I find a bathroom, noting the sparkling marble vanity which was the only opulence in the beautifully elegant space. I fiddle with my hair, tying it into a low bun and putting the wispy bits back behind my ears.
I find the kitchen, get my orders from Andrea. “You are a life saver Talia,” She smiles warmly at me. “Thank you so much.” I try and fight the catch in my chest that hints at a bruising loneliness. Since September my dad had dangled the perfect Christmas carrot in front of me. And I’d bit it. I’d saved what I could to cover the air fare to Colorado, only to have to dig into my savings to switch my return ticket home as it had been more than the original fare. “Hey Talia!” I face the voice.
“Reece,” I turn to my friend, getting onto my tip toes to kiss tall blonde guy warmly on the cheeks. “You are a sight for sore eyes.”
“Aren’t I just?” He grins. “Hey, sorry your Christmas was a bust. Selina said something about family issues?”
“Yeah, something like that.” We get ushered by Andrea towards the giant stack of white tapers, a couple of lighters and other shaped candles. Reece grabs the box, and I trail him through the stunning apartment, using good sense to light and place the candles in the glass holders that I was carrying.
“I got back from New York yesterday as the weather was getting worse and I have that exam in a few days.”
I light a couple of candles, carefully arranging them against the beautiful garlands that had been draped over the mantle of a substantial fireplace. “Good idea Reece, hey, maybe when it’s done, you, me and Selina...and probably Jeff, can celebrate?”
He groans. “Jeff is back on the scene?”
“Yes. Looks like it.” I grab a couple of pillar candles, popping them carefully into the glass holders on a side table near the huge L shaped couch that sits atop a pristine wooden floor. “God, this house is gorgeous.” I take a knee so that I can light the candles.
“Should be.” Reece heads for the huge table that’s been specially brought in for the dinner. “It belongs to a thirty something billionaire.”
I rise; watching to make sure the wick is lit, before settling my gaze on the twilight vista that shows me Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. The water is beautifully still and I note that on the terrace, there are some empty vases that could use some candles. With Reece handling those, I aim for the bathroom again, keen to secure my hair, which had come loose again.
As I exit, I hear an inelegant thud and then someone moaning softly. Whipping myself around the door frame, I see a suited man nursing his right eye. “Oh my God!” I whimper. “Are you okay?”
He presses a finger to the sight of impact, visually checking that there isn’t any blood. “I think I am...” He checks again, and then so do I. I collide with his utterly hauntingly green eyes that seem almost supernatural so sharp is their hue. I have to look up, and up, to connect with his handsome face, those lips which are turning into a wry smile. “I’m okay. No permanent damage.”
I release the death grip on the door. “I’m really sorry, I was just fixing my hair, the door opens out and I-”
He raises one hand. “I’m fine,” He digs out his cell, which is ringing. “I’m guessing you’re with the catering team?”
My heart sinks. “I am. I’ll go and get my things.”
He answers the call. “Just a second darling.” He covers the mouthpiece with his hand. “You’re not fired, far from it, just...just go, I’m fine, but if you don’t mind, can you grab me some ice?”
“Do you want a drink?”
“No,” He laughs, gesturing to the slight swell forming above his eye. “For this shiner, some ice to lower the swelling please.”
Keeping my eyes down, I hustle into the busy main kitchen. The scent of cooking food is wonderful and numerous chefs in pristine white clothing move around the space with focused precision. There isn’t long until the main course is served and the starters are already being prepped. I aim for the huge ice bucket that has a dozen or so Champagne bottles sitting in it. I grab a few ice cubes, locate a linen napkin, but switch it out when I find a small, clean plastic bag on the counter top.
I make my way to the office I’d seen the suited man disappear into, the door open and I hear his gentle conversation.
“I can’t believe you’re not going to make it.” I hear him say as I linger by the door. I watch him as he stands facing that incredible view. In that suit, which has to be tailored as it fits him so well, he looks utterly handsome. He has dark hair, and those eyes were deep, vibrant pools of emerald...I tap the ice bag against my neck to cool myself, before lightly patting the door and getting his attention. He welcomes me with a beckon of hand, continuing his conversation. “Darling, you just stay where you are, if it’s not safe to travel, then don’t.” He accepts the ice pack as I offer it, immediately pressing it against his temple. I aim for the door, but he covers the mouth piece against his chest, “Can you hang back for a sec?”
“Sure.”
He smiles warmly when I comply. “Okay, darling, I better go, speak to you tomorrow. Give my love to the kids.” He hangs up, dropping the cell to the desk. “My sister.” He explains. “She’s stuck in Aspen due to the weather. We were supposed to spend tomorrow together.”
“Oh. Okay. Look, I’m really sorry.”
“It was an accident, don’t worry.” He tentatively places the ice pack
