liqueur, and bitters,” he explains with sophistication. “It originates from New Orleans.”
I take a sip and admit it’s delicious, big in flavor, but it’s not my drink. I like the simple stuff. Straight-up whiskey.
A tall man approaches Branson with an extended hand.
“Jim,” Branson says. “Congratulations on an incredible year in cable news.”
“Empire Media is doing a fantastic job in syndication. We’re looking at taking one of your documentary series to air in prime time,” Jim says.
Branson nods with an all-business grin on his face. “We appreciate your continued support of our efforts.”
Jim turns and smiles in my direction, and Branson finally speaks up, “Oh, Jim, I’d like to introduce you to my date, Katie.”
The man reaches out to shake my hand. “Katie, so nice to meet you.”
My blush extends down to my toes. This is James Bradley, president of the top-rated National Cable News Network. People kill to have him open an email from them, let alone shake his hand.
The two men talk, and within minutes, I’m introduced to correspondents and reporters, heads of marketing and executive producers. Branson walks me around the room, and as he talks, I stand idly by, soaking in every word he says. With him, everything is a learning experience. I don’t take it for granted. I smile and nod, attempting to be as witty as possible while keeping all corny jokes to myself.
And yet …
Something feels off. We have dinner and share a dance. It’s a glamorous event, and I’m more than grateful to be here, yet as the clock ticks down and I see it’s getting closer to midnight, I have this odd feeling in my gut. I step outside into the lobby and look out a giant window facing the Empire State Building.
“Katherine,” Branson says from behind me when he finds me here moments later. “Is everything okay?”
I turn to him with a smile and notice how his eyes roam over my décolletage a second longer than a gentleman should. “I just needed a minute.”
“If you want to leave early, I’d be happy to escort you home.” With a purposeful step forward, he removes his hands from his pockets and says, “Or you could come back to my place for a nightcap.”
My heart stops beating for a breath. The invitation is unlike any of the others. There is no misconstruing his intentions. Branson Ford is asking me to go back to his home as more than a boss and an assistant, as more than friends. He’s a man asking to be alone with a woman.
“I had no idea you felt that way about me,” I state nervously.
His hand runs over his mouth as he grins. “Honestly, I didn’t until recently.”
“Hunter,” I declare, knowing why Branson suddenly finds me more attractive.
“Does that make me a cad?”
I laugh. “It makes you honest. And if I’m being honest, I’ve thought of you the same way. For a very long time.”
His prince-like charm ignites that smile, and it takes my breath away. “That’s very good to hear. Soon, you won’t be my assistant, so we can explore a relationship.”
“A relationship? Not just a fling?”
“Perhaps we can start with a kiss.”
Branson places a hand on my waist and pulls me in. That invigorating scent of peppermint overwhelms me as my chest becomes flush with his. His head leans closer, his mouth just inches away. His lips are about to close on mine. The moment I craved for so long is about to be here, and yet I turn my cheek. His lips land on my skin.
The scowl of his mouth shows how confused he is by my decline of advancement.
“I’m sorry, Branson, but I’m in love with Hunter.”
His eyes narrow, and his lips purse. He steps back, and his hands are quickly in his pockets. “That’s a shame. The man won’t commit for long, you know.”
“I’d like to give it a chance.”
He takes a deep breath, and it makes his nostrils flare a bit. “You know, I brought you here to get you connections. Hunter can never help you in that way.”
“That’s not me. I want it because of the work I’ve done, and I have shown my worth to deserve to move up in the company. Not because of who I’m dating.”
“Being on my arm will open doors to you that no one else has access to.”
I put my hands on my hips. “And what if I’m not on your arm?”
“Katherine, love, what I’m saying is, I’m the man who can give you a future. Extravagant