Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 35550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
“It is, and yes, it’s Danielle. No, nothing has happened. I don’t kiss and tell.”
“You don’t do anything of the sort. You’re pursuing her.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I like her.”
“She said no, didn’t she?”
“Yes, but we’re friends.” He leaned forward picking up the file that had been left in his office last night. “What is this?”
“It’s a business proposition. Let’s not talk about that and talk about your current infatuation with a certain chef.”
“Look, I like her. Nothing has happened. She doesn’t want anything to happen, and we’ve agreed to be friends. You don’t have to worry. I thought you liked her anyway.”
“I do like her. My wife adores her. They’re best friends. Danielle was the only person to approach her, and I thank her for that every single day I’m at an event.”
“Are you going to the one tomorrow?” Brice asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m taking Danielle.”
“You are?”
“Why don’t you bring Haley?” Brice said.
“I will now that I know Danielle is going.”
Brice saw the worry on his friend’s face. “What is it? I thought you were happy with Haley?”
“I am happy with her. She’s the love of my life.”
“But?”
“There’s no real but, to be honest. You’d think after how long we’ve been married people would be used to it by now, but they still like to poke fun at her. To point out she doesn’t belong in our circle.”
“Why don’t you tell them all to fuck off?” Brice asked.
He’d never had a problem with Haley. At first, he did think she was after Howard’s money, until he saw the two together. Haley was as sweet as they come.
“I do, but they don’t say shit to her when I’m there. It always happens behind closed doors. I don’t know. Part of me thinks I shouldn’t have married her. You know, I should have just kept on dating her without anyone knowing. Life was a lot easier.”
“Do you want to get down to business?” Brice pointed at the file.
Howard nodded, and for the next hour they talked about Howard’s proposal. He wanted to buy a company and for the two of them to build it up from the ground. It wouldn’t cost them too much. They were both wealthy, but it would take time and effort, and not guarantee a return.
“How about I take you to the location tomorrow? That way you can get a feel for the place and let me know what you think?”
“You’re heading into retail. That is always going to be a tough one to crack.”
“I know, but it’s new and it’s something I’d like to try. I haven’t gone with anyone else.”
“I’ll think about it, and I’ll meet you tomorrow.”
With that, it concluded business, and he shook Howard’s hand. He closed the door as his cell phone buzzed.
Opening up the picture, he saw it was from Danielle. She’s sent him a picture of powdered sugar that had exploded over the side of her mixer.
Danielle: Don’t put the mixer on full speed, ever.
He laughed and pocketed his cell phone. He was enjoying this, a lot.
****
Brice waited for her at the bottom of the stairs. Danielle didn’t know why she was so nervous. It wasn’t the first business dinner she’d been to. This was the first time she’d be going with someone. Pushing her hair off her face, she glanced down at the red dress she’d pulled out of her closet.
It still fit, and she’d curled her hair.
For the past two weeks, she’d kept her blonde locks up above her head.
Taking a deep breath, clenching her hands into fists, she stepped around the corner and gripped the rail. She made her way downstairs.
Brice was on the phone, and she smiled.
He was dressed like a penguin, but a really cute and sexy one.
For two weeks they’d been talking. This was his first visit since he’d dropped her off and they spent the day together.
Talking with him, that barrier she’d placed between them was crumbling.
He hung up and turned toward her.
“You look stunning,” he said.
She glanced down. “Be warned, someone will make a comment about me already wearing it.”
“You didn’t have time to buy something new. I don’t care. You look amazing. You’ll be the prettiest woman there.”
She laughed. “You’re really putting the charm on tonight.”
“Of all the things I could have asked of you, this is probably the worst.”
“It’s fine. I can handle myself.”
“I picked you something up,” Brice said.
He pulled out a long, rectangular box. She watched as he opened it, and she laughed when she saw the charms on the bracelet. There was a whisk, a wooden spoon, and a fork. She adored it.
“How did you find this?” she asked.
“It took a long time, but I’m the kind of person who doesn’t give up.”
She wondered if this was a clue to his friendship. He wasn’t giving up on them dating.
He took hold of her wrist, and she waited as he placed it on her.