Free The Deal (Trading Hearts #3) by Saskia Walker

reflected.
    Georgio put his fist to his chest, but he didn’t take his eyes off Freddie.
    Freddie was indeed a fine looking man, Naomi noticed.
    "Oh my, he's coming this way." Georgio faced away, and grabbed Naomi's hand. "Here honey," he said in a loud and rather dreadful American accent, "I've found the perfect gift for your Auntie Nora."
    As they walked away, they both giggled.  
    "He's handsome," Naomi whispered.
    Georgio nodded, and winked. "Right," he said, looking at his watch, "I'd better put you in a taxi. You have a meeting with Lucas at three. He's got your offer of representation and contract done, all signed and ready for you."
    "Aren't you coming back with me?"
    "Lucas said he'll see you on his own. I think he likes you."
    That set her pulse racing. Did Lucas have some plan underway? Her libido responded rapidly.
    Georgio pulled his cap low on his brow and adjusted his shirt. "I think I might swing by and say hi to Freddie."
    "That sounds like a great idea." Had he worn the outfit with Freddie in mind? The idea tickled Naomi. Instinctively, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "For luck. And thanks for this morning, it's been great."
    "Lots more fun ahead," he assured her.
    While she was in the taxi, she kept thinking about being alone with Lucas. That alone was exciting enough, and she would sign her contact with him today. She thought about Megan, who was manning the shop in Edinburgh, and sent her a text message to let her know she was about to sign the contract. Megan would be excited to know it was happening.  It signaled change for them all. Megan would take over management of Drusilla's in Edinburgh while Naomi worked with Georgio to expand and launch the brand internationally.
    Once again she walked through the reception and into the elevator, headed for the Eaglestone Suite. The receptionist led her to Lucas's office and she stepped confidently through the door, thanking the receptionist as she went.
    Lucas was at his desk and watched her as she approached.
    She drew to a sudden halt when she realized Lucas already had someone with him. Clara.
    Naomi stared, disbelieving at first. Her heartbeat rapidly went off kilter.
    Lucas rose to his feet and gestured at the empty chair facing his desk.
    Naomi stared at him in horror. Surely he couldn't be serious? He couldn't intend to have them both sitting next to each other on the other side of his desk?
    She shook her head, vehemently. "I didn't realize you had company. I should leave."
    Lucas inclined his head, his expression earnest. "I asked Clara here so we could meet for just a few minutes, the three of us."
    This isn't happening . Naomi had been expecting something sensual and intimate, a glass of champagne over his newly presented contact. Not this.  She remained rooted to the spot and riddled with doubt, just inside the door. Scoping the set up she noted Clara's position in her chair was facing away from the empty chair next to her. Clara was no more in the mood for this than she was.
    She also noticed Lucas's ex-wife looked glamorous – dressed more for happy hour than this situation – in a little back dress with jeweled neckline, sheer stockings and high heels. Her copper hair was arranged high on her head, as if she'd just stepped out of the salon. An expensive designer handbag rested against her chair. Her immediate reaction was Clara had dressed for Lucas, to win him back. It made Naomi want to leave. Immediately. There was no way she was lowering herself to fight over a man. It wasn't in her nature. If a man wasn't man enough to know which woman he wanted, she didn’t want him.
    Lucas gestured at the chair again. "Naomi, please. Take a seat. I've asked you both here to agree to some boundaries. I need you both to hear me out."
    "Control freak," Clara muttered.
    That was low , Naomi thought. Clara was using her personal knowledge of Lucas to kick out at him. She pursed her lips, still considering the door.
    "Jesus, Clara!" His