Chapter 89
A moment later, Curt walked in, dressed in a gray suit with no tie, his white shirt opened at the neck, showing a few strands of hair on his chest, accenting his muscles that lay beneath.
"Curt," I said as I walked around the desk and gave him a quick hug. "What a surprise."
A grin spread across his face, illuminating the dimple on his cheek. "Well, I was in the neighborhood."
I laughed. "What brings you here? To what do I owe the honor?"
His face sobered. "Well, I'm here to discuss business, actually. Have you thought about my offer?"
I let out a deep breath. "Listen, Curt. I appreciate the offer, but if I decide to relocate to New York, then I'll do it myself."
He sat down in one of two club chairs setting on the wall to the left, under the window, illuminating his light brown hair. "That wasn't the whole offer. I'd like to set you up with your own consulting firm, as well."
"What about the contracts?" I asked as I sat down beside him.
He shrugged. "You can still write contracts, too, but you will also have a consulting firm for businesses." His hand splayed across the leather armrest.
"I hate to ask like this, but what's the catch?" I asked point blank. Men like Curt didn't do anything unless it was for a price. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to feel as if I owe you anything."
He nodded. "That's understandable." He leaned forward, propping his elbows onto his knees. "Frankly, I need a consultant. Someone I can trust. I also need a good contract lawyer to take care of my real estate ventures. And there's no strings attached." A smile spread across his face. "If it makes you feel better, I'll loan you the start-up money and then you can pay me back. Strictly business. Or, you can consider it an investment in your company in exchange for a small portion of the profits. Your choice." He looked into my eyes as a crease formed between his eyes. "Also, I have plenty of business associates that I can send your way to help you get started. And once word gets out about your expertise, you'll have more business than you'll know what to do with, I'm sure."
I nodded. "How soon do you need an answer? I'd like to talk it over with my business partner first."
He shrugged. "Take all the time you need, but don't keep me waiting long."
I nodded. "Thank you for the offer. It's very generous of you."
He smiled as his blue eyes danced. "I take care of my people." Then, his face turned serious again. "Listen, Alyssa: I'm not going to lie. I'm attracted to you, but I want you to know that this offer still stands. Whether or not things work out between us, we can still be friends and business associates."
I was floored at his candor. "Wow. And to think that we haven't even gone out on a date yet."
He laughed. "Well, we can remedy that. Go out with me tonight."
My head whirled. Everything was happening so fast. I needed time to think.
Sensing my discomfort, he added, "We can make it strictly business tonight or tomorrow night, if you like."
I smiled. After all, I was going to have to start loosening up sometime.
"You know," he said, "I did come all this way, and I'll be alone on Thanksgiving "
"Okay, okay!" I cut him off, laughing. The boyish look on his face did me in. "I'll agree to go out with you on one condition: you can't be alone on Thanksgiving."
A broad smile spread across his face. "What do you have in mind?"
"Well," I said as my heart fluttered within my chest. This was the first date that I had agreed to go on since Logan. "I'm going over to Frank Mallory's house for Thanksgiving and you could join us, if you like."
He laughed. "Try not to sound so excited!"
I laughed. "Let me rephrase that: would you, kind sir, like to accompany me to my friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner?"
He smiled. "Now, that's more like it. Yes, I'd love to go, but I'm going to have to leave early, as I have an evening flight."
"You know you could postpone your flight until Friday." I couldn't believe I just said that, but there was something about Curt that I couldn't put into words. He was the first man that I felt truly comfortable with in a very long time.
"Do you mean that?"
I gulped. "Yes of course "
He shook his head. "I wish I could, truly, but I can't. I have a very important meeting Friday that I can't miss."
I smiled, a part of me disappointed that he couldn't stay. "No worries."
"But thank you for taking pity on a homeless person on the holiday."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Homeless. Yeah, right," I said under my breath. "But the pleasure is mine. I'm glad to take pity on the needy."
He burst out laughing. "So, where would you like to go tonight?"
I let out a deep breath. "Tonight?"
He took a step closer as my heart quickened. "Yes, tonight. I can't wait until tomorrow," he said as he placed his hands on my shoulders and looked deep into my eyes, his masculine scent becoming more prominent. "That is, unless you have other plans?"
I smiled as I pulled away. "You are formidable, aren't you?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I try," he said, backing toward the door. "I'll tell you what. I'll let you finish up here and I'll get your address from your receptionist. Eight o'clock okay?"
I nodded. "That's fine. I'll be ready."
"I'll be there," he said as he started toward the door and then peeked his head back in. "Be ready."
I laughed and shook my head as he disappeared out the door. "What have I done?" I asked myself as I turned toward the window, thinking about Curt and about Logan.
A few minutes later, the door opened. "Your next appointment is here."
"Thank you, Mrs. Farrow," I said without turning around. "Please, show him in."
