Free Tempting Eden by Celia Aaron Page A

without a hitch. The sooner I could get a sell-out, the better. I couldn’t risk Gray taking the project away from me. I needed the commissions and would do everything in my power to keep this development under my thumb.
    My head swam at the thought of what the commissions on Belle Mar would mean to me. I’d finally be free of Mason, free of the man who haunted my sleeping and waking moments. I could finally relax. But I needed to get this sellout first.
    The elevator dinged open. The scene was set perfectly, just as I had envisioned it. The bar was well stocked and manned by handsome men in server tuxes. White lights were strung overhead, done in such a way as to reflect elegance instead of tacky Christmas lights. The crystal gleamed, and the champagne was ready to flow. A local string quartet was tuning up in the corner.
    The wide-open balcony overlooked the ocean, letting a breeze blow into the large open bar area. Tables were set up and adorned with white hydrangeas, Southern yet sophisticated. And on the terrace, a mock-up of the proposed building with images of the rooms and finishes we’d decided on. Jack had placed it in the perfect spot, a natural area for people to gather and discuss the project. He’d covered everything, it seemed.
    Jack was speaking to one of the bartenders, gesturing to a banquet table set against the back of the room. I strode over to them.
    “—only after the first drinks are served, understand?” Jack’s tone was commanding, confident.
    “Yes, sir.” The bartender hurried off.
    Jack wore a black suit with a gray button-up underneath. No tie. The top buttons unfastened; the creamy brown of his throat and chest invited my gaze. There was a dusting of darker hair there, and I imagined what he must look like with his shirt off. Lickable, I think would be the word.
    He cleared his throat, and the corners of his lips quirked upward ever so slightly. “You look beautiful.”
    You do, too. “I, uh, well thanks.” I tried to get my thoughts in order, but his stare was making heat rise in my chest somehow. I glanced around. “The place looks spot-on, perfect.”
    “They have a few more things to do yet. I just let the head guy know we want the food served after everyone has a chance to get a few drinks in them. Make them more amenable to buying.”
    “Good move. This whole night is about selling. Remember that. We need to close this deal sooner rather than later. I realize we won’t sell out tonight, but we definitely need to get a running start.”
    “Understood.” His gaze rose over my head, and his features turned cool again, the hint of a smile murdered by whatever he saw behind me. “Mr. Poole,” he said.
    “Rochester!” Gray walked up behind me and placed a hand on my ass. He leaned down and gave me a sloppy kiss on the neck. He’d been pre-gaming hard, it seemed.
    “Gray, so good of you to make it. You remember my assistant, Jack?”
    “Why, sure! Hey Jacky Boy, good to see you again.” He motioned to a passing bartender. “I’ll have an old-fashioned, heavy on the whiskey.”
    I took a step away from him and tried to disengage his wandering hand. “Are you sure that’s wise, Gray? We can’t be rolling you out of here before the buyers even arrive.”
    He gave my ass a squeeze and let his hand drop. Embarrassment flooded me as I looked up and saw Jack’s jaw tighten. He’d seen it all. Great .
    “I’m a big boy, as you know, Rochester. I can handle my liquor.” He strolled to the bar.
    Gray was going to be an added complication I didn’t need. “You’re on babysitting duty tonight.” I kicked my chin toward Gray. “Keep an eye on him. Try not to let him scare anyone off. If he starts talking too much, just lead him away to whatever pretty woman is closest to you. That should work.”
    Jack rolled his shoulders. “No problem.”
    The elevator dinged. People began arriving. I schooled my countenance. Smiling, but not too much. Enough to be pleasant, but not