Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
Joshua
I let the smooth heat of Beck’s whiskey drizzle down my throat. We’d been at his place for hours. I wasn’t quite sure what Stella and Autumn were doing to Hartford, but going by the time they were taking, I was bracing myself for Frankenstein’s monster to appear at some point.
“How’s the pitch for GCVB coming along?” Beck asked.
I nodded. “Okay actually. I’m in the process of recruiting some external expertise and feeling energized by the idea of doing something new.
” Seeing Hartford so completely dedicated to helping others through her work had given me a lift when I needed it.
At first I’d been focused on wanting to win the Merdon pitch because I didn’t want to lose GCVB’s business.
Now, I was actually excited about the idea of doing something in a different sector for a business that wanted to change people’s lives for the better.
“My, my, how the tables have turned. What brought this about?”
I shrugged, glancing at the stairs where I expected Hartford to appear sometime soon.
“The client sent over a bunch of documents setting out the positive impact of what they’re trying to do in the US to help make important drugs available to the people who need them.
They’re really trying to make a difference.
Maybe it’s time for a new chapter in Luca Brand’s story. ”
“You sound excited. Is it time for a new chapter in Joshua Luca’s story, too?” He nodded toward the stairs. “She’s pretty.”
“She’s a family friend. I’m doing her a favor and anyway, I like the chapter I’m in right now. I don’t believe in going backward.”
“Backward?” Beck asked.
Before I could remind him I’d gone down the serious relationship route once already, Stella came into the living room, a grin the size of China on her face.
“She’s so completely perfect.” Her hands were clasped together like she might burst if she let go.
“She’s so down to earth and beautiful, but has that ‘gorgeous but doesn’t know it’ vibe. ”
It sounded like Stella was trying to convince me of something. But there was nothing I needed to be convinced about. I just wanted to get to the party and meet Hartford’s colleagues.
“She’s a nice kid. Are you nearly done with her? We have to get going.” They just needed to put her in a dress and maybe do something with her hair. How long could it possibly take?
“She’s a woman, Joshua. A beautiful, clever, funny woman.” She shot a glance at Beck, who nodded dutifully.
“I only met her briefly,” Beck said. “But she seemed very nice.”
Stella rolled her eyes. “Wait until you see her, Joshua. Her skin is amazing. Her face is so pretty she’s like a little doll. And if you’re a boob man, Joshua, her boobs—”
“Stop it, Stella.” I grimaced. I didn’t want to think about Hartford’s breasts. Again. Or her flawless skin. Or her fingertips on my arm, or the way her smile warmed my insides. I wanted to ignore it all.
“Well, you’ll see for yourself.”
Just then, Hartford appeared from behind Stella at the bottom of the stairs. My cock lengthened and I had to fight a groan. She looked like Vivian Leigh had a baby with Adriana Lima.
Stella had been right—Hartford looked spectacular.
Her long hair, which I’d only seen a glimpse of at the weekend, was down and styled into glossy waves; her iceberg-blue eyes seemed to sparkle; and had her lips always been that full or was it the flash of red lipstick?
And Jesus, I hadn’t been imagining those curves hiding under her shapeless scrubs.
“We only have one issue,” Autumn said, entering the room behind Hartford.
There didn’t seem to be any issues as far as I was concerned.
“She won’t wear the shoes. Or one of them, at least.” Autumn raised a pair of black strappy heels in the air. “And they’re Jimmy Choo.”
“They’re a client of mine,” I said. “Apparently they’re very comfortable.”
Hartford spluttered. “Well, you can wear them then.”
I never was one to back down from a challenge. “Toss them over,” I said, unlacing my shoe.
“You’re not wearing women’s shoes, Joshua,” Hartford said, scowling at me.
I retied my lace and stood so I could see her entire outfit.
“What do you think you’re going to wear with that dress?
Your normal trainers?” Two strappy sandals would be better, but given her cast, one would have to do.
Her dress was a perfect choice for dinner with the boss.
It had sleeves, didn’t show too much cleavage, and hit below the knee. “Is that Roland Meurier?” I asked.
“You think it’s too clingy?” Hartford asked.
“I think it looks great,” I said.
“You don’t need to look so shocked.” Hartford sighed.
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve known you a long time, Hartford.
I’m not shocked.” Fragments of memories began to piece themselves back together: Hartford with her hair pulled back into a severe bun, slim legs sheathed in yoga pants, torso outlined in a cardigan that wound around her waist. I couldn’t remember if she’d been beautiful back then, but there was no doubt she was now.
“These aren’t going to fit me,” I said, holding up Stella’s shoes. “So you’ll have to wear them. Or one of them.”
“No way,” Hartford replied. “That’s a step too far. I’m not going to twist my good ankle when one leg is already in plaster. I’m meant to be making a good impression.”
“You won’t twist your ankle,” I said. “I’ll be there to support you.”
“Just try them,” Stella said. “Please?”
Hartford looked at me from under her lashes and for a split second, our eyes locked. The air shifted. Autumn’s cooing and Stella’s cajoling fell away until it was just the two of us.
“For me,” I said.
She paused mid-breath, as if she was going to say something else. “I’ll try.”
She blinked and we were back in the room.
“It looks great,” Autumn said as she watched Stella slip the shoe onto Hartford’s foot.
I stalked over to her. We had to get a move on.
“I’m going to fall,” Hartford said.
“You’re going to be fine,” I whispered into her ear.
I tried to ignore my friends muttering to one another behind me.
They were probably creating a story about how I would be married by the end of the year and this was going to be the woman I fell in love with.
They didn’t get that I wasn’t going on a date.
I was attending this dinner to get the scoop on healthcare.
And I was helping out the daughter of an old family friend. One who just happened to be gorgeous.