Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“Of course I’m happy. I’m in London,” I say, almost trying to convince myself.
He shrugs and sips on his wine.
I shiver. Maybe it’s time to give up trying to be friends with this guy.
“You never told me your name,” I say, more quietly this time.
He sighs. “Ben.”
I’m nodding when we’re interrupted by a man who I presume is Ben’s dinner date. A shorter blond guy who gives me Bradley Cooper vibes slaps Ben on his back, then catches sight of me and immediately offers his hand. “I’m Nick.” He shoots Ben a questioning glance.
“I’m Tuesday,” I say, taking his hand. “I’m a friend of Ben’s.”
I can almost hear Ben rolling his eyes.
“I’m delighted to meet you. A friend of Ben’s is a friend of mine.” He squints at me, and I can tell he wants to ask me what kind of friend I am, exactly.
“I’m from New York,” I say. “Just landed two days ago. Ben was the first person I met, and we’ve been firm friends ever since.”
I glance at Ben, and I swear I see the corner of his mouth lift, as if he’s given up trying to not be my friend and is going to let me say what I like. Nick frowns like what I’m saying doesn’t quite add up. He’s right, of course.
“Let’s get our table,” Ben says.
“I do hope you’re joining us?” Nick asks, his eyes full of mischief.
“No, she is not,” Ben snaps.
I glance between the two men and something inside me shifts. They want opposite things, and I get to decide. Normally, I’d find the idea of choosing impossible. But today it feels easier. The stakes are lower.
“I’ll leave you two gentlemen in peace.” I glance down at my cocktail. “I have my drink for company.”
Ben’s frown deepens, and I get the feeling he’s just about to say something. But he doesn’t and they head off to the restaurant.
I take another sip of Life’s a Peach and wonder what in my life would change if this drink were a magic potion that creates a peachy life. I scoff quietly. What would change? What wouldn’t, more like.
“Have you eaten?” A voice comes from behind me.
I spin, and it’s Ben asking me the question.
“Eaten what?” I ask.
“Come and have dinner with us,” he says. It’s not so much an invitation. More of an order.
I shake my head. “I couldn’t—”
He growls. Well and truly growls, like a wolf or something, and it stops me in my tracks.
“Did you just—”
He picks up my cocktail and stalks across to the restaurant. I have no choice but to follow him.
Chapter Five
“How long are you in town for, Tuesday?” Nick asks as he puts his napkin on his lap. We’re seated around a square table with Nick and Ben opposite each other and me between them. I feel a little awkward, but having company at dinner feels good. And with two handsome British guys? I’m not about to file a complaint.
I suck in a breath. “Thirty-four days.” I glance across at Ben, but his expression gives nothing away. “The bank I work for has been taken over by a UK bank, and they’re trying to consolidate the two management-track programs. We all have to do a stint as a project manager, working directly with a member of the C-suite. Then they decide whether we deserve a place on the new program. I drew the CEO.”
“Could be outstanding, could be a disaster—depending how good you are at your job,” Nick summarizes accurately, although I’ve been trying not to think about the disaster angle.
Ben inexplicably growls again, and goose bumps scatter across my skin.
“Thanks for reminding me,” I reply.
“Did you grow up in New York?” Nick asks. He’s friendly and attentive, but not in a way that I feel he’s coming on to me. It’s almost as if he’s treating me like Ben’s girlfriend.
“Raised upstate, then moved to the city when I went to college.”
“New York’s fun, isn’t it, Ben?” Nick asks. “I had my stag do there.”
“Your what now?” I ask.
“A party with the boys before I got married.”
“Oh, a bachelor party. You came to New York? Where did you stay?”
He nods at Ben. “Ben very generously took us over on his jet, and we stayed at a hotel in Midtown. The Avenue. Know it? The bar there is epic.”
I narrow my eyes. A jet? Who am I dining with? “Hold your horses, cowboy,” I say, and I turn to Ben, who’s perusing the menu. “You have a jet?” I take in his suit a little more carefully. Having hung out with Jed and his corporate attorney friends, I’m used to a nice custom suit. And Ben’s is certainly nice. It’s a dark navy and makes his shoulders look wide enough to carry the Titanic.
“I’m going to have the lamb,” he says, ignoring my question. “And I think I’m going to need another glass of cabernet.”