Clandestine Affaire

By Frances Paul

An appetite for ambition yanks a small town student, Willow Walsh to the big beautiful Windy City, Chicago. A mission to make a difference in the world. Desperate to avoid failure after a few bumps on the road, she pursues her dream career with the prestigious Architectural Design Magazine, Racer Journal. Owned by Ella Racer, a queen in her own right. The only woman she admired and held on a pedestal, then, she met Harry, the mysterious perfect stranger. As cliché as this may sound, he was the most drop-dead gorgeous man she has ever encountered.

He unraveled a world she never knew existed. A complex world of passion, vows and obsession. He was hers and she was his. A bond so powerful nothing could break her bliss but boy was she mistaken. One minute she had it all, the next, she was left stranded in a shady game she didn't know she played. Her perfect gentleman —— wasn’t so perfect after all. He held a profound secret. A secret that could destroy not just her future, but an entire real estate empire he is set to inherit.

Yet, such a treacherous revelation couldn't sway Willow away from Harry, she was in deep, so deep it suffocated her, destroyed her friendships, credibility, honor and dignity. Then, she met the mining magnate Bruno Calderon, a powerful and charismatic man, who gave her an offer she couldn't refuse, a way out, a chance to salvage her damaged reputation and start anew, a thorn in Harry’s flesh.

Will her past restrict her from her much deserved happy ending?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frances Paul
• Release date: Jul 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463664247

Frances Paul

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She's a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them."Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. Keep fighting for your dreams!" ~ Gabby DouglasBooks by Frances PaulClandestine AffaireSea of ScarsA Widow's TaleKennedy & Tristan (Coming Soon)

Book preview

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Epilogue

Bonus: Harry’s Dilemma

The course of true love never did run smooth.

William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Prologue

As a cold front moves in, expect heavy rain well into the depths of the night accompanied by gusty winds. Temperatures will drop more than ten degrees between now and midnight. It’d be advisable to remain indoors. Stay warm and dry. The meteorologist reported. Click….I switched off the television following that unforeseen weather report.

I guess you are stuck with me tonight, my breath hitched at the beautiful sight of him. Multiple buttons on his shirt were undone. He fidgeted with his cufflinks and spoke without looking at me. I threw myself on the bed and heaved an obvious sigh of frustration.

This is not what we discussed. I sat back up, tossed the remote control and watched it roll to the center of his massive bed. I rested my feet on the floor, it felt cold and hard, heedlessly, I stood up and walked toward him. Maybe, if I leave now I’ll beat the weather.

Get back into bed, Willow. I don’t care what we discussed, I’m not letting you leave here this late. Speechless, I gazed up at him, enjoying the sensation of being so close to him and the feel of his warmth. I don’t like being told what to do, you know that. Besides, what if your wife decides to pay you a surprise visit? My eyes mocked him. With a smirk on his lips, he ignored my statement, unbuttoned the rest of the buttons on his shirt and detached it from his toned torso. He tossed it on the ottoman at the foot of the bed, I just got here and we need to talk, so drop the attitude and get comfortable. You came to me, I didn’t force you to. You want to talk, so let’s talk.

With a barely obscured smirk, he turned away and I watched him walk into the walk-in closet. What am I doing here? Why can’t I stay away from this unhealthy distraction? The more dangerous this gets the deeper I fall in love. He’s never going to leave her. The thought of it is preposterous. This is what it is, an affair! An easy lay. There is nothing he can do or say that’d ease my pain, yet here I am, looking for some sort of declaration. How pathetic! I never in a million years thought I’d fall head over heels for a married man. I despised men who cheated and the women who encouraged them. It’s as if a spell had been cast upon me, I’m being controlled by a human magnet, pulling me into destruction. My heart is filled with endless lust for a man who’ll never be mine. This surely cannot be my fate. I’ll never know how his touch would feel if I were truly his and I certainly will never be the same when all is said and done. There is no pity rendered to women like me. No mercy offered to those who fall victim to their own flaws. Whatever Karma has in store for me, I deserve it, no way around that.

Willow, his low and husky voice breached the room as he walked out of the closet and into the bedroom in a plain white t-shirt over his suit pants. He smiled, his livid features from before diminished, his eyes gleamed with pride as he stared at me. A glimpse into his eyes and my heart instantly denied my brain authorization to function. The kind of look that makes me warm, causes my blood to boil and surges through my body. The kind that permits me to justify my sins, lustful thoughts and greed. His muscular frame and height in comparison with any man I have ever been with was prodigious. The air around us turned rigid, anxiety slithered through my nerves the closer he got to me. I fought to conceal the excitement I felt from my features. He stopped at the tip of my toes, ran his hand through his disheveled hair and gazed down at me.

What is going on with you now? His voice gentled. Did something happen between last night and now? Did I offend you, my love? I gazed directly at his firm chest, resisting the urge to look into his eyes. I parted my lips to express my concerns but I couldn’t find the words. The confidence I had when I walked into his apartment was mislaid. Sensing my hesitance, he cupped my cheek gently in his palm, my eyes closed with passion from his touch. A conscious part of me recoiled from his embrace and I hastily stepped away. I don’t need this now, I came here ….

You came here for what? He taunted me, scrambling my brain. There is only one reason for your visit, Willow and it is not to talk, so don’t fight it. He reached down and brushed away a strand of hair from my face. There was no smile on his face, only immoral intensity in his eyes that defined how the night was going to play out. Don’t fight it, Willow, his voice was low, almost inaudible. I won’t and can’t let you go, you need to understand that. It’s the simple truth. My soul is soiled with you. I can’t just erase you, it’s very cruel to ask me to. Let me love and protect you. You mean more to me than you think. I know I can’t give you all that you desire and it breaks me, but what I can give I wholeheartedly will… he faltered and his eyes dropped to my lips, You own me, my life belongs to you, you walk away and you kill me.

Don’t do this… my voice choked off. Unable to accept his words. It’s enough, you’ll never be mine and I’ll never be yours. Let’s face the truth. We both deserve so much more and we must let go before we rip each other apart. I’m suffocated and it’s not because I don’t love you but the opposite. My love for you is unending, it’s selfish and so fierce it terrifies me. I focused on his precarious eyes and slowly traveled down to his harmless lips, desperately hoping they’d touch mine, but surprisingly he kept his distance and my heart tumbled.

The worse part of letting someone you love go is fearing you’ll never find love again. Loosing that rare electrifying connection that never fades is terrifying. But, what is more frightening is when you don’t let go and miss out on the real purpose of your destiny. I took a step closer and took his hand in mine. The wave of his breath accelerated. I grasped his hand firmly for reassurance, fear threatening my heart, and I returned my eyes to his. I flinched when a loud sound of thunder roared. The wind savagely blew against the glass window. A wry smile tugged at his lips at my reaction. He knew the sound of thunder was one of my dreaded fears. He took a step closer to seal the gap between us and touched my forehead with his lips, his warm breath brushed my face and when I don’t recoil he advanced to my lips. When our lips touched, the passion that was released between us was aggressive, our intertwined tongues twirled together so intensely it was as though we’d die if we let go. The undeniable chemistry between us is why we are in this predicament. Time ceased and our hectic worlds disappeared. I buried my face in the crook of his neck and he reacted with a soft groan of passion. His fingers were in my hair and he slightly pulled my head back forcing me to meet his gaze. My shallow breath grazed his face. He examined my face sternly and my breath quickened with each passing second.

We are in a pile of shit. He murmured.

1

I hastily crossed the hectic street in my six-inch black stilettos and gray pencil dress. A car back-fired a street over startling me. My paranoia kicked in and I quickened my pace. I am not one for big cities. I securely held on to my black vintage bag as I approached the exceptionally designed high-rise office building. As intimidating as the entire atmosphere felt, I was not at liberty to endure it. I was running late for my third interview with this company. The interviewing process has been quite stressful as it felt more like I was interviewing for the position of the CEO rather than the Executive assistant to the CEO. It was way intense and too exhaustive for the role, if you asked me. I originally thought it was going to be a breeze as my resume spoke for itself. This would be my third job of being an Executive assistant to a CEO, but little did I know, it was going to be anything but a walk in the park. The boss in question whom I was yet to have the opportunity of meeting is Ella Racer, the Editor-in-chief and CEO of Racer Journal. An Interior Design Magazine that is rapidly making a name for itself in the architecture publication world. I spent the past couple of days religiously watching HGTV and reading every architectural digest I could lay my hands on in order to impress my potential new master or Madam in this case. My first two interviews were held with a human resource panel consisting of three women and a man, also in attendance was the office manager, Sophie Green. I must’ve made quite an impression on them, hence my chance to finally meet the queen herself. I heard rumors about her diva tendencies and hostile demeanor which kept me a bit on the edge, nonetheless, I was ready to embrace my good fortune. Landing a position with such a prestigious firm and working directly under Ella Racer was a mere thought let alone a reality. I knew nothing about her personal life, if she was married or had kids. Perhaps, I should have researched more if I was to be her assistant. I only focused on the job and the tough journey of Racer Journal to its triumph. It has always been a dream of mine to be an editor in the publishing world. This opportunity meant more to me than just being an assistant. To me, this was an excellent opportunity to test the waters and align myself with the right people.

As I stepped out of the elevator and into the futuristic themed designed office, I recognized the receptionist who was now familiar with me, counting how many times I have been here. She buzzed me into the office the moment her eyes met mine. Her skin glowed alongside the wall behind her with a boldly written inscription of Racer Journal in gold lettering. Her halfhearted smile was met with a warm smile as I strolled majestically toward her desk. No need to sign in. I’ll let Sophie know you are here, her tone was unfavorable.

I nodded and sat comfortably in the couch across from her desk. Her attitude did not faze me in the least bit as my focus was on conserving a positive attitude for the task ahead. Sophie the office manager approached me a few seconds later. A woman who proudly appreciated her God given curves and flaunted them without a care in the world. She was present at both interview sessions and she always looked well put together. She loved to expose her toned long legs. I studied her carefully in her black pencil skirt that accentuated her hips and a white silk blouse tucked into the skirt. She wore kitten heels and her short blonde bob haircut gave her the sexy French look. I caught myself staring at her and quickly looked away but then, it was too late. A cheeky smile tugged at her lips as she stopped abruptly beside my couch, revealed her amusement. She cleared her throat before delivering her words, Willow, Ella will see you now. I quickly gathered my belongings which were my anxieties and doubts, and diligently followed behind her as she led me through the double doors into Ella Racer’s office. She resembled a queen behind her neatly organized exquisite mahogany desk. An iMac on her desk was to her left but her focus was fixated on an iPad on her right. Sophie motioned to me to have a seat across from Ella and she exited the room. Ella disregarded my presence while I sat nervously across from her. She wore a plain white shirt with a gold crystal rose pin. A brooch I recognized from one of Sasha’s, my best friend, high fashion magazines.

As I waited keenly to be acknowledged, I feasted my eyes around the massive room. The ceiling was pretty high with countless studio lights which exquisitely illuminated the room. The charming hue of soft gray contained the bright lights. It also complemented the wooden dark gray parquet flooring. There was a bookshelf filled with countless books and magazines, mostly old issues of Racer Journal. I turned my focus to the incredible view behind her desk overlooking Lake Michigan. Ella quickly snatched a post it from a unique gold colored dispenser and jotted something down. She pressed a button and the screen on her iPad went dark. She then pulled out one of the drawers on her right side and dropped the note before giving me the courtesy of a greeting.

Willow Walsh, she said with a calm and mild smile, before picking up a file in front of her. She flipped the file opened and rapidly thumbed through the documents. I uncrossed my crossed legs and fixed my posture like the lady I was taught to be. I nervously stared at her with my fingers crossed on my lap to control my palpable anxiety.

This is just a formality, really, her tone was unruffled and comforting. It was quite obvious that she sensed my agitation. You wouldn’t be seated across from me if you didn’t already have the job. I asked to see you before you started on Monday, clearly I trust Sophie’s judgement. She sighed softly and placed the file on the table before her, still opened, Your resume is quite impressive and I see here, you are neither married nor have kids which is important for this position as you’ll be on the road majority of your time here. My schedule gets hectic every now and then and there’d be instances where I’ll be unable to be at two places at the same time. You’d need to, as my private secretary, represent me and this responsibility will take you around the country and abroad. Your dedication must be to me and nothing else. She paused and studied my demeanor for any sign of hesitation. Satisfied with what she saw, she proceeded, You start on Monday as you already know. See Sophie on your way out to complete whatever paperwork remains outstanding. She closed the file and gave me a get out look. She isn’t the one for pleasantries, I gathered.

Ma’am, thank you for this great opportunity. I’ll not disappoint you. I quickly let out before escaping her exquisite office.

Miss Walsh, Sophie will see you now. A young lady seated across from Ella’s office announced as I crossed the threshold into the hallway.

Thank you, please, call me Willow.

She gave me a stiff smile and a curt nod. I stepped into Sophie’s office right when she dropped the handset on the telephone base.

Willow, congratulations. Ella was very much impressed with you, she said chirpily. Have a seat, please, she motioned to the chair across from her desk and I submitted.

We have a lot to cover before Monday. Do you own a passport? She asked.

Yes, I softly said and thanked the stars that I did. I just acquired one a year ago for a trip to Brazil with my two best friends and roommates, Sasha and Rebecca for Sasha’s twenty-seventh birthday.

Good, you must bring that with you on Monday. We need to get you multiple visas and quickly. You’ll also need to go by Meghan’s office to pick up a company credit card. You might need to spend this weekend shopping for suitable and elegant attires. You’ll be working next to Ella most times and other times you’ll be representing her in meetings. You must always and I must emphasize on always look presentable.

I could hardly contain my excitement. This was a dream freaking come true. I am working for Ella Racer. The doors that’d open, I could not fathom. It was all so surreal and I couldn’t wait to fill the girls in. I wandered back into the present after visualizing how dramatically my life was about to change. Never in a million years did I think I’d land such a job, coming from a small town in Indiana. I read magazines and imagined living in big cities such as New York. I never dreamed past New York, now my passport is about to be decorated with cities around the world. I didn’t know what my parents would think of this. They were simple folks. Dad worked in coal for many years before the business collapsed and mom was a full time kindergarten teacher and part time math tutor. One would say, I came from humble beginnings. I decided to remain in Chicago after I graduated from college which didn’t sit too well with the old folks. Being an only child, they were over protective, which caused me to rebel sometimes, well most times but it was just a phase. I am a grown woman now and ready to take on the world.

Meghan has a few documents you need to sign, health insurance included so unfortunately you’re stuck with us today, she rose to her feet and extended her hand for a hand shake. I quickly accepted it with a huge unconfined grin.

Congratulations again, Willow, welcome to our family.

Thank you!

2

I sauntered gracefully and smugly into the living room where Sasha and Rebecca were lazily spread out in the couch and staring blankly at the television set. Like Sophie warned, my entire day was spent at Racer Journal, going through company protocols with Meghan, the head of Human Resources. The girls sent me multiple messages throughout the day which I disregarded, but not intentionally, besides, I wanted to share the good news in person. Rebecca glanced at me and scowled. Really, all day?

I got it! I blurted out.

What? Sasha sat up, her eyes widening, they looked like they were about to pop out of her skull.

Yes! Rebecca exclaimed and ran into my arms. Sasha joined in and I appreciated the genuine love they displayed. We were like sisters. We met in college and together, we agreed to remain in Chicago. Sasha was in medical school and presently doing her residency. Rebecca is in finance and she made the most money between us three, well until today. I majored in Interior Designing and minored in literature as I am a hopeless romantic and I always managed to see the good in every bad situation and people for that matter. I wrote a few editorials for freelance magazines which paid well, while I worked as an assistant to two CEOs after college. This’d be my third job as an assistant but Ella Racer is nothing like the last two. She is an idol in the publishing world. The establishment is relatively new but she’s been blessed to be recognized in this super competitive industry. Quite a number of well-known wealthy people have graced her magazine cover. She displayed power, knew herself to be cultured, essential and was very secure in her position. I am on a mission to gain her as a mentor.

I knew you’d land the job, Sasha gloated. No one gets called back for a third interview and fails. She added, gratified with her instincts. We must celebrate, like a big one. It’s Friday. When do you start?

Monday.

Whoa! That fast? Great, then it must be tonight, and it must be in an exclusive club. None of those crappy places our friend here has been taking us, she turned to Rebecca with a bantering smile, You represent Ella Racer now, and you cannot afford be seen in such mediocre spaces. She added.

We chuckled.

Soon, I stood before my closet gazing at my old outdated clothes. I forgot to brief the girls about my shopping agenda for the next day. It’d be an interesting weekend, I thought. I opted for a vintage retro black flare dress with pink floral printed patterns on the skirt. The Femme U neck detail enhanced my cleavage. I smiled vainly as I admired my image in the mirror before slipping my feet into my heels. I placed my long deep brown luscious hair into a high bun in order to fully showcase my outfit. I finished my stylish look with a little makeup and applied a deep berry matte lipstick. I grabbed my purse and joined the girls in the kitchen. Rebecca’s eyes sparkled with appreciation as she watched me walk provocatively toward them.

You sure do look the part. She smiled.

To the tee, Sasha added.

Thank you, ladies. We should get going… I swiftly snatched the keys to the condo off the kitchen island and headed for the door to hide my blush.

The upscale cocktail lounge located in mid-town Chicago had the exact ambiance I was in the mood for. We settled into a large couch not too far from the bar. A server quickly approached us as we got comfortable. She grinned pleasantly while introducing herself. Sasha being the most bourgeois and a connoisseur of fine drinks, took it upon herself to order for the table. We waited impatiently for our two hundred and fifty dollar Prosecco, Sasha paid for. Her gift to me for landing the job I always fussed about. I explained to them I was just Ella’s private secretary but still the perks were worth celebrating, Sasha said. Our bottle arrived momentarily with three champagne glasses. The server popped it open and served us. Sasha shifted to the edge of her seat and picked up her glass. She raised it for a toast and we followed suit, to you, our dear Willow. Whatever you do, do it with your heart and success will follow. She slightly lifted her chin.

Cheers, we clinked glasses and said in unison.

Rebecca grabbed her phone from her tiny clutch and took a selfie to document the moment. Her phone beeped after a few photos and her mood suddenly shifted to anything but joy. Sasha glanced at me and shook her head. Josh? She asked.

Who else?

Josh was Rebecca’s boyfriend since college. It’s been six years now and he showed no signs of commitment or settling down. She bravely presented him with an ultimatum which he rejected, of course. He’s been for the past month trying to reconcile with her.

What did he say? I inquisitively asked.

He wants to meet up, she sulked.

…and?

And what? I’m over it. She sounded defensive.

You still love him, right?

That’s beside the point, he wasted four years of my life I’ll never get back. He should keep walking.

I wouldn’t say wasted. You had some good times together. People date for a year or even less, get married and are divorced in less than six months.

Your point? She glanced at me with a scowl.

So, you never know how these things may go. Just enjoy each day as you go and your mate will find you. Might be him, might not be him but keep an open mind and never regret the past.

She finally smiled, Miss I see good in all, she chuckled along with Sasha.

So, are you going to see him?

She rolled her eyes and picked up her phone. She quickly typed a message to him and sighed, I just agreed to see him tomorrow. Tonight is about you, Shirley Temple.

Whatever! I laughed at the nickname I earned back in college for my dynamism and intuitive spirit.

I am ordering some tequila shots, girls, Sasha waved at the server as she spoke, we did not get the chance to reject the offer. The bubbly petite lady swiftly approached us in her black fitted dress and very high heels and a notepad tucked up close to her chest. She smiled and asked perkily, What can I get you ladies?

Six shots of tequila

We gasped.

Two each, ladies, Sasha winked and grinned.

Six shots of tequila coming right up, the server said in a playful tone. Right after she walked away, all three of us stared and blushed at a well-dressed and handsome chap, who walked in and headed straight for the bar. He wore a dark gray suit, white shirt and gray pocket square. His presence immediately derailed our focus and train of thoughts. He had tousled radiant brown hair, strong and well-defined facial features. Under the bar light his smooth flawless skin glowed. By good fortune, he settled on a stool directly facing us. He seemed to have had a long day and just needed a drink to help ease the stress. The bartender appeared familiar with him as he smiled and held a short conversation with him. He was definitely his own boss. I couldn’t imagine a god like him taking orders from anyone.

He looks like money. Sasha flushed as she picked up her glass and took a sip seductively. Her gaze fixated on him without a blink. Rebecca and I glanced at each other and chortled. We watched him like a bunch of junkies while the bartender served him. Our amusement was interrupted when the shots arrived.

As she carefully placed each tiny glass gently on the table, we glanced at each other and giggled like silly teenagers.

Anything else, ladies? She was clearly mystified by our goofiness.

No, we responded instantaneously.

Right after she walked away, the mysterious hunk’s gaze swept over our blushed faces. It was intense. He analyzed us prudently, before meeting our eyes for a few seconds. He fixated a little longer on mine. Undeniably my blush that escorted my gaze was a dead give-away. After a few seconds, he brusquely lost interest in us and moved his attention to his glass. I watched as he smiled privately to himself, sending rapid butterflies through my body.

Did he just… Sasha turned to me and I read her mind.

I believe so. I cut her off.

This is your night, Willow. Hell, your week, you should definitely go over there.

What? No!

In my experience, I believe you piqued his interest. You look stunning and between Rebecca and me, you are glowing. She raised the tiny glass to me before knocking back the shot with one quick gulp.

I don’t know, girls. What if he rejects me? He doesn’t seem to need the company, he only glanced at me a little longer, and there was no smile or wink. No obvious indication of interest. Besides, I don’t want to invade his privacy. Or, what if he’s waiting on someone. It’d be so embarrassing.

A wink and a smile? What kind of corny men have you been meeting? Sasha ridiculed.

You won’t know till you try, Rebecca chipped in. She had the most laid back and reserved personality between us friends. Her persuasion was rather encouraging.

What’s the worst that could happen, huh? I took a shot of my first tequila and stared at the handsome stranger again. His elbows were propped at the edge of the bar counter and his eyes were still focused on his glass.

Come on… Sasha persisted by nudging my shoulder with hers. Believe me, if those eyes of his landed on me, I’d have been there in a heartbeat.

Rebecca and I sniggered. I took my second shot in one gulp, Gum? I asked Sasha with my palm stretched out in her face. She quickly grabbed one from her purse and placed it in my palm. I sighed quietly, picked up my champagne glass and headed toward the fetching bloke.

3

The walk toward him, though a few steps felt like a lifetime. His focus was on his drink as he swirled the liquid in the glass. He took a sip and set it back on the counter. I was by the stool next to him when he looked up again. My presence genuinely took him by surprise and the expression on his face immediately made me regret listening to the girls. I quickly thought of something to say to cut the awkward tension. I timidly smiled and his eyes flashed an unfriendly warning.

May I? I motioned to the stool beside him.

It’s a free country, he said with a hint of humor in his tone.

All wasn’t lost, I thought.

I’m Willow. I coyly said.

He hesitated before answering, Harry

Well, I think I might have misread you, Harry. I said playfully.

How is that?

I thought you needed company but what I see is a man who needs his space. So, nice to meet you…

He smiled warmly at me, taking me by surprise and easing my bruised ego. Being close to him, I understood what Sasha meant by he looked like money. He smelt like it too. His ragged features were alluring and his soft sharp lips were very much enticing. I caught myself staring at them as he spoke.

Your company is much appreciated. His soft lips stated. His whisky colored eyes portrayed certainty. I flushed terribly under his scrutiny. He glanced at my glass and asked, Celebrating?

Yes, a new job

You or one of your friends? He glanced at the girls and their obvious glares mortified me.

Me!

Congratulations, he raised his glass to me and I nodded. He motioned for the bartender who quickly appeared before him, Give the ladies another bottle of whatever they are having.

Yes, sir, he said and walked away.

Thank you. I smiled.

Willow, huh?

Mm…hmm

Nice name.

Thanks. My mother named me after a weeping willow tree by her favorite lake, where she played when she was a child. I shook my head, embarrassed and he chuckled.

Seriously?

I kid you not.

She did a great job.

I smiled and took pleasure from his amused expression. I watched as his tensed shoulders begun to relax the more we got comfortable around each other. I took a peek at his ring finger and heaved a soft sigh of relief. It was bare and no mark suggested that a ring recently resided there.

So, what do you do, Harry?

He motioned to the bartender again to refill his glass with more of the brown stuff. Whatever that was.

Real estate

I see.

Family owned, I grew up in it.

You are blessed.

I wouldn’t say that. He chuckled.

So, tell me, what’s on your mind?

He shrugged his shoulders and rubbed his chin gently with his thumb. Strangely so, that gesture turned me on. Then again, everything he did or