Romantic Acquisition Page 0,31

and was grateful for his support and understanding. She knew he probably considered her fear of flying silly but he accepted it and had helped her through the experience. “Yes. Thank you,” she replied, then looked away, overwhelmed by the look in his eyes. “Why are we here so early?” she asked. “The stores won’t be open for several hours.”

“Have you had breakfast?” he asked.

“No, I’m not hungry,” she said hurriedly. The thought of food after her recent flight made her queasy.

“Well, I am. Come on,” he said and took her hand to lead her around the rental car and handed her into the passenger seat. “Let’s get breakfast, check into the hotel and then we’ll head off to the Houston store.”

A shiny SUV was available for their use. Carlo got into the driver’s seat while one of the airport workers stowed their suitcases into the back.

The hotel he took them to was beautiful. The lobby had a four story glass atrium and, even though it was only seven o’clock in the morning, it was busy with business men and women moving about. Carlo checked them into their rooms and a bell hop brought their luggage up while they ate in the dining room. Kate drank coffee and picked at her muffin while Carlo ate a huge helping of eggs and fruit from the breakfast buffet. She wished her stomach would calm down so she could also eat. Her mind was also concerned about the sleeping arrangements for the night. She was pretty sure Carlo had gotten her a private room but there was a small amount of doubt. She was too embarrassed to ask him so she went on the assumption that he hadn’t put them in the same room.

They were at the store at nine thirty when the employees started arriving. Kate introduced Carlo to the store manager who was an old friend. “Nancy, this is Carlo Attracelli from ATI. He’s trying to get information on the Jamison department stores for a project.”

Nancy smiled and shook Carlo’s hand, then turned to give Kate a big hug. “That sounds interesting. Why don’t you guys come on into the store, wander around then come on up to my office when you have questions?”

“Thanks Nancy,” Kate said, grateful for her friend’s lack of questioning the situation. She wasn’t sure how much information Carlo wanted publicized about the possible sale. Since David had only sprung the future sale on the headquarters employees about a month ago, she wasn’t sure if the store employees knew.

“No problem. By the way, how’s that hottie you were dating the last time I was up in Washington? What was his name?” she asked as the three of them walked into the store rooms, the initial area for the employee entrance.

Kate didn’t look at Carlo to see his reaction to Nancy’s question. “That was Ed. We’re still friends,” was all she said.

Nancy’s eyes snapped back to Kate’s. “Oh no! Not the friend issue again. I thought you really liked him. Why didn’t things work out between the two of you?”

Kate could feel the anger building in Carlo behind her as Nancy talked about a previous boyfriend. “I did. I still do.”

“So you’re still seeing him, romantically?” Nancy asked hopefully.

“I see him occasionally, but we’re just friends,” she said again.

Nancy’s secretary rushed up to her at that moment and explained an ordering snafu that Nancy would have to deal with immediately. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to work,” she said and turned to walk away. After a few feet, she turned back and called out to Carlo and Kate, “What are your plans for dinner tonight?”

“We don’t have any specific plans,” Kate explained quickly, not wanting Nancy to think something was going on between herself and Carlo.

“You do now,” she said firmly. “Come on over to the house tonight and we’ll throw something on the grill,” she ordered and then she disappeared into the shelves filled with stock for the store.

“Let’s get down to business,” Carlo snapped.

Kate wondered why he was so irritated suddenly. He had to know she wasn’t dating Ed anymore. Good grief, she’d been working so many hours lately she hadn’t even had time to e-mail her friends.

They went through the store, Carlo exploring all the various aspects of the store’s operation. He snapped questions at her regarding the purchasing trends and the store’s security. She answered them as quickly as she could but as soon as she answered one question, he was onto