Seconds after Trevor's abrupt departure, Julian entered behind Rebecca. Nina crossed the room and extended a hand to Julian. Instead of shaking it as she’d intended, he slid his fingers over her palm and held it far too long for her liking. She snatched it away and turned to introduce him down the row.
Her presentation went off without a hitch. Each part of her team executed their part flawlessly, and through it all, Evan sat back with a very satisfied expression on his face.
By the time she was done, she was as convinced as everyone else that Julian would sign with Standard Gate. He’d be a fool not to.
The lights went back up after her last video clip.
“This concludes our presentation,” she said to Julian. “I hope we’ve convinced you of our commitment to you and your company.”
He took his time responding. For a moment he studied her, his hands in a V in front of him. Then he simply nodded then said,
“I’m very impressed. My question is, how soon can we move on this?”
-----------------------
Rosa was packed with the after-work crowd, but the entire back room was filled with Standard Gate employees, all celebrating their biggest coup to date—Mart Enterprises.
Nina was high on her achievement, she had finally done it. When she had left her dad's company, she'd had doubts about her capabilities and now she had proved to herself that she could do this. That she didn't need to have anyone dictating her life for her and that she could get anything done as long as she put her mind to it.
She was very happy, but she couldn’t shake the anxiety over her relationship with Julian. She’d avoided him last night when she’d all but dumped him on Tony Parker. She’d avoided him after her presentation when he’d wanted to take her to lunch to celebrate.
Evan Banks passed out champagne to every one then called for a toast. He saluted Nina with his glass and the room erupted into cheers.
She smiled her pleasure, but all she could think was that she’d rather be with Julian. And that was a very big problem.
“For a girl who’s the toast of Standard Gate, you don’t look very happy.” a voice said.
Nina turned to see Camille standing beside her, drink in hand. She tried to smile but then gave up with a sigh. “Am I that obvious?” she asked
Camille shrugged. “Probably not. I doubt others are paying too much attention to you. You looked…..distracted.”
“I’m in a mess, Camille,” Nina admitted. “I don’t know what to do.”
Camille wrapped a comforting arm around her. “Surely it can’t be that bad?” she asked.
“I’m involved with Julian Martin. Intimately.” Nina blurted out.
Camille stiffened. “Oh. Maybe you’re right. And I understand.”
Nina couldn’t help but notice the way Camille's gaze drifted to Evan Banks, who stood across the room talking with Mason Reagart. Evan turned in their direction that very second and caught Camille's gaze, and what Nina saw there made her pause.
Possession.
“I didn’t intend for it to happen,” Nina said. “I know better. I know that I should know better. I’ve kept it a secret, and it’s driving me insane. I worry over who’ll see us together and whether they’ll draw the wrong conclusion. I’m so tired of sneaking around. The worst part is I think I’m in love with him now”
Camille made a sound of sympathy and pulled Nina away from the others until they stood in a dark corner.
“You need to be honest and open about this, Nina. If you don’t, it’ll tear you apart,” Camille said earnestly.
Camille was so sincere and her words were so heartfelt that Nina wondered if she was speaking from personal experience. Was it possible that Camille was really having a secret fling with Evan? If the looks between the two were any clue, there was some serious chemistry there.
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask, but she didn’t want to hurt Camille, especially if she didn’t want anyone to know. So
Instead she squeezed Camille's hand.
“Thank you, Camille. I know you’re right. I just have to figure out how to handle this. It’s giving me a headache.” Nina said.
“First thing you should do is enjoy your moment in the sun,” Camille returned. “This is your night to shine. You worked hard for this, Nina. Go have some fun. You deserve it.”
“Okay, okay, Mom,” Nina teased. “I’m up for another drink if you are.”
Camille smiled and the two women headed for the bar for another round. Nina endured another series of toasts, back slaps and loudly yelled congratulations. Camille was right. This was her night. It was the culmination of weeks of hard work and long hours. Damn if she wouldn’t enjoy every minute of it.
----------------------
Nina's cab pulled up to her apartment, and she pulled out several bills to pay the driver. While she was far from toasted, she hadn’t wanted to chance driving home, so she’d left her car at work and taken a cab from Rosa.
It was late, but not ungodly so, and she was still riding high from the celebration.
The cab pulled away and across the street she saw Julian leaning against his car, watching her. He started forward, and she stood there like a statue, watching him approach.
“Out celebrating?” Julian asked with a slight smile.
She nodded. “After-work thing. Took a cab back so I didn’t have to drive.” She replied.
“You should have called me. I would have had my driver take you home.” he said.
“I don’t think that would have looked good if the man whose account I just landed sent a car to take me home after my celebration party.”
He regarded her with no expression. Then he asked, “Are you going to invite me in?”
As if she’d tell him no. She thought.
"I guess Abby is still at work" she said.
"Good" he said simply
He fell into step beside her as they walked to her door. He waited while she unlocked the door and then followed her inside. As soon as she locked up behind them, he had her in his arms. Not again. She couldn’t lose all control of her senses the moment he touched her. It wasn’t normal.
“Do you have any idea how turned on I was watching you take control of that presentation this morning?” he said between kisses. “You were glowing and you were such a hardass. I wanted so badly to drag you into a closet and have wild, crazy sex.”