Cold Feet novel Chapter 8

VIOLA

I get back to the table and sit down beside Ashley after the new bar limit has been confirmed. She looks at me and smiles.

“You were gone a while,” she smiles knowingly waiting for me to spill the beans.

“I had to sort out the bar limit,” I reply blushing. “I wasn’t with him all the time.”

“Could have fooled me,” Ashley says. Bursting with curiosity, she asks, “What did he want?”

“To get together after the wedding,” I smile.

“Really?” Ashley asks surprised. “He doesn’t take it slow does he?”

I blush again as I think of just how slow we didn’t take it. I shake my head not trusting my voice to answer as I avoid Ashley’s gaze.

“You tart!” she whispers. “You didn’t!”

“Didn’t what?” I ask feigning ignorance but still not looking at her.

“I know you,” Ashley whispers again. “You dirty little girl!” she teases.

I look at her and feign offense. “Get your mind out of the gutter,” I smile.

“C’mon. Tell me, tell me!” she whispers, begging like a little child.

I have worked with Ashley for a long time and we are good friends. She knows me well and I know her well too. I’m enjoying stringing her along.

“We didn’t…” I say and let the thought hang in the air.

“…but?” she prompts.

“I had to come back here for the bar limit but you can call me commando,” I say as I sip my drink.

“Commando?” Ashley asks confused and then it hits her. Her hand flies to her mouth as she realizes what I mean. “Oh my…”

I smile at her and wink. Then her eyes flick to a point above and behind my head and a moment later I hear his voice again.

“Is this seat taken?” he asks.

Of course not, and if it was, it would have become vacant right now just for you, I think before I reply. “No, but I’m guessing it’s about to be.”

“That all depends on whether you’ll permit me to be seated,” he smiles as he waits for permission.

What a gentleman, I think wondering what he’s done with my panties.

“Please be seated,” I say and then add, “You don’t need my permission.”

He pulls the chair out and sits as I look at Ashley. She gives me a quick wink and then excuses herself from the table. I want to ask her to stay but it’s too late.

“Can I steal you from your busy schedule for a few more moments?”

“You may,” I reply.

“I have to say that you’ve truly outdone yourself with the immaculate planning and execution of this wedding. It’s fabulous.” Rick says lightly. His voice is confident. It has an authoritative but kind tone. One that says, I’m in charge and I know what I want. I get what I want too.

I catch the scent of his cologne again. It carries a hint of wood and it’s strong. Not in the sense that he has used too much, the scent is simply strong, powerful, masculine.

“Thank you for the compliment,” I say blushing again. I’m blushing between my thighs and I’m pretty sure he knows it. I squeeze my thighs together and feel how soaked I am. My blush deepens.

“A little birdie told me that you’re one of the top wedding planners in Los Angeles,” he says as he studies me.

“Well, I don’t concern myself with classifications. I simply do the best I can for my clients. They are important and it’s a very special day so they deserve the best.”

“That’s a very noble way of thinking. Very humble too.”

“Thank you,” I blush again. “Do you normally compliment women this much? You do know it works wonders, don’t you? I will add though that you had me under the tree. You don’t need to flatter me more.”

He smiles. “I’m not flattering you. I simply believe in giving credit where credit is due,” he smiles.

“Thank you again,” I incline my head towards him.

He leans closer and lowers his voice. “Can we put our earlier moment aside? There’s something else I want to talk to you about,” he says.

“What about?” I ask surprised.

“Well, you are one of the best at what you do whether you want to admit it or not. I believe I’m also one of the best at what I do and I was thinking that perhaps we could agree to collaborate.”

What? I ask myself. Did he just start to talk business? I start to feel deflated, disappointed. Cloud number nine is suddenly descending fast.

“I’m sure we can talk about collaborating. I have a big network of people already though,” I reply.

“I understand that but I provide a niche service,” he replies. “I doubt you have someone like me on your team. Very few wedding planners do.”

“Okay,” I respond. “What exactly is it that you do?”

Rick smiles and reaches into his jacket. He removes his wallet and takes out a business card. He returns his wallet to his jacket pocket and hands the card to me.