Free Breaking Free by C.A. Mason

members called me. We normally do local events, weddings and such. We’ve never managed an event this large or so far from home.”
    “I trust you were fairly compensated for your trouble.” I knew she was. I’d read her contract and made sure my people made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.
    “Oh yes, the offer was very generous.” She gripped her phone tighter. “I’m a little embarrassed to ask this, but did you happen to overhear my conversation?”
    “Bits and pieces.” I wanted her to open up to me, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
    She blushed. “I’m sorry. Normally I’m completely focused when I’m at work, but I got into it with my fiancé before I flew out, and well…” She pressed her ear piece closer to her ear. “Sorry, there’s an issue in the kitchen. I just need to make sure my assistant has it under control.”
    I didn’t care if they’d set the damn kitchen on fire. I wanted to hear more about her argument with her fiancé. “You said you and your fiancé argued before you left town? I hope he wasn’t upset about you taking this job.” Actually, I’d be thrilled to learn I’d caused a rift between them, but she didn’t need to know that.
    “Oh no, nothing like that,” she said quickly. “It was nothing. He’s just being silly.”
    I could tell she wanted to talk, but she was uncomfortable opening up to a stranger about her personal problems. “Why don’t we grab a table? Let me get you a drink.”
    “Thank for you for the offer, but I couldn’t. I’m on duty until the last person leaves.”
    “And if I’m the last person to leave, will you have a drink with me then?”
    She laughed, obviously taken aback. She had to know I was flirting with her. Subtlety wasn’t my strong suit. Never had been. Especially with her.
    “I really shouldn’t.”
    I smiled and appreciated that she seemed a little breathless when I did so. “Of course you should. I’m footing the bill for this event, after all. I like what I see. I’d like to discuss the possibility of working with your company again in the future.”
    “You would?” She seemed shocked. “Oh, well, okay. I mean, that’s great. Sure, let’s have that drink now.” She pointed at her earpiece. “But if there are any emergencies, I’m afraid I’ll have to bail on you.”
    “I understand.” I led her to a table near the kitchen, away from the crowd and where I assumed she would have easy access to her crew. I wanted her to feel comfortable. It was the first step in gaining her trust and building an easy rapport.
    “Why don’t you have a seat, and I’ll see about getting us that drink?” I could have snapped my fingers and had waiters hovering, but I needed a few minutes to catch my breath. I wasn’t expecting to have such a strong visceral connection to her after so many years, and it threw me. I needed to get my head back in the game, to remind myself of the ultimate goal.
    “Um, Blaise,” she said, reaching for my arm. “God, I’m sorry, Mr. Walsh.”
    “Blaise is fine,” I said, smiling at her. “What can I get you to drink?”
    “That’s what I was going to say. I don’t drink on the job. Just water would be great.”
    “Coming right up.” I knew I could have convinced her to have a drink with me, and later I would, but I had to go slowly.
    She was obviously on edge, and the last thing she needed was me putting pressure on her. If I had my way, I’d be relieving her stress tonight, not adding to it. I had a room upstairs, and I intended to make very good use of it… with Miss Lancaster.
    I got water for her and a scotch for me and made my way back to the table. “Here you go.” I set the drink in front of her.
    “Thank you.” She took a long drink before setting it down. “I’m a little parched. I’ve been running around all day. I haven’t even had time to eat.”
    I frowned. “We’ll have to rectify that.” I beckoned to a waiter.
    “Oh no,” she said, reaching for