CHAPTER TWO The Deal
298 Words
Isabella spent most of the night convincing herself that Adrian Kane was just another client.
It didn't work.
The next morning, she arrived at Kane Holdings armed with determination and two cups of coffee. One was for herself. The other was a peace offering for the man she was about to spend the next several months working with.
She stepped into his office without knocking.
Adrian looked up from his laptop.
His eyes immediately fell to the extra coffee cup.
"For me?"
She placed it on his desk.
"Don't get used to it."
A rare smile appeared.
"I'll treasure the moment."
The smile transformed his face.
Dangerous.
Far too attractive.
Isabella quickly looked away.
They spent the next few hours reviewing project plans, budgets, timelines, and design concepts.
To her surprise, Adrian was brilliant.
Every suggestion he made improved the project.
Every concern he raised was valid.
Unfortunately, he knew it.
"You hate being wrong, don't you?" she asked.
He leaned back.
"Are you implying I'm wrong often?"
"I'm implying you're impossible."
"Interesting. Most people are too intimidated to tell me that."
"Most people aren't me."
Their eyes locked.
Again.
That strange spark returned.
A knock interrupted them.
A woman entered the office.
Tall.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
She walked directly to Adrian and kissed his cheek.
Isabella felt something unpleasant twist inside her stomach.
Why should she care?
The woman noticed her immediately.
"Oh."
Adrian stood.
"Isabella, this is Victoria."
Victoria smiled politely.
But something about it felt forced.
The woman remained close to Adrian throughout the conversation.
Too close.
When she finally left, Isabella focused on her notes.
"You didn't mention you were seeing someone."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't ask."
The answer bothered her more than it should have.
And that realization bothered her even more.
- Writer
