His grin draws her attention, “That look makes me nervous, Declan, what are you up to?”
“Nothing,” he withdraws his hand. “What kind of seafood is your favorite London?”
“I’ll admit I haven’t had much of it, but what I’ve tasted was good.”
“If you trust me, I’d like to order for you, the food here is spectacular.”
“Of course,” she smiles and waits for him to order.
“We'll start with the clam chowder, salad, and we'd like to share a seafood sampler, including the pan-seared sea trout,” Declan tells the waiter.
“Excellent Lord Sheridan, we'll have that out soon,” the waiter places fresh rolls on the table and hurries off.
London laughs softly, “Now, can we talk business?”
“If we must,” Declan sighs as she pulls out the crumpled paper. She watches him plate a roll and offer it to her before serving himself, and she sighs. He puts her needs before his at all times and its disconcerting.
“Thank you.” They eat quietly while she gathers her thoughts and wonders if she has the right to advise him on his family business and whether or not he will listen.
“I can see your beautiful mind working, London, share with the class,” he teases.
The waiter returns with two mugs of clam chowder. The smell is tantalizing, and London watches as he tastes the first spoonful. His moan of delight causes her to blush and glance at her own cup. London sips, and the flavor explodes on her tongue.
“You may order for me from now on,” she says with a smile. Declan's soft laughter causes her stomach to erupt with butterflies.
“It would be my honor, London,” he answers with a bow of his head.
“Are you real, Lord Sheridan?” she asks with a serious look on her face.
“As real as you, Lady Sheridan,” he grins and picks up his cup to finish his soup.
“Declan, may I ask why you took Sheridan Furniture public?”
“I imagine the same reason most companies do. To expand the business and raise money. I want to take Sheridan Furniture into the future. I need money to purchase the new steam-powered machinery. With it, I can make more than one piece at a time. I'd eventually like to have a factory, allowing me to work faster, though not short the quality.”
“I’d like to offer you some financial advice, though I’m nervous about doing so?” she glances at him and pushes her half-eaten cup of soup away.
“I can imagine so,” he snorts and picks up a second roll.
“I understand, forgive my assumption,” disappointment colors her voice, and she puts the paper away in her pocket.
“You misunderstand me, London. What I meant was that I can understand your hesitation because it is unusual for a woman to have the financial brilliance you seem to possess.”
London looks into his eyes full of warmth and colored with pride in her, and her heart falls. In that one second, she can see the possibility of a future with this man, and it shakes her to the core.
“Very well, Declan, if I've learned anything in the past ten years of studying the market, it is that the market always recovers.” She leans forward with excitement, coloring her face. “Most investors like yours don't want to be hit again after they cut their losses.”
“I imagine it's hard to think straight after losing thousands of dollars,” he responds.
“Exactly, but that's just it. Your investors jumped too soon. Judging from today’s ticker tapes, our stocks are rebounding! Declan, I'd advise you to sell it again and soon.”
“I'm not sure I want to any longer,” he says, watching her closely.
“Why not?”
“If they jumped so easy, what’s to say that they won’t again?”
“I understand, but you must leave the emotions behind and keep a clear head. Your goals for your company haven't changed, and if anything, the scandal helped reinvigorate interest in Sheridan Furniture. I'd advise you to sell it while it's in demand. Declan, it's at a sixty percent increase!”
“What would be the best outcome for this situation?” he asks.
“Well, of course, a hundred percent or higher, but that is almost unheard of,” she laughs and shakes her head.
“It's not really much of a gamble for me, is it? I mean, thanks to my wife,” he grins and reaches for a drink of tea, “I own the shares, so selling isn’t necessary for me if I want to retain sole ownership of Sheridan Furniture.”
“I’ve given my advice, Declan, if you are serious about growing your business, I’d sell and soon, before the interest starts to die down and the share prices drop.”
“I understand.” They stare at each other for a moment, and he says, “Do what you think is best. If you think we should sell the shares, London, sell them.”
“Are you serious?” she gasps.
“Perfectly, London. I don’t have a head for numbers, and you do. So make me some money,” he laughs at her incredulous look.
“I will, but I warn you I don’t work for free,” she sits back and crosses her arms defiantly over her chest.
“Fine. Let’s see what R.L. Pearce can do,” he tosses the challenge out and waits.
“Challenge accepted, Lord Sheridan.”
The waiter arrives to clear the table and a second young woman delivers the main course. “Here is your seafood sampler,” she gestures to the scallops, shrimp, and crab-cakes explaining how each was made, and London doesn't hear a word. “The pan-seared trout is a favorite of yours, isn't it, Lord Sheridan?” The suggestion in her voice causes London to break away from his stare.
“Is it?” She glares at the waitress in her low-cut dress, and Declan clears his throat.
“I’m
