LITMIR.BIZ

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Humphrey would perform. She asked her assistant to make sure the contract was ready to send the moment they selected a date and secured the venue.

      Teresa checked the shared spreadsheet updating which guests were available on either of the possible weekends.

      “Shit,” Teresa mumbled under her breath.

      “What’s wrong?” Liam stopped scanning the documents in his folder. His smoldering blue eyes seemed to slice right through her. “You just secured your headliner. I’d think you’d be ecstatic.”

      “I’m thrilled that Jessie confirmed.” Teresa ignored the fluttering in her belly and the electricity that danced along her spine when he stared at her that way. “But I’m not happy that most of the guests are selecting the earlier date. That gives us just two weeks to find a venue and get everything in motion. So far, every suitable venue in Seattle is booked. I’m going to have to venture outside the area.”

      “Have you considered Napa Valley?” Liam returned his attention to the documents.

      “That’s at least six hundred miles from Seattle.”

      “Seven, but who’s counting?” Liam’s eyes danced when they met hers and a sexy little smirk curved one corner of his mouth. It reminded her of the look he’d given her when he’d...

      Teresa shut her eyes and tried to push thoughts of their amazing nights together from her brain.

      “That would considerably increase the cost of the event.”

      “True. But it might also lure more people there. Especially those who are still unhappy about what happened at the previous event in Seattle. The beauty of the vineyards and an endless supply of wine will earn you a lot of forgiveness with this crowd. Besides, it’s the company’s fifth anniversary. Matt needs to make a big splash with this event so everyone will forget what happened at The Opulence.”

      “All good points, but I can’t book a venue without seeing it for myself. I need to make sure there’s adequate event space, suitable accommodations and trained, professional staff. I’d need to sample the food and attest to the cleanliness of the rooms. I’d want to talk to people who’ve used the venue before to make sure their level of customer service is on par with what my clients expect.”

      “So find a few possible venues and fly there and check them out.” Liam shrugged.

      Teresa gritted her teeth. Was he being intentionally flippant about something that could make or break her?

      “I would, but my private plane is in the shop.” She dropped her phone in her clutch and snapped it shut.

      Liam chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Then by all means, take mine.”

      “Now you’re just being cruel.” She folded her arms and pursed her lips. “I know this doesn’t mean anything to you, but this event is important to me. With everything that’s going on right now, this might be my only chance to keep my company from going under.”

      “I wasn’t being facetious.” His tone and expression seemed genuinely apologetic. “I’m being sincere.”

      Teresa stared at him, blinking. “I don’t get it. Not an hour ago you could barely stand to be in the same room with me. Now you’re offering to let me use your private plane to plan your friend’s event?”

      “That’s just it,” he said quickly. “Matt’s my best friend and this event is important to him. I want to ensure his retreat succeeds. Besides, Matt and I will be making the announcement about our joint venture, the Sasha Project, so I’m invested in the success of this event, too. That’s why I’d like to accompany you on this scouting trip.”

      Teresa stared at him blankly, still waiting for him to pull the rug from beneath her. She sifted her fingers through her hair. “I’ll have to check with Matt first. If he’s good with relocating the event to Napa Valley, I’ll gladly accept your offer. Thank you.”

      * * *

      “Anything for a friend,” Liam said calmly, though his heart danced in his chest. He could barely keep from smiling at the thought of spending time alone with Teresa in Napa Valley.

      She’s supposed to be the enemy.

      Yet he wanted to haul her onto his lap and kiss her like it was the only kiss he’d ever need. The way he’d kissed her when last she’d been in his arms.

      His eyes drifted to her momentarily, scanning the royal-blue silk blouse that was a welcome pop of color against her stark white linen pantsuit.

      Teresa always managed to look so buttoned up and proper. It was a calm facade that gave no indication of the raging heat and unbridled passion that lay beneath her cool exterior.

      Liam’s face and chest flushed with heat and his heart thumped so hard in his chest he wondered if she could hear it, too.

      Being in such close proximity to Teresa made it difficult to remain aloof and pretend he didn’t want her as much now as he ever had. That he didn’t think of her constantly.

      It would be a painfully long twelve months.

      According to his father’s will, that was how long Teresa had to take a role in the company before she could divest herself of the shares he’d left her. That meant twelve months of working closely while rumors swirled around them and this palpable heat raged between them.

      He honestly didn’t know if he could take it.

      Teresa had been tapping out a text message on her phone, presumably floating the idea of moving the event to Napa Valley past Matt.

      “There.” She put her phone on the seat between them. “We’ll see what he says.”

      “Great. Now about this meeting.” He handed a portfolio to her. “Here’s the basic information you’ll need to know this afternoon. We’ll be meeting with the board to—”

      Teresa’s phone dinged and she picked it up. She grinned, turning the screen toward him. “Matt loves the idea. Now I just hope I can find a venue for our preferred date.”

      Liam flipped his wrist and looked at his watch. It was clear Teresa wouldn’t be able to focus on anything else until she had some peace of mind about finding a venue.

      Liam placed a call to his assistant.

      “Duncan, please email Teresa St. Claire our list of preferred hotel venues in Napa Valley. Preferably those near a vineyard. And be sure to copy her assistant Corinne on it. Thanks.”

      Liam ended the call and put his phone away. “Let Corinne know she should call off the search for Seattle venues. Then maybe we can get to the business at hand.”

      Teresa stared at him. “Why would you—?”

      “Same reason. I’m doing this for Matt and for myself. I need you to focus on Christopher Corporation right now, and until that was resolved, it was apparent you wouldn’t be able to.”

      He opened his portfolio after she’d sent her text message. “Now let’s get started.”

       Six

      Gideon had been working in his office all morning with the door closed and Jessie’s first album playing. She’d hit the music charts with one or two of the songs from her most recent album. But the songs on this older EP were far better. Her voice had a raw edge that reminded him of Alicia Keys’s first album. And the songs all seemed so personal and heartrending.

      He couldn’t help thinking of her older sister Geneva and how heartsick he’d been when she’d broken it off with him. But he was also reminded of the day two years later when Jessie had shown up at his place.

      Gideon couldn’t help cringing at the memory.

      He didn’t regret rejecting Jessie’s advances

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