Chapter Six

Isabella

As the last of his words leave his lips, my gaze finds his and my breathing falters for more reasons than one.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been put on my ass like that before.

I guess a piece of me should be a little offended, but I’m not. If I’m being honest, as the maître de shows us to our private dining area and Adam’s hand gently grazes my lower back, I’m more turned on than anything else.

Not only did I not expect him to call me out, men usually don’t, his words make me thoughtful about the kind of man he actually is.

He’s kept himself so separated from the rest of us since his arrival, he’s become something of an enigma. The media frenzy that followed his arrival and his isolated behavior only made him come off as less human. However for the first time since he became my boss, I’m starting to see glimpses of all the things he’s been trying so hard to keep hidden.

He’s still trying his best to keep pieces of himself private, this much is obvious, but I’ve always been pretty good at reading people and I thought Adam Avery would be no exception. However, the more time I spend with him, the more I can see his façade slipping away, revealing his hidden self. With every piece, I’m surprised to say I feel like I’ve known him substantially longer than possible.

I remain quiet as he pulls my chair out for me and takes a seat beside me, nervously checking his watch before his eyes fall on the entrance. I settle in quietly, thinking of what I want to say knowing soon the chance to say it will be gone. I’m working through that when his voice breaks my thoughts, pulling my eyes to where he’s speaking to the waiter I hadn’t heard approach.

“A Glenfiddich neat and a Colgin merlot for the lady,” he says before glancing down at me, eyebrow arched in silent sarcasm. “If that’s acceptable?”

“Yes,” I nod quietly, fighting the eye roll as I wait for the waiter to ramble through the evenings specials before finally leaving. “Thank you.”

“I hope I wasn’t overstepping,” Adam says, clearly fighting his own annoyance. “I’d hate to…”

“I shouldn’t have made assumptions,” I blurt, cutting him off before letting my eyes drift to his. “I’ve been treated like the ditzy show pony since college and I didn’t bust my ass through grad school for that, y’know?” I continue, watching him nod in understanding, his eyes softer now. “And I don’t know you well enough to assume you’d treat me any differently. I don’t actually know you at all, so it was wrong for me to…”

“Its fine,” he offers, shaking his head as he takes his chance to cut me off this time. “I get it. I was raised by a very beautiful and strong-minded woman. I tend to be a little more understanding than you might believe.”

“For what it’s worth, I do believe you,” I nod, thanking the waiter for the wine as he sets it in front of me. The air is thick with tension, something I’ve always hated. I clear my throat and shake my awkward nerves away before I face Adam once more. “So, is there anything I should know ahead of time?”

“I’m assuming you read the file I had sent to you?” he asks, sipping from his drink before relaxing against the seat just slightly.

“Yes,” I lie clumsily, pulling a long sigh from his chest.

“You’re lying.”

“Not entirely,” I admit, pulling my phone from my clutch. “I read some, but not all. I was late getting in and…”

“No excuse,” he shakes his head, raking his hand over his face. “Besides, it’s too late now. He’s here.”

“Dammit!” I slip, pulling a groan from his lips as they morph into a professional smile, taking in the striking man walking toward our table.

Drake Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Construction. I don’t know jack shit about construction and even I’ve heard of this guy. Not just because of his striking good looks, but because ever since he’d expanded to our area, he’s scored some of the biggest contracts and investors this side of the Gulf. From what I’ve heard, he isn’t doing too shabby on the other side of it, either.

He’s the text book definition of tall, dark and handsome, his indigo eyes popping all the way across the room as his full lips spread wide in greeting. His strong build and confident stride only adds to his perfection and as he makes his way toward us, his charisma floods the space and I swear I stifle a whimper.

Jesus Christ, I’d give my eye teeth to see this motherfucker naked, I think. He’s easily the hottest man I’ve ever seen up close, save for the one standing next to me.

My cheeks flare wildly at the thought as I risk a glance to my right.

“Adam, what do I do?”

“Well, if I’m being frank, you’ve really left us no other options, Miss Baxter. Nothing left to do now but smile and nod,” he sighs, arching his eyebrow. “And if you’ve decided you’re bold enough to start calling me Adam, I’d prefer you wait to do so until after they’ve left.”

Shit.

My heart sinks in my chest.

“I’m sorry,” I manage, making him shake his head, although his eyes stay locked forward.

“You’ll be fine,” he whispers. “Despite the impression I may have unintentionally given you before, you wouldn’t be sitting at this table if you weren’t more than capable of getting through this dinner.”

He stands to greet our guest and a surge of pride blossoms inside my chest. There’s something else there with it.

I can’t identify it now, there’s a chance I may never be able to, but something in the thought of disappointing Adam Avery that suddenly makes my insides twinge with regret. If you’d told me as recently as this morning that I’d feel this way under the circumstances, I’d have called you a liar. Tonight though, I can’t deny the emotion coursing through me.

What a difference a day makes.

“Mr. Mitchell,” Adam says, extending his hand. Adam wears a wide and genuine smile as he accepts his grip, giving him a strong shake across our table. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Thank you for seeing us.”

“Of course,” Drake smiles graciously in return, his Southern drawl sending my insides back into overdrive. “Richard is a valued client and a good friend,” he continues genuinely and I decide that I like him already. “This is my business partner for the Florida branch, Brad Bennett.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Adam says politely, gesturing toward me. “This is Isabella Baxter. She’s one of the best in our advertising department. As you know, I’m still acclimating to parts of this new venture, so I’ve asked her to be here tonight to help fill in a few of the gaps and answer whatever questions you might have regarding those aspects,” he introduces me as he extends his hand to help me stand, gripping me gently at the elbow. “Isabella, this is Drake Mitchell and his associate, Brad Bennett. They’re with Mitchell Construction and will hopefully be spearheading our next endeavor.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Baxter,” Drake smiles with a subtle nod, his ice blue eyes peering into my soul, making me giddy with his charm and insanely good looks. “I appreciate you taking the time to join us this evening.”

“Thank you. The pleasure is all mine,” I manage, unable to stifle the girlish giggle that has his full lips quirking up on either side.

“Brad,” he gestures, pulling my attention to the equally handsome man to his left. “Isabella.”

“Hello, Isabella,” Brad smiles, doing nothing to ease my awkwardness.

His features are lighter, but nothing to sneeze at. Jesus Christ. What are these boys drinking? I think as he takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, the shade of crimson filling my cheeks pulling a low growl from my right making me swallow hard.

“I think that’ll do it for introductions,” Adam grates out as evenly as he can, pulling my chair out for me and arching his eyebrow. Immediately, I sit.

What the hell is that about? Is he jealous?

I wonder, but vanquish the thought almost instantly. Even if both of these men weren’t married, to insanely beautiful women if the society pages are anything to judge by, that wouldn’t matter.

Before this morning, Adam Avery didn’t know I existed. There’s no way I could be capable of making him jealous.

The way he squares his jaw as he positions his chair slightly closer makes me wonder if I’m not so crazy after all.

This is going to be one hell of a long night.

Adam

I don’t know what the hell my problem is, but I can’t deny the twinge of envy that flares in my chest when I see Isabella’s reaction to the men sitting across from us.

I’m sure I can keep my newfound emotions under wraps until the slight growl slips from my chest. I’ve never been the jealous type, but something about her brings it out full force in me. I can’t explain it, but I guess I don’t need to.

I just need to extinguish it.

Isabella might be my employee, but she’s not mine.

As I sit, shifting my seat slightly closer, I realize for the first time that’s exactly what I want her to be.