No bride wants a parking lot full of cars right next to the aisle she’s walking down so we have a separate lot set up at the back of the property. It’s hidden from view of the main house by a tall hedge. We’ll use a small envoy of luxury SUVs on the day of the ceremony to carry guests to the main house. If it also serves to give them a brief tour of the grounds along the way, so much the better. It was an idea I’d pitched to Finn a couple of years ago and he agreed to implement it. It’s become a staple for large events, and we have it down to a science. There will be an air-conditioned tent set up near the lot for guests to wait so no one has to stand outside in bad weather.
Finn and I go over these details as we make our way to the main house. We don’t have an event coordinator as part of our staff, but with more and more couples booking more and more lavish events, I’ve considered broaching the subject with Finn. Up to this point, I’ve been the one who heads up any large events hosted at the Jester. It’s a job I love doing but it does add a significant amount of work and stress to my regular duties as manager. It’s too bad there aren’t two of me. Luckily, Finn usually steps in and helps me as much as possible. He might be the owner, but he’s not above getting his hands dirty. Over the years I’ve seen him do everything from serving meals to maintenance to gardening.
I glance up at him as we walk, careful not to be obvious about it. Quinn’s words play back in my head and I feel myself blush. I know you want him. If Quinn only knew how accurate that statement was. It’s something I’ve never told anyone. I’ve barely admitted it inside my own head. It seems like some kind of cruel joke. I’ve spent the years since my divorce focusing on being a great mom to Liam and the best employee the Jester has. Admirable goals, but they’ve left my love life sadly lacking. Now, the only man I’ve felt any attraction to in the last few years is the one man I can’t ever be with. I shake off the thought as we enter the main house and Finn turns toward his office. I force my eyes not to follow his ass as he walks away. That would be inappropriate workplace behavior, right? Instead, I walk to my own office, close the door and plop into the chair behind my desk.
“Idiot,” I mutter, dropping my forehead onto my desk with a solid thunk. I allow myself a full thirty seconds of feeling sorry for myself before I take a deep breath and sit up. There’s no time for self-pity. It’s time to get to work.
Chapter Two
Finn
“Well, that was stupid,” I say aloud to my empty office. I toss my bag into one of the armchairs and breathe deeply, trying to get the scent of Hannah’s perfume to fade from my memory. I finish off my coffee and drop the paper cup into the small trash can near my desk. As I do nearly every morning, I think back over every moment of my encounter with Hannah. Had I crossed any lines? Had I said anything that might be construed as flirting? I’d brought her coffee, yes. But that had been as she said. A bribe. She was about to be forced to do the job of two people on her own with Matt out sick. Three, once the Harmon party arrived later. I was just being considerate. Yes, I’m technically Hannah’s boss, but she’s also a friend. Friends bring one another coffee, don’t they?
Sighing, I close my eyes. That only serves to bring to mind the image of her as she let out that sexy little moan over her coffee cup. What I’d give to be the one to coax those sounds from her. My imagination runs wild for a moment, picturing her underneath me, writhing as I push into her. I quickly shut those thoughts down. What the hell is wrong with me? She’s an employee. I’ve never had inappropriate thoughts about an employee before Hannah. I’m not sure why my brain and my cock can’t seem to understand that she’s off limits. As long as she works for the Jester, I can never do or say anything about this inconvenient attraction I have for her.
I’ve always had rules when it comes to workplace behavior. My parents ran the Jester before their deaths. They taught me most of what I know about managing a business and being a good employer. One of the number one rules is not to be creepy. Well, I’m sure my dad worded it differently. But he always told me it was important that the people who work for you know that they can depend on you, no matter what. I’m sure that doesn’t include trying to nail your manager. With a sigh, I push thoughts of Hannah from my mind and log in to my computer to check my email.
I focus on the most pressing matters and push off anything that isn’t urgent. Hannah is working at the desk, helping to check out the departing guests. She’s also juggling her own workload and making sure everything is set for the arrival of the Harmon
