Page 35 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis (In The Heart of A Valentine #17)

Chapter

Twenty-Five

NAOMI

My phone rang while I was reviewing client files at my desk, and Nathan Bullard’s name appeared on the screen. I hadn’t heard from him in weeks, not since I’d started turning down all his requests for my personal services.

“Nathan. How are you?”

“Naomi, darling. I’m desperate, and I need your help.”

“I’m listening.”

“The Governor’s Ball is next weekend, and my usual date cancelled on me. Food poisoning, can you believe it? I need someone sophisticated, intelligent, and beautiful. I need you.”

I set down my pen, already knowing how this conversation would end.

“I’m flattered, Nathan, but I’m not available.”

“Not available for one night? Come on, Naomi. This is the social event of the season. Everyone who matters will be there.”

“I’m sure it will be wonderful. But I’m not available for escort services anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’m not taking clients.”

There was silence on the other end of the line.

“Naomi, you’re a businesswoman. What is going on with you?”

“If you need a companion for the Governor’s Ball, I’d be happy to arrange for one of my other girls to accompany you. They’re all lovely, sophisticated, and available.”

“But they’re not you.”

“No, Nathan. They’re not me. But they’re all excellent at what they do.”

Nathan was quiet for a long moment.

“What if I offered you triple your usual rate? Like last time?”

“You could offer me ten times my usual rate, and the answer would still be no.”

“Naomi...”

“Nathan, I’m trying to be gracious about this. I value our professional relationship, and I think you’re a good man. But I’m not available for personal escort services anymore.”

“Is this permanent?”

I hesitated and that made me wonder about my vulnerabilities. Christian and I had been great together so far. It was amazing, really. So why was I even thinking about this?

“Naomi?”

“Yes. This is permanent.”

Nathan sighed heavily. “I’m disappointed, but I understand. You’ve always been professional, and I respect your decision.”

“Thank you.”

“Let me think about your alternative suggestion. Maybe one of your other girls would be a good fit. I’ll call you back when I’ve made up my mind.”

“Take your time.”

After I hung up, I sat back in my chair and looked around my office. This business had given me independence, financial security, and the means to support my parents. But it had also been a shield, a way to control intimacy without risking my heart.

But somehow Christian had come into my life and I’d let down that shield.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Everything’s fine,” I murmured. And why did I need convincing?