Ten Days of Perfect (November Blue #1)(68)

“Come back,” he whispered, grabbing my hand.

“Sorry, just thinking about the meeting tomorrow.” I returned my glance to the street.

“What’s the matter?”

“I want the collaboration to work; it would be so great for both of our organizations and communities. Mostly, we’d have excuses to travel between our two homes, Bo. But, if it works we have to be careful, and discreet; if it doesn’t, we’re left as two people living nearly three hours apart . . .”

“It doesn’t have to be three hours apart, Ember.”

“Ha. What are you suggesting? That one of us moves?” I raised my eyebrows as high as they’d go and sat in shocked silence.

“What? Nothing sarcastic to tag onto that one?”

“Give me a minute . . .” I didn’t need a minute; there was nothing sarcastic, rude, or dismissive to say to this.

“Well?”

“Well, what? Who gives up their job? I love my job, Bo-holy shit I can’t believe I’m engaging in this conversation.” My sweaty palms sought relief, but I couldn’t mess up my dress. I shook them in the air.

“Are you freaking out? We’re just talking, Ember.” Bo’s grip on my knee sent a calming current through my veins.

“Sorry, it’s just, tonight, last night, the day before, and the eight before that I’ve thought of forever when I’ve thought of you Bo. Fucking forever.”

He grinned, “And that’s a bad thing?”

“It’s a crazy person thing,” I scoffed.

“Guess I’m crazy, too.” His smile reached his eyes as he kissed my hand. “Let’s just have some irresponsible fun tonight, and worry about all of this heady stuff tomorrow.”

“Bowan Cavanaugh, are you going to try to get me drunk?” I batted my eyelashes dramatically.

“Nope, I happen to know you can do a fine job all on your own Ms. Harris.” He winked as we parked in front of McCarthy’s Pub.

Despite the name, McCarthy’s was more of a night club than a pub. Private tables surrounded the black dance floor. We were escorted promptly to one in the corner and given complimentary champagne; just another reminder of the weight the Cavanaugh name carried in Concord “You sure know how to show a girl a good time,” I toasted him and sucked down half the champagne.

Bo just shook his head as the waitress approached. He ordered for us and her smile lingered as she backed away from our table.

“Has it always been like this for you? The fawning and all?” My hands motioned back and forth in front of his body.

Even in the dim light of McCarthy’s I could see Bo’s cheeks redden, “Kinda, but it’s hard to tell if it’s because of me, my money, my parents . . .” he shook his head in thoughtful disbelief.

“Oh, it’s you, for sure.” My smoky stare did it’s best to undo him.

“I’m thinking tonight that it’s you; no one’s eyes have left you since we walked in here Ember.” His proud peacock look returned.

Looking around, I noticed he was right; we seemed to be the talk of McCarthy’s. No doubt, all minds were wondering who the woman was with Concord’s heir apparent; it didn’t make me nervous. I felt proud and beamed the biggest smile I had.

As we ate our dinner, McCarthy’s got busier, and I noticed a DJ setting up near the dance floor. I sat facing the door, which I always preferred, and that gave me the advantage of seeing Ainsley walk in before Bo did. I swallowed my second glass of champagne in one gulp.

“What was that about?” Bo stared at my empty flute.

“Told you she’d show up.” I nodded in Ainsley’s direction just as she caught my eye and the back of Bo’s head. “Oh, would you look at how she just lights up like a Christmas tree? It’s sweet, really.” Sarcasm flooded our booth.

“Play nice.” Bo playfully kicked me under the table.

Ainsley Worthington, all five-foot-four, strawberry blonde, and ice-blue eyes of her, walked toward us with what I now knew to be a cheerleader smile.

“Hey Bowan! I didn’t know you’d be out tonight!” Ainsley cheered . . . cheered.

Is that octave truly necessary? Force a smile, Ember-smother her later.

“Yeah, I know it’s a ‘school night’, but Ember and I have a pretty big meeting tomorrow so we’re trying to loosen up beforehand.” Bo reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

Activate launch sequence.

Ainsley’s eyes immediately shot to our hands, then my eyes, then his eyes, and back to our hands. She took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

“Ahem,” she cleared her throat and tried to pry her eyes from our hands to my eyes, “Ember, is it?”

Here we go.

“Yes, it is. November Harris, actually, pleased to meet you Ainsley.” I broke my grip from Bo and stuck my hand out.

“That’s an . . . interesting name.” Her dead-fish grip held mine for a split second before she clasped her hands in front of her.

“Thank you!” Two can cheer.

Ainsley speared her eyes in to mine before looking slowly to Bo, who nodded almost imperceptibly to her.

“Well, I’ve got to get back to my girls, see ya later.” She walked quickly back to her gaggle of friends.