Chapter Six #2
"Natalie," I said, looking her straight in the eyes because I wanted her to know I meant every word.
"That would be a low blow. I would never use any sensitive information against you.
I was simply shocked that my grandmother would hire someone who doesn't have years of experience in the business.
Especially since the party is taking place in my home. "
The wicked smile was back. She shimmied in her seat. "So, you are afraid I might trash your house. Admit it."
"That thought did cross my mind," I said, cutting through my steak.
"Don't worry. I’ll run the detailed plan of the party by you so you're aware of every single thing that will happen here."
Fuck me. That seemed like a nightmare. How many hours of my life would this party planning cost me?
"That sounds like a threat more than a promise."
"Oh, it might be," she admitted. "I just wanted to see your face."
"I don't have time to go through every single thing with you," I said, stating the obvious.
"Then I guess you'll just know the overall plan, and you’ll have to trust me on the rest. I'm going to throw the perfect party for your grandmother.
Tomorrow, I was thinking you and I could chat about her.
I want a bit of insider information, just so I know what makes her tick, what things she usually likes, what makes her happy.
She's told me what she wants for the party, but I find in life, and in parties, it's the little things that give the final touch, that create that unexpected rush of happiness. "
I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth in her voice when she spoke about my grandmother. But again, I hadn't dealt with one person who met Jeannie Whitley and didn't love her. My grandmother was a warm person who instantly made friends.
She was also usually a great judge of character—except when it came to her son, of course, but my father had fooled everyone. Still, I was going to ask her why she'd hired Natalie specifically. Her lack of official experience still didn't sit right with me.
"Don’t worry. That was another threat. What are you doing tomorrow?" she asked.
"I planned to relax."
She chuckled. "You say that like your plan just went up in smoke."
"Natalie, I usually come here alone."
"Oh, and I’m cramping your style. It’s okay. I'll inspect the property and not make a sound. And you have brothers, correct?"
"Yes."
"Well, I’m betting at least one of them will be more eager to talk than you are. I’ll ask Jeannie if it's okay to contact them to get all the information I wanted on her."
I took a sip of red wine after finishing my last bite of steak. "So, you’ve already given up on me?"
She winked. "I know a lost cause when I see one. I’ll let you do your yoga or whatever it is you do when you come on your retreat.
And then, in the evening, I’ll be out of your hair.
" She groaned, and her smile fell. "Crap, I should go to a pharmacy to buy something for motion sickness before I leave tomorrow. "
"I already instructed the driver to bring you a bracelet for nausea and some pills."
"Thank you," she muttered before lowering her gaze to the plate.
I couldn't read her, and that drove me insane.
One second, she acted like I was the biggest asshole.
In the next, she seemed completely taken aback by what I said.
As soon as she downed her glass of wine, she rose to her feet.
"If you don't mind, I'm going to look around the property this evening, get an idea of how it looks at sundown and so on. "
"I'll show you the best part for the sunset," I said, keeping my eyes on her face. It was more difficult when she was standing. She was so fucking sexy that I wanted to drink her up continuously. Her waist was small, but the curves of her ass and breasts were generous and absolutely delicious.
"You just told me that you like to spend your time here alone."
"As you pointed out, I’ll be alone tomorrow evening."
She flashed me a smile that was different than the one before.
"Okay. Then lead the way, Jake."
"So, you’ve decided we're staying on a first-name basis," I teased as I opened the french doors to the terrace.
"No, that's still under consideration. But for now we seem to have reached a truce."
I was having more fun this evening than I'd had in the past decade of my life. Natalie was a breath of fresh air. Despite my reservations about Grandmother’s decision, I respected Natalie. She was tenacious.
"This is the perfect place for the sunset," she murmured.
"Oh no, it’s in the right direction, but there’s an even better one. Come on."
I looked at her feet. She was wearing flat shoes, which would work well for our walk. "You're well equipped. Come on. Let's go."
"Okay," she said, hesitantly descending the steps. We went off the alleyway and into the grass leading into the thuja trees. There was an uphill path leading between a patch in the evergreens.
"I discovered it by accident when I was running one evening. I thought I heard noises coming from that direction. Turned out it was just a bird coming back to build on its nest."
"Oh, just a bit of a workout before going to bed," she murmured as we climbed.
I couldn't help but laugh. "This is a workout?"
"Oh yeah. After flying in that death trap and puking out my brains, this stuff definitely counts as a workout."
"Are you feeling unwell? We can go back to the house."
"No, Jake, I was just… Never mind. My sense of humor is sometimes off, especially after I've had a bit of wine. Oh, this is gorgeous," she exclaimed and then fell completely silent.
We were just in time to catch the sunset. Perhaps another five minutes. It was hovering above the horizon but so close to the surface that the reflection in the water made it seem like it was one huge twin sun.
"I've never seen anything more beautiful," she murmured. There was nothing but sincerity in her voice. I swallowed hard, looking at her. She was a genuine person, and I craved that. "I think it might be my favorite spot here," she said.
I hadn't expected that. I would've thought she'd claim a corner of the luxurious mansion as her favorite place, but no, she liked the sunset.
We both fell silent as we watched the sun slip out of sight. She didn't even move to take out her phone and snap a picture.
She put her hands on her arms, rubbing them up and down, and I noticed she had goose bumps. It had definitely cooled off this evening. I immediately took off my suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
She jerked her head back. "Thanks. I owe you. I need to take it for dry cleaning anyway."
"No, you don't."
"I slept on it on the plane. I'm pretty sure I got some stuff on it."
“Forget about it.”
As soon as the sun set, I said, "Come on, let's go back in the house or you'll get sick. It gets really cold once the sun's gone.”
“I can already feel the chill. I stupidly didn't bring any sweaters. But never mind, I'll call it a night. I want to have this image as the last one of the day. If we stay up too late, you might turn into a pumpkin. Or, in your case, an ogre.” Her sass was back, and I liked it.
I knew right then that if we stayed here any longer, I’d end up kissing her.