“Well then,” Janice said. “Let’s meet downstairs in the sunroom. I’ll get some snacks together.”
“That’s a great idea,” Leila agreed. The prospect of spending more time with Ayden wasn’t
unpleasant. “The natural lighting will nicely showcase the products I’ve brought for your
consideration.”
“See you in ten minutes.” Janice left Ayden and Leila alone.
“I’ll be right down to help you,” Leila called after her. She turned toward Ayden. “Your presentation was great. I’m not usually a betting woman, but I think the third option, obviously my favorite, will win.”
“Thanks. The third option is my stretch plan, but it offers a potentially great return on the investment.”
“You’re right.” Leila paused a moment to study Ayden’s pleasing face. “Well, I better get down to Janice and help her set up the refreshments.”
“Did you let Dr. Goodwin know you wanted to meet me?”
Leila stopped dead in her tracks. Did she have the courage to turn around and look at him? Ayden waited patiently for her response. He had no follow-up. The ball was in her court, and she needed a strategic return.
Leila slowly pivoted; she leaned against the doorframe and crossed her arms the way a mother would position herself before scolding her child. “All right. Let’s get this out in the open. My daughter and my business partner decided for my birthday they’d give me a consultation with Dr. Goodwin. They were concerned I’d become a hermit after my husband’s death. I was totally against it, but I didn’t want to hurt their feelings. That’s all there is to it. It’s unfortunate the two of us were paired up. I think you’ll agree it’s important to keep our relationship totally professional.”
Ayden approached Leila, coming so close, she caught a whiff of his lime-scented cologne. He leaned in, supporting his stance by placing one hand on the doorframe above her head and the other against the wall, almost within kissing distance. Would he kiss her?
“No,” he said firmly. “I don’t agree. We can have both a professional and personal relationship. You’re just a bit scared. It’s been a while.”
How arrogant. Now he had her back up. She wasn’t going to retreat from his challenge. “Unfortunately, I think you’ve misjudged me. I’m perfectly comfortable with men. What I’m uncomfortable with is mixing business with pleasure. I don’t want to compromise in any way my relationship with a client.”
“Now, how would having dinner with me compromise your relationship with the Perkinses?” He raised an eyebrow. “Take some time to think about it. We’ve already proven ourselves to be a very effective team.”
Leila surprised herself with the light-hearted lilt in her voice. “Okay, I’ll think about it. Would you please let me out of this tight spot so I can help Janice downstairs?”
Ayden looked at her intently with his baby blues for a few more seconds. Leila returned the gaze. Could she endure his look without withering? She’d not surrender.
Finally, he moved back and allowed her the room to make a graceful exit.
She breathed a sigh of relief after exiting the room. He’d tested her, and she’d stood her ground. But how she wished he had kissed her. Little did he know she wouldn’t have resisted.