Someday maybe, but not now. Until he realizes that I can run this company as good as any man, my career is my primary focus. I know my father loves me, and I adore him, too, but he has a blind spot where Im concerned. As long as one male employee remains unattached, hes a candidate for my hand in marriage. Her father would see to that. And on that note, how is the research going on the remaining bachelors?
Nothing at all on Jack Devon. Two lines formed between Carmellas eyebrows as she studied the computer screen. Hes a rather mysterious creature.
What about the very British and ultrahandsome Brett Hamilton? Maybe we should research him next.
Whatever we do, wed better hurry. How much longer can you keep your father believing that story about your new beau?
Emily gnawed her lip, truly worried. If her father found out that her latest boyfriend was actually her dear and completely gay friend, Stephen, hed be back in action, pressing his unmarried employees to pursue her. And she planned to make sure that never happened again.
Ariana followed Grant through the cool, dim belly of the building into the parking garage, her sensible flats echoing against the concrete. With legs twice as long as hers, Grant slowed his gait to accommodate her much slower pace. Given the cargo she carried, the gesture warmed her, though she imagined Grant Lawson always did the proper thing in any situation.
Here we are. He raised a key ring and pointed. Security system disengaged and locks snicked open on a gleaming bronze Lexus.
Ariana tried not to gape. She should have expected him to drive a fancy car, but shed never ridden in one before. Neither her blue-collar roots, nor her current salary included such luxuries.
Grant proceeded her, opened the door, and gently settled her into the seat before pressing the door closed with a quiet click. Even if Benjy had remembered to open the door, he would have slammed her skirt in it. Or maybe her hand. And then groused about how women wanted to be liberated, but still expected a man to wait on them hand and foot. Yeah, right. As if Benjy had ever brought her so much as a glass of water.
Her brain caught on the thought. Grant, only a workplace acquaintance, had instinctively brought her a drink of water and offered her a ride home. Hed shown her more kindness and courtesy in the last half hour than Benjy had in over a year of dating. What an idiot shed been.
Keenly aware of her pathetic taste in the opposite sex, Ariana slithered down into the seat. Shed beaten herself up enough for one day, and so, for the moment, she forced the thought away and wallowed in the luxury of Grants Lexus. Soft, luxurious ivory leather. Real walnut wood trim. And a dashboard with so many gadgets and computers, shed almost swear the car could fly.
Grant slid into the drivers seat, subtly mixing his expensive sandalwood scent with the smell of fine leather. The engine hummed to life at his
touch and the glorious vehicle whispered out of the parking space.
As they pulled onto the crowded street, Grant slipped a pair of designer sunglasses into place, effectively covering his stunning blue eyes.
Though the seats were butter soft, Ariana squirmed to find a comfortable position. Having two babies in a space made for one didnt leave a mom much room.
She rubbed a hand down one side, pushing someones foot out of the way as an upbeat country tune issued from the sound system. Alan Jackson sang about driving his first car.
Youre a country music fan?
Um-hmm. Grant maneuvered the car around an exhaust belching bus. Why? Surprised?
Somehow you dont seem the type.
I have fairly eclectic taste. He motioned to a CD case. Take a look. Choose what you like.
She flipped through the stacks, finding every conceivable type of music. Classics, jazz, rock, country, Gaelic.
This is quite a variety.
I aim to please. He draped a wrist over the leather-clad steering wheel. A shaft of October sunlight reflected off his Rolex.
Ah. Now she understood. The variety was for his passengers pleasure. Clients, she wondered? Or women?
Neither was one bit her business, but the idea of Grant Lawsons women piqued her interest. What type did he like? Sophisticated? Intellectual? Naughty or nice? According to the office grapevine, Grant kept his private life to himself.
Ariana couldnt believe she was thinking such a thing. She was about to be a mother, for heavens sakes. The opposite sex held no appeal for her at this juncture in life. And given her track record and the fact that she had no sense whatsoever concerning men, she would do well never to fall for another one.
Not that she had any such thoughts about Grant. He was doing her a favor out of kindness. She was not interested in him as a man. Only as an attorney.
Well, which shall it be?
Had he read her thoughts? She gulped, aware that a dark blush heated her neck.
Excuse me?
His lips quirked. Have you selected your favorite music?
Oh. Flustered, she handed him the Gaelic CD.
He scanned the title, then lifted an eyebrow. Good choice.