Page 13 of Resisting the Temptation (Broken Shelves #3)

Emma

I hadn’t considered I’d have to sit so close to Ben when I asked the hostess for this booth. Of course, the other option would be to sit next to Derek, and that would be awkward as hell, especially if I’m trying to talk business.

Ugh. I hate this.

Ben has barely said a word other than to comment on how well things are going with the business when Derek asks, so I’ve been the one carrying the conversation with the developer.

If Enzo has only ever sent Ben to smooth talk Derek, no wonder we haven’t been able to land him as a client yet. Getting Ben to make conversation is like trying to make a fish walk.

It’s a good thing small talk and getting to know people quickly are specialties of mine, otherwise this whole lunch would be a fucking bust. I clock the silver wedding band as soon as he shakes my hand and make a mental note to ask about his partner.

It’s easy enough to see Derek Allridge, like most powerful men, likes to have his ego stroked a little, so that’s what I do.

I gush about the layout of a townhome complex in La Jolla he finished last year and lament that I can’t afford the luxury apartments right on the Windansea Beach because they’re so beautiful.

His chest puffs with pride the more I praise his work, and by the time our food has arrived, he’s laughing and telling me stories like I’m part of the good ol’ boys’ club.

Derek asks me about my work experience and how I’m liking working at Rossi. I answer honestly, telling him while I’m new to this, I’m loving the work, and Enzo is a great boss.

He asks me about what kind of projects I’m most excited to work on, and I tell him I’m not particular. Working on something large-scale like a hospital or an airport would be incredible, but I’m just as happy working on retail spaces or apartments.

When I glance at Ben, he looks irritated—which is his normal look—but also a little surprised. Is he surprised at how easy I’m getting Derek to interact? Or is he surprised by my answers?

“So, Emma, I don’t see a ring on your finger. Are you seeing anyone?”

The question takes me by surprise, but it’s not a completely abnormal thing to ask. “Not at the moment.”

Derek’s bushy brown eyebrows raise to his hairline. “Now, why not? Pretty thing like you must have men tripping over themselves.”

Fuck’s sake. Why can’t a woman just want to be single ?

I demurely raise a shoulder as I stab a piece of grilled chicken with my fork. “I’m keeping my options open at the moment. Waiting for the right person to come along, focusing on my career. You know, all the cliché reasons.”

“Always good to keep your options open. Wouldn’t want to miss out on something special. My wife and I took a long while to find each other, but it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

I perk up at the mention of his wife. This is my in to make a personal connection. “I love that. How did you two meet?”

Derek gives me a wistful smile. “Before I started my own company, I was an estimator at another company, and she was the HR Manager. We didn’t like each other at first. She thought I was rude and impersonal, and I didn’t like how bubbly she was all the damn time.”

Sounds like Ben.

I brush the thought away as Derek continues, “One day, we got on the elevator to leave at the same time, and the power went out.” I gasp, and Derek chuckles.

“We were stuck in there for three hours because the outage was city-wide, and the fire department couldn’t get to us any sooner.

She’s claustrophobic, so she started having a panic attack as soon as the elevator stopped, and I had no idea what to do other than hold her and walk her through some breathing exercises.

I’d never seen her so… vulnerable. The bubbly girl I knew was a mess, sobbing into my dress shirt, and my heart split right open for her.

“Once she calmed down, we spent the next few hours getting to know each other, and by the time we were rescued, we already had a date set up. I knew at the end of our first date I wanted to make her my wife. We’ve been married almost fifteen years now.”

“That’s so beautiful. I love hearing stories like that. Makes my jaded heart believe I could have a love like that someday.”

I may imagine it, but I swear Derek’s eyes dart to Ben before they settle back on me.

“Well, don’t let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch.

There’s someone for everyone. Sometimes they’re the person you least expect—or want.

” Derek checks his watch. “Thank you for the lovely lunch, but I’m afraid I have to get back to the office. ”

“Oh, but we didn’t get to talk about—”

“I’ll be calling you when we have our next project finalized. I like your ‘vibe,’ as the kids say, and I’d love to have you working on it, Emma.”

My mouth opens and closes, surely looking like a fish before a big smile takes over my face. “Thank you, Derek. I’d be honored to work with you.”

We all stand and shake hands then promise to do this again soon before Derek leaves the restaurant.

Ben pays for our lunch on the company card, and we silently get back into the truck and make our way to the office.

I’m buzzing with excitement from Derek wanting to work with me, but I keep my excitement internal so I don’t upset Ben, who seems broodier than usual.

When we’re back, everyone crowds into the doorway of my office to ask how lunch went.

I give them a brief rundown, not that there’s much to say other than, “He said he wants to work with me when their next project is finalized! ”

Enzo claps me on the shoulder. “ Congratulazioni, mi cara! That’s amazing news! I’m so proud of you.”

My eyes burn with happy tears at the praise from Enzo, but I blink them back so I don’t embarrass myself. “Thank you, Enzo. I’m really excited for this opportunity.”

Drew, Alex, and Dave offer their congratulations as well, then leave me to finish out the workday in peace.

I can't help but feel a little disappointed Ben didn’t congratulate me, too. Even when he had the opportunity to do so in private on the way back to the office.

I shake my head, I don’t need his approval or his praise.

Even if I want it.