Chapter 28
28
Opal
“I think that’s Chuck,” I whisper to William when I hear a faint knock at the door of the bar.
Nodding, he plants a row of soft kisses over my jawline. “I need to buy one of those do not disturb signs they have in hotels.”
I try not to laugh, but I can’t contain it. “What? Why?”
“The next time I come here to kiss you, I’m going to hang a sign on the doorknob that says do not disturb, or better yet, go to hell, because I’m never going to make it beyond first base at this rate.”
“Were you going to try for second base before he knocked?”
Another knock at the door accentuates my question.
Stepping back, William looks me over from head to toe. “What do you think?”
I smile. “I think we need a go to hell sign now.”
Chuckling, he makes his way to the door. “Something tells me that Chuck comes bearing more board games, so let’s make an exception.”
I can’t help but notice that William is already pulling a few bills out of the front pocket of his pants. From what I’ve witnessed, the man’s generosity knows no limits.
He swings open the door just as Chuck raises his fist to knock again. “I was beginning to think I’d need to circle back around right before I called it a day.”
I know he’s not required to do that if the recipient isn’t around to accept the delivery, but Chuck looks out for the people on his route. I’ve heard that from many people running the businesses along this block.
William slides the money into Chuck’s free hand before he takes the medium-size cardboard box from him. “You’re one of the good ones, Chuck.”
The men exchange a knowing look that I can tell has nothing to do with the box of games Chuck just handed off to William.
“Are we still on for that drink?” Chuck asks in what I assume is meant to be a whisper, but it’s not. I can hear every syllable as clear as a bell. “You’ll let me know a night that works for you?”
“You bet,” William reassures him with a pat on the shoulder. “Are you sure the bar I suggested isn’t out of our way?”
Curiosity drives me to take a few steps closer to the men. I have no idea why they’re meeting for a drink, but I’d love to know.
As I’m about to invite myself on their bar date, Chuck’s phone starts beeping. He doesn’t subscribe to the same ‘ no phone rule while in the presence of others’ that William does. He scoops it out of his pocket and glances at the screen.
“I’m falling behind on my deliveries.” He laughs. “I set a daily reminder so that I can clock out within the hour. I’ve got to up my pace if I’m going to pull that off today.”
“It sounds like it’s time for you to get lost,” William says with a note of amusement in his tone, although from the glance he just gave me, he’s not joking with Chuck.
I can tell he wants to pick up where we left off before we were interrupted.
“It is,” Chuck agrees with a nod before his gaze darts to the left. “Hey, you!”
I suspect he’s spotted one of the owners of the neighboring businesses, but that’s not the case. Posey steps into view just as Chuck takes a step back.
“Hi, Chuck,” she greets him with a grin. “I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“That’s your fault, not mine,” he teases. “You haven’t ordered anything for a while.”
“I have.” She sighs. “Clothes, makeup, paint, of course. The firm is working on a big case, so I’ve been at the office most of the time. I figured why not have my packages delivered there instead?”
“I get it.” Chuck nods. “Deliveries are a bright spot during long days.”
She pats his shoulder. “You know it.”
Posey’s gaze finally lands on me before it jumps to William’s face. “Who do we have here?”
I hold in a laugh. “Posey Franzini, this is William Knight.”
William offers his hand. “It’s good to meet you.”
She takes it for a quick shake, her gaze volleying between William and me as she does. I don’t know Posey all that well, but I do know a ‘ what’s going on here ’ look when I see one from another woman.
“You were at the soft launch, weren’t you?” she questions him. “I swear I saw you there.”
“You did,” I tell her before William can say a word.
“I thought so.” She grins. “I’m great at remembering faces.”
Desperate for a change of subject, I take that on myself and point out the mural to William. “Posey painted that,” I say, even though I can’t recall if I already mentioned it during the soft launch.
He glances briefly at it before he turns his attention to her. “You’re incredibly talented.”
“I second that,” Chuck chimes in. “On that note, I need to head out.”
William looks at me. “Why don’t I walk Chuck out? You can spend a few minutes alone with Posey.”
I read between the lines and come up with what I think he’s trying to tell me. He wants me to send her on her way sooner rather than later.
“I’m actually here to pick up Opal.” Posey’s smile beams brightly. “We’re headed to the grand opening of that new baby boutique on Fifth Avenue. We’re meeting Opal’s cousin there. Then we’ll go for a drink to celebrate.”
I’m tempted to slam my palm into my forehead because I completely forgot that another of Posey’s murals is going to be unveiled to the masses today. I don’t know how I let that slip my mind. Actually, I do know. Work and William are the reasons I’ve been so preoccupied.
“I’ll see you two soon,” Chuck says as he exits the bar with William on his heel.
As soon as the door shuts behind him, Posey shoots me a look and a direct question, “Opal, are you hooking up with that hot guy?”
That may never happen unless I get the contractor to nail the bar’s door shut with William and me inside to avoid any future interruptions. I briefly consider asking him to do just that when he stops by tomorrow to change out one of the light fixtures in the ladies’ washroom. I chase the idea away with a shake of my head. “No.”
“Why not?”
Shrugging a shoulder, I smile. “I’ve been busy, and the opportunity hasn’t presented itself.”
“Create that opportunity,” she encourages with a wink. “You can skip the baby store opening if there’s a chance you could get nailed in the next few hours.”
My hand leaps to my mouth to stifle a laugh. “Posey!”
“All I’m saying is that if the guy I’m crushing on ordered me into his bed tonight, I’d choose him over everything.”
“You’re crushing on someone?” I lean closer to get the scoop. “Who?”
“My boss’s brother.” She rolls her eyes. “Talk about awkward.”
I don’t press for more details because William opens the door and strolls back into the bar.
We exchange a look and a smile, but he’s the one who speaks first, “I think it’s time for me to head out, too.”
Frustration washes over me, but I expected this. William is too much of a gentleman to steal me away from plans I’ve already made.
“You’re more than welcome to come with us,” Posey offers. “Four is never a crowd.”
He looks her way, grinning as he does. “Thank you, Posey, but I have some important planning to do. I’m cooking dinner for the most amazing woman tomorrow night, and I want the evening to be perfect.”
My stomach drops. I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s got a date tomorrow. Whoever she is, I envy her.
“Okay,” she whispers before glancing at me with disappointment marring her expression.
I feel that, too, but I won’t show it. I can’t show it. I will never let a man see me break apart because of him. I let that happen once and vowed I’d never repeat it.
William keeps his gaze on my face as he approaches where I’m standing. “If you have any food allergies, now is the time to speak up, Opal. I don’t want anything interrupting our evening together tomorrow, especially not a visit to the emergency room.”
An uncontrollable smile edges over my lips. Usually, I’d be slightly annoyed if a man assumed I’d be free instead of outright asking me, but this is William, and all I can think about is being in his home alone with him tomorrow night.
“No allergies,” I say as I look into his eyes. “Should I bring anything?”
“Just you.” He moves even closer to tilt my chin up with his finger.
My breath hitches because I sense he’s about to kiss me again. This time it will be in front of Posey, but I don’t care. I’d kiss this man in the middle of Times Square any day of the week.
As he moves in, he smiles softly before his lips brush the center of my forehead. “I’ll text you my address, and we’ll figure out a time that works for you.”
“Perfect,” I say as I stare into his eyes because that’s exactly what this moment feels like.