Boudoir Secrets

Chapter 42

Airianrhod picked at her nails as she sat and waited in the cafe. He was late. She picked up the menu and read it again for the umpteenth time, deciding she may as well eat. It was her lunch break and her work schedule kept getting busier and busier. Her father was piling on the work, waiting for her to crack but Arianrhod took it all on board calmly and somehow managed to keep on top of things. She was a great manager and could delegate well.

The chair oposite her squeaked and she looked up to see him sit down. He was late. Pretending not to be ruffled, she continued to peruse the menu.

"You ignoring me?"

She slowly and deliberately closed the menu and looked at him coldly, raising one eyebrow in question.

"The general courtesy is hello when someone speaks to you. I know that much at least."

Arianrhod placed the menu back and a waiter walked over to her.

"One chicken Caesar salad and a nice glass of white chardonnay."

The waiter turned inquiringly to the man.

"A glass of your finest bourbon. The lady's paying."

They continued to stare at one another. The waiter excused himself and dashed as far away from the two as possible. The air around them was electrified. Surprisingly, there were no sparks.

He lent back on his chair and laced his fingers behind his neck. His legs rubbed hers under the table and she tried to remain unaffected.

"Why are you tormenting James?"

Paul laughed and sat back up his hands almost touching hers on the table.

"There is a lot you don't know about him."

"Well tell me."

She was annoyed. Arianrhod hated cat and mouse games, especially when she felt like the mouse.

He chuckled and took a toothpick to his teeth.

"Everything has a price."

"How much?"

"What's it worth to you? You tell me how much you are willing to pay."

Arianrhod gritted her teeth and tried desperately not to kick him in his shins.

"Paul, I am a business woman. Write me a proposal with your fees and I will take a look at them. If I find it suitable, I will call you. If not, your previous transaction with me is null and void. I don't have time for games."

Paul lent back and laughed again.

She smiled a thin lipped smile and stood. Arianrhod grabbed her purse and walked over to his chair, lent to his ear and whispered, "And the lady is not paying. Enjoy your Caesar salad."

With that, she turned and left, leaving behind a bemused Paul all alone in the cafe.

He smashed his fist against the table and swore.