“There’s no rush. If I’m not going with you, I’m going on my own. Tamsyn’s booked out so many hotel rooms in the local area, one more room being required isn’t a show-stopper.” Carmen paused. Fierce heat rose up her neck to her face. “Um, I mean, assuming we’ll be in separate rooms. I…I don’t know what your thoughts are on that.”
Ash shifted in her seat and rubbed at the back of her neck. She looked as red as Carmen felt. “Yeah, um, I don’t know. Maybe separate rooms would be a good idea. I mean it’s up to you. I want you. I guess that’s obvious.”
Her wry grin tugged at Carmen’s heart as her words made Carmen’s libido leap to attention.
“But I know this is all new for you, and I’m totally okay with you setting the pace.” Ash held her hand.
Part of me wants to rush that pace. Right now. Carmen’s cheeks burned even hotter. But the rest of her was still a nervous wreck at the thought of actually getting naked with another woman that way. One day I do need to get over this, but not right now. “I think, um, two rooms is probably for the best.”
“Well, all right, then.” Ash cleared her throat. “I have to say, this is pretty amazing. A whole weekend together.” She nudged Carmen. “And trust me when I say, that’s the best part about it. Sure, I want to meet your friends, and I know one of them is a world-famous actress and all that. But it’s the chance to spend such quality time with you that’s got me all excited. Just so you know.”
“God, could you get any more adorable?” Carmen was thankful they were past the awkwardness over the hotel rooms.
“I’m adorable?” Ash’s smile lit up the room. “Seriously?”
Carmen rolled her eyes. “Yes, you are, but don’t go getting all big-headed on me.”
Ash laughed and pulled Carmen into her arms. “I’ll try not to. Now, it’s been”—she looked at her watch—“at least ten minutes since I last kissed you. That’s way too long.”
The kiss she gave Carmen then would keep her awake, Carmen knew, for quite some time later that night.
Chapter 33
On Thursday, Carmen worked non-stop from eight in the morning. She’d promised herself she’d finish by seven, if at all possible; she and Ash had a late dinner date at nine, and she wanted to be able to go home and change before then. But the pile of work on her desk and in her in-box laughed at the idea of her finishing so early. Okay, maybe eight and I don’t go home and change. I’m pretty sure I have a spare blouse in the cupboard.
These few weeks of transition between the old business model and the new were naturally going to be like this, but she couldn’t wait for it all to be over. Despite a few unhappy customers, she still thought it had been the right move to streamline the client list.
And maybe when the dust has finally settled, Ash and I could book ourselves a couple of days away somewhere . The thought gave her a thrill. Yes, they’d be spending a short weekend together soon, but that was all about Tamsyn and Maggie’s wedding. A couple of days of just her and Ash, now that was another story. Maybe during the week so she doesn’t lose her Friday and Saturday business . She knew by now that Mondays and Tuesdays were Ash’s quietest days. So yes, maybe head out of town early on a Monday, find some nice, cosy cottage to hole up in. Real fire, good food and wine, comfy bed…
Her cheeks blazed, and she jolted so hard her wireless mouse flew across the desk and very nearly ended up on the floor. Lately, thoughts of getting more physical with Ash had taken up residence in her brain on a regular basis. She just wished they wouldn’t do so when she was at work.
“You okay?” Monica asked.
Carmen looked up, hoping her face would reveal nothing of her thoughts. “All good. Just had one of those twitches. You know, someone walking over your grave.”
“Ugh, I hate those!”
Carmen made to say more, but a loud voice from the reception area turned her head in that direction.
“I don’t care if she’s busy, she can see me now! ”
“Uh-oh.” Monica rose from her seat. “That sounds like—”
Annabella Mitchell stormed through the office door. Her hair and make-up looked perfect, as if she’d just walked out of a beauty salon. But the ugly sneer on her face ruined anything good the makeover had hoped to achieve. “Is this some kind of joke?” Her voice was an ear-splitting screech as she waved a scrunched-up piece of paper in her hand.
Carmen stood, her heart pounding. “Annabella, please. Why don’t you come in and sit down, and we’ll—”
“And we’ll what? Have a nice cup of tea while you tell me how I’m not good enough to be represented by you anymore?” Annabella marched forward, her hands now on her hips.
Out of the corner of her eye, Carmen saw Beverley hovering near the doorway, phone in one hand, the other clutched to her chest. Monica had moved away from her desk and also held her phone tightly in her hand.
Carmen surreptitiously waved them both back. “Annabella.” She mustered her smoothest tone. “Please. If you’ll just sit down, we can talk about this.”
“What is there to talk about?” Annabella’s shout echoed through the confined space of the office. “You’ve made it perfectly clear I’m being tossed out with the trash.” Her mouth twisted into a cruel grin. “I only came here tonight to tell you how much this is going to ruin you. I’m going to make your name mud in this industry. When I’m finished, no one will want you as their agent. No one!”
“I’m calling the police.” Beverley’s voice quavered. “That’s threatening
