36

Alistair

I almost rushed after Liliana, but Veronica touched my arm. “She’s got a right to be tired.”

“What?” I’m sure my eyes went wide, because how could she possibly know that we didn’t get much sleep?

“She clearly worked very hard on that pitch. Let the girl get her rest,” she said with a smile.

Benedict was fighting a smile and couldn’t even look at me. I must have been tired too to think anyone could possibly know how we’d spent the night before.

When I sat again, Veronica suggested that she and Reginald come to Everbrook to tour Hard Rock. “I want to get a better sense of the people I get into bed with,” she said, beaming.

I knew she was using a common phrase for getting into business with someone, but she’d emphasized the word bed just enough to give it a double meaning.

She’d been flirting with me all through the dinner. I suspected she was warm and friendly as a rule, but I knew world-class flirting when I saw it.

I tried not to flirt back, but years of dealing with customers and other businesspeople made it easy to be friendly and engaging. A little flirting was often a part of that, like with the regulars at Hard Rock.

I hoped I hadn’t led her on. When she grinned at me, I realized I hadn’t. She just went after the things she wanted, and probably got them most of the time. That was probably part of the reason Avalon Spirits was so successful.

Reginald and Benedict walked over to the bar and joined the other Avalon team members, leaving me and Veronica alone at the table.

Then Veronica clasped her hands together and leaned close. “I realize this is forward of me, Alistair. And I want you to know that I keep my personal pleasures separate from business, so if anything happens between us, or doesn’t, it won’t affect our decision one way or another. But I’m hoping like hell you’ll tell me that you’re single.”

I actually felt my face heat up. I’d never been propositioned quite so boldly before. Especially by a woman like Veronica.

“Technically, I am.”

She leaned closer, her smile growing.

“But . . . it’s complicated. Because deep down, whether she knows it or not, I don’t think of myself as single.”

Veronica pulled the corners of her mouth down. “I’m disappointed. And I’m also intrigued. She must be one special lady.” She held up her glass. “Let’s drink to her, and then you can tell me the whole story. If you want to, of course.”

We toasted and drank. Benedict and Reginald had stopped halfway back from the restroom to talk to a table full of people. Reginald appeared to be introducing Benedict, and the group looked like they were trying to get them to sit. I had a little time, at least.

And even though I’d have told any businessman to never tell such personal things to a business partner, the story poured out of me. I didn’t tell her the woman was Liliana or give a name, but I told her the important parts.

“She thinks we’re not meant to be. Or she did. That might have changed, but I’m not sure. I just need more time to convince her that we belong together.” I took another drink. “Because I’m in love with her.”

Veronica had listened carefully to my story, hanging on every word. She put her palms on the table. “Have you told her that? That might be the last encouragement she needs!”

“I’m getting there. Like I said, it’s complicated.”

“It is indeed.” She took a deep breath and shrugged her shoulders quickly, like she was stretching her muscles. “Well, Alistair, you seem like the type of man who doesn’t give up on someone he cares about. I suspect you’ll make her understand. And if she realizes the type of man you are, I’m sure things will work out for you.”

She toasted again. “My best wishes for you both.”

“I’ll drink to that. And thank you for listening.”

She sipped her drink. “I have to know, though. If you were single . . .”

I laughed softly. Very was a gorgeous woman. Any man would be so lucky to be with her.

“If I hadn’t met the woman I told you about? We’d be ditching those two.” I shook my thumb toward Benedict and Reginald. “And halfway to my hotel.”

Veronica liked that answer. When the guys came back, we talked a little more and decided to call it a night.

At the hotel, I paused when the elevator stopped on her floor. Then I decided I should call her first before showing up after she left early as she had. Maybe she really didn’t feel well.

In fact, it was late. She was probably already asleep.

I rode the elevator up and went to my own room, prepared to call Liliana first thing in the morning. Or maybe I’d show up at her door with breakfast and see if I could find a few ways to make her feel better.