the past get in the way.
“That’s fine,” he agreed. “We’ll contract for the five smaller events and the grand opening.”
“Great. Unless there are any more grudges you’re harboring, I’d say we’re good to go.”
“No grudges.” At least, none he’d admit. “Like I said, just being prudent.”
She rolled her eyes again, but the gesture didn’t hide the hurt lurking in the sea-green depths. Mitch frowned, irritated that the sight made him feel like a jerk.
“Then we have a deal,” she said, her tone making it clear she was glad to close the history book. Mitch was surprised, since most women were only too happy to discuss the past in all its gory details. “I’ll be at the resort a week from Monday. Given the distance from L.A. and how much work is involved, I’ll require a room on-site, of course. A suite would be best as I’ll set up office there.”
Belle opened a file, made and initialed a few adjustments on the contract to reflect his changes. With a flourish, she signed her name, then slid the papers back in the folder.
She handed it to him with a wink. Apparently she’d regained her good humor.
“I think I’ll put you in one of the cottages,” he returned. “Unlike the suites, they’re already furnished and should suit you perfectly.”
“How far are these cottages from your on-site office?”
“You can call me anytime you have questions,” he assured her. And the distance would make him think twice about dropping in to visit.
Her brow creased, her eyes rounded. “You’re starting to make me think you’re harboring more issues, Mitch. Are you planning to avoid me the entire time I’m working with you?”
Not Belle, per se. Just sex with her. Mitch winced. There was no way he wouldn’t sound like a pompous ass, but he had to make things clear.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way, Belle. But I’m not going to sleep with you. We’re doing business together, and business and pleasure just don’t mix.”
“Hmm, interesting. Too bad you didn’t think that six years ago when you tried to mix your business with my daddy’s and in the process ruined my pleasure.”
He frowned, but before he could respond, she gave a quick shake of her head and a brittle, dismissive little laugh. “Now that does sound like I’m the one harboring some of those issues you’re worried about. Let’s start fresh, okay? I’m not the same person I was before and I’m betting you aren’t, either.”
He opened his mouth to retort, but closed it again. All of a sudden, he wanted to clear the air, to ask her the reasons behind her bridal dash. But to do so meant acknowledging emotions he’d locked away. Admitting mistakes he regretted. And worse, bridging the chasm of mistrust that the past kept firmly between them. As long as it was there, he knew they’d never have a shot at intimacy.
He slid his hand into his pocket and fingered the wedding napkin. Between his talisman and that chasm, he’d be safe from screwing up. He couldn’t afford to lose again.
“I’ve changed a lot in six years” was all he said.
“So have I,” she assured him as she laid one warm, smooth hand over his. Energy, mostly sexual but with a subtle layer of something else Mitch couldn’t define, shot through his body at her touch. The most platonic connection, and he was hard, hot and horny. It boggled the mind to think what his response would be if they had full-body contact. Chasm and talisman, he reminded himself.
“I hope you’re not upset,” he said, telling himself it was guilt and not lust making him want to pull her onto his lap. “You’re a gorgeous, sexy woman. You don’t need to be chasing a guy.”
“Who said I’d chase you?” she asked, her tone light and amused.
Mitch frowned. He knew he hadn’t misunderstood her signal or her flirting words.
“Like you, I’m much smarter than I was six years ago. Smart enough to know better than to chase a man. Especially a man like you.”
Mitch opened his mouth to deny that she’d chased him before, but she continued before he could get a single word out. “You say we won’t have sex. I say we will. Simple difference of opinion and only time will tell which one of us is right. And if you’re too uptight to do two things at once successfully, that’s fine. I can wait.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked, watching nonplussed as she slid her folder