Page 21 of Falling For My Assistant

“It is,” Kendall replied, halting to look at it. “He met him a couple of years ago at a benefit. Mr. Donaldson said he was very nice and even told him a joke.”

“Now that’s amazing,” Erin said.

Sean smiled, her excitement infectious.

They reached the end of the hall and walked out into the living and dining area; a huge table was set up in the middle of the room.

The table was covered in a long, gold tablecloth, shiny silver plates set on large gold chargers, the napkins large and gold with silver napkin rings.

“This looks like a table my mother would set,” Sean whispered, leaning over to Erin.

“Really?” Erin asked. “Does she do it for all special occasions?”

“She does. My grandma used to, and after she passed, my mother took up the mantle. She prides herself on having the perfect table for every occasion.”

“I’d love to see a picture sometime,” Erin said, smiling at him.

“I’ll get my mom to send me one,” he replied, their eyes holding for a moment.

“Mr. Donaldson,” Kendall said, breaking into their moment.

“Stephens,” Donaldson said, holding out his hand to Sean.

“Mr. Donaldson,” Sean replied, grabbing his hand. “I’m delighted to be here tonight.”

“Delighted to have you.” He turned to Erin. “And who is this beautiful creature?”

“This is my girlfriend, Erin Smith,” Sean replied, placing his hand on her back.

He noticed Kendall’s eyes widen, but she looked down at her list to hide her reaction.

“Wonderful to meet you,” Donaldson said, pressing a kiss to Erin’s knuckles.

“Thank you, Mr. Donaldson. Sean has told me so much about you. It’s wonderful to finally meet you,” Erin replied. The lie slipped off her tongue effortlessly.

He held her hand for a moment before he released it, turning to Sean. “Have I met her before? I feel as if I might know her.”

“She has stopped by the office a few times,” Kendall interjected. “You said hi to her last week when she came by to see him for lunch.”

Sean glanced at her and mouthed, ‘thank you.’

She smiled and with an incline of her head, disappeared around the corner.

“Stephens, why don't you and your lovely lady come and meet my wife,” he said, drawing them over to an older woman, her graying hair at her temples the only indicator of any aging.

“Carol, this is Sean Stephens, the junior investment banker who managed to wrangle that big account last month.”

She faced them, a smile widening her dark-red lips.

“Oh, hello,” she said, holding out her hand to him. “It’s lovely to meet you. Kevin has told me so much about you.”

He shook her hand, and she held her hand out to Erin, who also shook it.

“And who is this divine creature?” she asked.

“Erin Smith,” Erin replied. “Sean’s girlfriend.”

“It’s delightful to meet you as well. Who are you wearing this evening? I haven't seen that dress around anywhere.”