Chapter 108: The Awkward Attraction

Engelbert sat down on another stool. 'It's amazing. The Italian way of skiing follows their quiet lifestyle closely,' He smiled broadly, the first proper beaming smile since I had laid eyes on him - all straight, white, and green. This man is a God. 'I got up late, found a big mountain, ran up the slopes until my legs gave out, slept late, ate late and started again the next day.' He addressed us all but stared at me.

His passion for the slopes is reflected in his wide smile.

I couldn't help but return his beam. 'You're good?' I asked because this was the only thing that came to my mind. I think he is good at everything.

'Very,' he confirmed quietly. I nodded my approval, and for a few seconds, our eyes met. I was the first to break it.

'Shall we?' He asked, pushing himself off the stool and motioning towards the exit.

'Yes.' I smiled. I'm supposed to be here to work, after all. All I have achieved so far is a hot flush and an establishment of extreme sports. I was in a trance.

From the moment I pulled up through those gates, I knew this wasn't going to be a typical everyday meeting, and I was right. In the four years I've been visiting people in their homes, workplaces, and new buildings, I've never come across an Engelbert Montero. I probably won't do it again. It is undoubtedly a good job.

I turned to the two men at the bar, smiling my goodbyes, motioning for them to raise their bottles before continuing their conversation. I was walking towards the door leading back to the entrance hall, I felt him close behind me. He was too close; I can smell him. I closed my eyes, sending a small prayer to God that this would get me through quickly, with at least some dignity intact. He's just too intense and it's throwing my senses in a million different directions.

'So, now for the main feature,' He starts up the wide staircase. I follow him, observing the immense void that leads to a large gallery landing. 'These are the private rooms.' he said, pointing to various doors leading to the landing.

I follow, admiring his beautiful rear, thinking that he possibly has the sexiest walk I've ever had the privilege of seeing. When I dragged my eyes from his clean back, I saw that there were at least twenty doors, parallel and leading to the rooms beyond. He led me until we reached another grand staircase that reached another floor. At the foot of the stairs, there is a beautiful stained glass window and an archway leading to another wing.

'This is the extension,' He led me to a new section of the mansion. 'This is where I need your help.' he added, pausing at the entrance to a hallway leading to another ten rooms.

'This is all new?' I asked.

'Yes, they're all shells at the moment, but I'm sure you can work that out. Let me show you.'

I froze when he took my hand, pulling me down the corridor to the very last door. Not applicable! His hand was still cold, and I was sure mine was shaking in his grip. Eyebrows arched in a slight smirk he let me pass, telling me I was right. There is a kind of supercharged current flowing through us - it makes me shiver.

He opened the door, leading me into a newly plastered room. It is spacious, and the new windows are sympathetic to the existing property. Whoever did this did a great job?

'Are they that big?' I asked, flexing my fingers until he released my hand. Is this how he behaves with all women? It's really off-putting.

'Yes.'

I went to the middle of the room and looked around. This is a good size. I noticed another door. 'En-suite?' I asked as I wandered in.

'Yes.'

The rooms are huge, especially by hotel standards. A lot can be done with them. I would be excited if I wasn't so worried about what was expected of me. This is not Modern Property. When I came out of the bathroom, I saw Engelbert leaning against the wall, hands in his pants pockets, his eyes hooded and dark as he watched me. My God, the man is having sex with the legs. I'm almost disappointed that traditionally doesn't feature in my design history. It doesn't interest me at all.

'I'm not sure I'm the right person for this job.' I sound like I'm regretting it. That's okay, because I am. I regret not being able to pull myself together. He looks at me, those sludgy eyes stabbing at my defenses, making me shift on my heels.

'I think you have what I want.' he said quietly.

Whoa! 'I've always dealt in modern luxury,' I looked around the room, slowly dropping my eyes back to him. 'I'm sure you'd be happier working with Herman or Tommy. They deal with our weather projects.'

He considered me for a moment, shook his head, and pushed himself away from the wall with his shoulder blades. 'But I want you.'

'Why?'

'Looks like you'll do very well.'

An involuntary sigh escaped my lips at his words. I'm not sure what to make of that statement. Does he mean for my design skills or something else? The way he looked at me, told me it was the latter. He is quite confident.

'What is your brief?' I asked as all other words failed me. My color is rising again.

A smile tickled the corner of his mouth. 'Sensual, intimate, luxurious, stimulating, invigorating...' He paused to check my reaction.

I frowned. This is not the usual brief. Relaxing, functional or practical is not mentioned.

'Okay, anything specific I should allow?' I asked. Why do I struggle with these questions?

'A big bed and lots of hangings on the wall.' he states on a husk.

'What kind of wall hangings?'

'Big, trees. Oh, and the lighting has to adapt.'

'Suit what?' I couldn't help the confusion in my tone.

He smiles, and I melt into a hot pool of hormones. 'Well, the brief, of course.'

Oh God, maybe he thinks differently about me. 'Yes, of course,' I looked up, seeing the thick beam covering the ceiling. The building is new, but these are not faux beams. 'Do all of the rooms have them?' I looked back at him.

'Yes, they're essential.' His voice was low and seductive. I'm not sure how much more I can take.

I grabbed my client briefing pad to start taking notes. 'Is there any particular color I should work with or against?'

'No, knock yourself out.'

I raised my head to look at him. 'Excuse me?'

He smiled. 'Go ahead.'

Oh, well, I won't be knocked myself on anything because he won't see me here. But I must get as much information as possible so that I can pass it on to Herman or Tommy, with a little consent.

'You mentioned a big bed. Any particular type?' I asked, trying to remain professional.

'No, it's just too big,'

I falter mid-note, I slowly look up to see him looking at me. It makes me feel stupid. 'What about the soft furnishings?'

'Yes, many.' He started walking towards me. 'I like your dress.' he whispered.

Holy shit, I'm leaving! "Thank you," I shouted, entering the door. 'I have everything I need.'

Nothing, but I can't stay here any longer. This guy is like a sensory drain to me. 'I'll get some designs together.' I exited the corridor and headed straight for the gallery landing.

Bloody hell, when I woke up this morning, this was the last thing I expected. The luxurious country mansion - with an achingly handsome owner to buy the package - is not part of my regular daily routine.

I found my way to the top of the stairs, going down quickly, considering the tan stilettos I was wearing. I hit the parquet floor, wondering how I got there. I'm a mess.

'I look forward to hearing from you, Shaira Rose.' His husky voice rolled over my flesh as he joined me at the bottom of the stairs, putting his hand out. I take it in mine for fear that if I don't, he might well clench me and place his lips on me again.

'You have a lovely hotel.' I say genuinely. I began to wish that the contents of my handbag consisted of spare knickers, blindfolds, earplugs, and some armor. I might have prepared better.

He raised his eyebrows while holding my hand and shaking it slowly. The buzz that travels through our holding hands makes me tense. 'I have a lovely hotel.' he kept thinking.

The buzz transformed into a full-on electric shock, and I withdrew my hand under reflex. He looked at me questioningly. 'It really was nice to meet you, Shaire Rose Fernando.' He emphasizes the really.

'You too,' I almost whispered.

I watched his eyes widen for a moment and he started chewing on his bottom lip. His moving body finally moved to the center table of the entrance hall. He released a calla lily from the large spray that dominated the piece of furniture. He studied it for a moment before handing it to me. 'Understated elegance.' he said softly.

I don't know why, maybe because my brain is messed up, but I take it. 'Thank you.'

He put his abandoned hand in his pocket, watching me closely. 'You're more than welcome.' His gaze traveled from my eyes to my lips. I took a few steps back.

'There you go!' A woman walked out of the bar and towards Engelbert. She was attractive - all blonde colored hair, mid-length, layered hair, and red, pouty lips. He kisses her cheek. 'Are you ready?'

Okay, I'm assuming it must be the wife. But there's no ring, so maybe it's the girlfriend? Either or, I'm completely stunned when he didn't take his eyes off of me, making no attempt to answer her question. He turned to see what had caught his attention and looked at me suspiciously. I don't like her instantly, and it has nothing to do with the man she's draped all over.

'And you?' she purrs.

I'm uncomfortable, I feel like I've been caught doing something naughty. Well, I have. I have severe unwelcome reactions to her boyfriend. An irrational pulse of jealousy shot through me. Funny!

I smiled sweetly. 'Just left. Goodbye.' I turned, almost ran to the door, and headed straight for the stairs. I jumped into my car, let out a mighty breath, and as my lungs thanked me for the welcome air, I returned to my seat and began the breathing adjustment exercises.

I have to hand it to Tommy. But I laugh at my stupid idea. Tom's g*y. Mr. Montero will affect him as much as I do. Even though I know he's taken, I still can't get him to work. I shook my head in disbelief and started my car.

As I drive down the gravel driveway, I look in my rearview mirror at the magnificent Country Hills shrinking behind me. And there, standing at the top of the steps watching me leave was Mr. Engelbert Montero.

XXX