Page 32 of Under the Mistletoe

“I know. But it’s still a little uncomfortable.”

“Well, you’ll get people in business and in life who continue to talk, gossip, slander…”

“How do you deal with it?”

I grab my glass and take another longer sip of wine, because while I care very little for the gossip about me, the fact that it’s about her is riling me up inside.

“I ignore it for the most part. Don’t worry about those who talk behind your back. They’re behind you for a reason.”

She sits up a little taller, taking in my words, and I feel proud when I see her whole posture change. I release my hold on her hand and sit back as well.

“Is that why you didn’t wear the scarf today?”

“Yeah. Apparently, Ashley was telling people about how you bought a scarf for someone. I didn’t want further attention by people putting two and two together.”

I grind my teeth. Ashley talking about my business to work colleges is a major breach. I expect confidentiality in all my dealings, especially those that are more personal than business.

“So, Lake Placid is coming up?” She changes the subject before taking a sip of her wine. I watch the berry liquid touch her lips, the way she swallows, my eyes wandering down her neck. I shouldn’t have bought her a scarf. I should’ve bought her a necklace because she has the most beautiful neck and needs to show it off.

“Donovan?”

I blink, looking at her, the grin on her face telling me she caught me staring.

“It should be a good trip. All the best people from the industry will be there.”

“I’ve never even been on a plane before.”

I look at her like she’s crazy. “Really?”

“I’ve never been out of the city.”

“Lake Placid is beautiful all year round, but I especially love it in winter. It will be a little cool, so make sure you wear your scarf.” I look at her pointedly.

“Yes, boss.” Her lips twitch, and I want to stand up, lean over, and kiss the twitch right off her lips.

“Your meals.” The waiter swoops up to the table, depositing my steak and her pasta, both of which look and smell amazing.

“Thank you.” He leaves as quickly as he came, and we both dig in.

“Ohhhhh,” she groans, and I swear my dick perks to attention as my gaze lifts from my plate to her.

“This is so good…” She twirls some pasta on her fork and lifts it, and my dick jolts again as her tongue tangles in the spaghetti. I could almost come in my fucking pants from simply watching her eat.

“You like it?” I manage to croak out. Is it hot in here or…

“It's like the best thing I’ve ever eaten…” Yet… best thing you’ve eaten yet.

I clear my throat and focus on my food. “So, Jasper? Found anything?” I stab my steak, wishing it was her pasta, and try to focus on work.

“Nothing concrete. Where could he be getting his money from? I can imagine the outlay for those businesses he purchased would have been substantial.”

“That’s the question I’ve been asking myself. And others. No one seems to know.”

“They’re small businesses, maybe a few million each. But he’ll need to spend more bringing them up to standard.” Watching her think is one of my favorite things to do these past few weeks.

“It doesn't make sense.” I shake my head. The Jasper deal is feeling increasingly like an itch I just can’t scratch.

“I investigated and most of them seem to have something in common.”