitor’s chair next to her desk.
“I wanted to make sure you’d gotten settled,” Dominic said. “Although from looking around, I’d say you’ve done more in the past two weeks than many people manage to do in a month. Your artwork in the reception area is stunning, by the way, especially the image of the woman. I like it. Local artist?”
“Yes, a woman named Jamie Lutz. Thanks for noticing.”
“I hope everything about the space was the way you wanted it to be when you moved in.”
His interest puzzled her. “Does the building owner hire you to check on all the new tenants this way?”
“You didn’t know I’m the building owner?”
She was sure her surprise was visible. “I thought the owner was DR Investments Limited.”
He said nothing, seeming to wait for the penny to drop.
Which it did. “Oh, DR. Dominic Russo. Dear God, how could I have been so obtuse.”
“You’re anything but obtuse. I’m sure there are other tenants who don’t know. The management company that handles all the transactions doesn’t advertise it, and neither do I.”
“But if I’d done my due diligence, I’d have found out. I didn’t dig very deep, obviously. When the agent showed me the space and told me the price, I was so excited I didn’t do much other than talk to some of your other tenants. All of them, by the way, raved about the building and the management, in case you wondered.”
“Good to hear. And I’m happy you’re settling in so well.” He motioned to the chair next to her desk, which she took to be asking if he could sit.
“Please. Sit. I’m being rude.” She returned to her desk chair. “It’s been a pretty smooth transition. It’s a great building. The location is perfect and the layout very creative. Did you have a hand in designing it?”
“Can’t take credit for it, but it is what attracted me to the space. The original developer had gone bankrupt, and it was being sold at a good price when I was looking for new offices. My staff was working in such close quarters, I was beginning to think I’d have to insist they marry each other.”
“We were almost there, too, although on a much smaller scale.”
“You’ve come a long way in a short time, haven’t you? I’ve admired your work and how fast you’ve become such an influence in the business.” His killer smile was back, which almost distracted her enough that she missed the compliment he’d paid her.
“It feels like a long time and a short way, but thanks. I’m flattered.”
“Not flattery. Just the truth.” He rose from the chair and extended his hand. “I won’t keep you any longer. I only wanted to make sure everything was as promised. I know you’ve met the building manager—if you have any problems at all, let him know.”
When she took his hand, a pulse of electricity went up her arm, startling her enough she had to swallow a gasp. It warmed her all the way to the base of her neck and down her chest. He clasped her hand with both of his, his eyes holding hers in a look so warm she wanted to turn up the air conditioning. She also wanted to keep the conversation going so she didn’t lose the connection with him.
“Uh … yes … the building manager.” She swallowed hard. “He’s been great. About getting movers in and out, I mean, stuff like that.” Stuff like that? Where was her skill with words when she really needed it?
Dominic didn’t say anything right away, seeming to be as reluctant as she was to break the contact between them. Finally he released her hand. “I’m glad he was helpful.” He moved toward the door. “But let me know if you have a problem he can’t solve. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around the building.” And he was gone.
Catherine sank back into her chair feeling like all the life had left the room, along with most of the air in her lungs.
Tidings of Love Page 53
