The Gift of Love (23 page)
Authors: Peggy Bird
Edie’s face brightened a bit. “Oh, I never thought of it that way. Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s a brilliant plan. I hope so, Dominic.”
“Now, other than to bitch about Catherine Bennett what brought you to my office this lovely Monday?”
When Edie left, the thought of Catherine Bennett didn’t go with her. Dominic’s morning encounter with Ms. Bennett had been a welcome start to the day. In spite of being a bit sweaty and in clothes miles away from the stylish suit she’d worn the first time he’d met her, she was stunning. Her olive skin and her dark chocolate brown hair and eyes, which didn’t fit with her WASP-y name, had intrigued him from the first. Still did, even though now he knew from a little background research that her coloring was from an Italian heritage as deep as his own. And there wasn’t a man alive—well, a straight one—who wouldn’t fantasize about the luscious curves even moving-day clothes couldn’t hide. She wasn’t some stick-thin model who served as a hanger for the latest designer’s ideas of fashion. She had the body of a real woman. A real woman with considerable ability and the drive to take her firm all the way to success. It was quite a combination.
Dominic had wanted to get to know Catherine Bennett ever since he’d seen her give her presentation. Mostly he’d wanted to see if she was as smart and interesting one-on-one as she’d sounded on the dais. And he wouldn’t mind finding out if she was as sexy in a more intimate situation as she was when she walked across a room in her pencil skirt and stilettos. He was bored to tears with the business dates he’d been stuck with for what seemed like an eternity. Catherine Bennett looked, sounded, and acted different.
And it wouldn’t hurt to size up the woman who was making such a splash in his industry. Mixing business and pleasure was what he did on a regular basis. Most of his recent social life, including the women he escorted to the theater or dinner, had been more about marketing his business than about anything personal. At least if he were doing the mixing with Ms. Bennett, he might actually enjoy what he felt he had to do to keep his company on top.
A fixture in public relations and advertising in Philadelphia for more years than Dominic cared to think about, The Russo Group was the biggest, the most highly regarded, most sought after communications firm in the city. Catherine Bennett had only been on the scene for a half dozen or so years, but she’d made a name for herself in a niche he’d never thought about—marketing and advertising for socially responsible companies who wanted to do more than make a profit at any price. He admired someone who could find a new facet to a business he thought he knew cold and owned outright.
He’d told Edie the truth about how he viewed Bennett and Associates—there was plenty of business for both of them. But the fact was, relocating to the building where the big boys played meant Catherine Bennett was moving up in his world. It wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on her.
Or was he making business excuses to do what he wanted to do for personal reasons? And did it matter anyway?
• • •
“Ah … Catherine, someone’s here to see you.” Melody’s voice sounded confused or nervous. Something. Certainly not like her usual self.
“I don’t have anything on my calendar, do I? Who is it?”
“He’s not on your calendar. And he’s on his way back now.” The call ended abruptly. Very unlike her usually efficient office administrator. And why was she working the phones anyway?
Catherine put down the phone and looked up as Mister Sex on Legs sauntered into her office. That explained it.
“Mister … ah … Dominic. What a nice surprise. What can I do for you?” Catherine tried to be more calm and collected than Melody had been. All she could really be was grateful she had an important client meeting later in the day and had worn her favorite cobalt blue suit, the one she knew was flattering to both her figure and her coloring. Because to hold her own in the same room with this visitor who always looked like he’d stepped out of
GQ
took the best she had.
Dominic Russo must have a closet the size of Rhode Island. In the two weeks she’d been in the building, she couldn’t remember seeing him in the same suit twice. Not that she was keeping track. Okay, yes, she was keeping track. She didn’t know why, but she was.
Today’s suit was a navy pinstripe number with a white dress shirt and a light blue patterned tie that looked like a William Morris print. A white pocket square peeked out of the pocket over his well-toned pecs. The man knew how to dress. And call attention to his assets.
Oh, for God’s sake. Pay attention to something other than his body, Bennett. What is wrong with you, anyway? You don’t behave like this.
She forced herself to stop staring at his chest and glanced around the room, hoping her office made a good impression. It looked tidy, at least. Although her artwork hadn’t been hung yet, all the furniture was in place: her glass-topped desk and small conference table, the cozy little couch covered in a bright red fabric, the Herman Miller Aeron chair for her, and a visitor’s chair next to her desk.
“I wanted to make sure you’d gotten settled,” Dominic said. “Although from looking around, I’d say you’ve done more in the past two weeks than many people manage to do in a month. Your artwork in the reception area is stunning, by the way, especially the image of the woman. I like it. Local artist?”
“Yes, a woman named Jamie Lutz. Thanks for noticing.”
“I hope everything about the space was the way you wanted it to be when you moved in.”
His interest puzzled her. “Does the building owner hire you to check on all the new tenants this way?”
“You didn’t know I’m the building owner?”
She was sure her surprise was visible. “I thought the owner was DR Investments Limited.”
He said nothing, seeming to wait for the penny to drop.
Which it did. “Oh, DR. Dominic Russo. Dear God, how could I have been so obtuse.”
“You’re anything but obtuse. I’m sure there are other tenants who don’t know. The management company that handles all the transactions doesn’t advertise it, and neither do I.”
“But if I’d done my due diligence, I’d have found out. I didn’t dig very deep, obviously. When the agent showed me the space and told me the price, I was so excited I didn’t do much other than talk to some of your other tenants. All of them, by the way, raved about the building and the management, in case you wondered.”
“Good to hear. And I’m happy you’re settling in so well.” He motioned to the chair next to her desk, which she took to be asking if he could sit.
“Please. Sit. I’m being rude.” She returned to her desk chair. “It’s been a pretty smooth transition. It’s a great building. The location is perfect and the layout very creative. Did you have a hand in designing it?”
“Can’t take credit for it, but it is what attracted me to the space. The original developer had gone bankrupt, and it was being sold at a good price when I was looking for new offices. My staff was working in such close quarters, I was beginning to think I’d have to insist they marry each other.”
“We were almost there, too, although on a much smaller scale.”
“You’ve come a long way in a short time, haven’t you? I’ve admired your work and how fast you’ve become such an influence in the business.” His killer smile was back, which almost distracted her enough that she missed the compliment he’d paid her.
“It feels like a long time and a short way, but thanks. I’m flattered.”
“Not flattery. Just the truth.” He rose from the chair and extended his hand. “I won’t keep you any longer. I only wanted to make sure everything was as promised. I know you’ve met the building manager—if you have any problems at all, let him know.”
When she took his hand, a pulse of electricity went up her arm, startling her enough she had to swallow a gasp. It warmed her all the way to the base of her neck and down her chest. He clasped her hand with both of his, his eyes holding hers in a look so warm she wanted to turn up the air conditioning. She also wanted to keep the conversation going so she didn’t lose the connection with him.
“Uh … yes … the building manager.” She swallowed hard. “He’s been great. About getting movers in and out, I mean, stuff like that.”
Stuff like that?
Where was her skill with words when she really needed it?
Dominic didn’t say anything right away, seeming to be as reluctant as she was to break the contact between them. Finally he released her hand. “I’m glad he was helpful.” He moved toward the door. “But let me know if you have a problem he can’t solve. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around the building.” And he was gone.
Catherine sank back into her chair feeling like all the life had left the room, along with most of the air in her lungs.
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For more great novels from Peggy Bird, check out these titles:
A Holiday for Love series
:
Praise for
Sparked by Love:
“With lies and hidden agendas, you have to wait and see till the very end for all the pieces to fall together!” —Chicks That Read
“A warm, fuzzy romance read. Leo and Shannon are just so sweet together. There is plenty of steam as well. Very enjoyable read for romance lovers.” —Wilovebooks, 4 stars
“This book had the Triple ‘S’ factor for me: short, sweet and sexy . . . a wonderful book.” —Red's Hot Reads, 4 stars
“This was my first time reading Peggy Bird. I was pleasantly surprised by not only her writing style, which was very engaging and flowed, but also her characters.” —Book Nerd, 4 stars
Praise for
Unmasking Love:
“Spicy and modernized, this story relies on the mystique and romance of Romeo and Juliet, without the bad ending. Peggy Bird brings heat and heart to Halloween.” —4 stars, I Am, Indeed
“I love the author's witty writing style, which is present right from the opening lines of this book. Ms. Bird successfully builds deliciously, believable sexual tension between Julie and Trace; you can almost hear the cracks of electricity!”—5 stars, Ellesea Loves Reading
“The story isn't long, but it wasn't rushed. ... Beautifully written and wonderfully engaging.”—4 stars, Written Love Reviews
Second Chances series:
Praise for
Beginning Again
:
“Both Liz and Collins are great characters. Liz is not a bitter middle aged woman, but instead a very strong and brave lady. I really enjoyed
Beginning Again
because it was an easy read that made my gray autumn day a little bit less gray.” —Long & Short Reviews
Praise for
Together Again
:
“…a very enjoyable romance. I loved the main characters and the great writing. I always admire strong, independent women, so if you also enjoy those qualities in a heroine, and enjoy a well-written romance, I recommend this one.” —Night Owl Reviews
Praise for
Trusting Again
:
"The book moves along at a nice pace and the characters are believable and realistic. It is a well-written story with a wonderful ending!” —Harlequin Junkie
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