to see he was laughing with and not at her. For a director of such a prestigious company, he was really rather nice. Not at all stuffy or condescending. ‘Looking at the number of visitors this year I think we are all going to be very busy, at least I hope so? I’m only here for two days before getting back on the road to sell our wares. Well, I had better be on my way, checking out the rest of the competition. Thanks for showing me the finer points of your excellent furniture, it’s been a pleasure meeting you Mr.Colbourne.’ She smiled and turned to leave the Colbourne stand.
Simon had no intention of losing her to the crowds now thronging the isles. All the necessary elements were there which made the hunt and ultimate capture a first priority. She was young, attractive, articulate, and as conversation had progressed displayed more of her sense of humour. Those qualities alone were not enough for him to invite her to his home for the weekend. The clincher was her senior position with Harrison’s and the possibility of using her to further his own company’s position in the market. Not too difficult he thought as she was not wearing any rings so probably was either unmarried or divorced so well worth a try. On occasions he was not put off by females wearing wedding rings, but only if he did not know their husbands or fiancés. It was a rule he adhered to very strictly, breaking it could bring problems and he needed to be in control without fear of friendships and lines of communication breaking down. His initial opener about the furniture on display had been the means of contact. He could now revert to type. She had only taken two steps when Simon asked if she had tried the new coffee bar which had the most superb blends. Her answer gave him the opportunity to say, ‘You must try it. I was about to go there when you arrived,’ he lied. ‘Would you care to join me?’ He gave her one of his most appealing smiles, stepped back slightly to admire her and so she could see he was serious about the offer.
‘That’s very kind of you I could do with a coffee, it’s going to be a long day and I might just need the caffeine.’ Looking at him she smiled and joined him as he set off for the coffee shop. It would break up her day, and who knows she might learn something from the competition. There was always an agenda item at the monthly board room meetings to update those present on any new information on their competitors.
In general conversation she had mentioned that she hoped to move from Hampshire to Surrey where her company had an office. The comment was not lost on Simon, but he put his response on hold until the time was right. An onlooker would have thought that the two people enjoying their coffee and each other’s company had been friends, or more than friends, for some time. They were relaxed, smiling and unaware of anything going on around them.
It was time. Her comment on moving to Surrey was the catalyst. Their coffee cups had been empty for some time and she had declined another but still made no effort to leave. The blends had been from a choice of two, black or white but she had not appeared to notice Simon’s little deception.
‘Diane.’ He paused before continuing. ‘I love the name and it suits you perfectly.’ Gazing at her he knew she really was a prize worth competing for. Her aquiline nose gave a slightly superior look, but her personality was outgoing and friendly. ‘You must come and stay at the family house in Surrey, it will give you the opportunity to shop around for that dream property you are looking forward to buying.’ He paused, hoping for a positive response but was disappointed.
She was attracted to him and the idea of visiting his home had interested her but she ignored the invitation not wanting to give him the impression she was easily available. Turning the conversation back to the George III scheme that Colbournes had used for the exhibition she complimented him again
Simon had no intention of losing her to the crowds now thronging the isles. All the necessary elements were there which made the hunt and ultimate capture a first priority. She was young, attractive, articulate, and as conversation had progressed displayed more of her sense of humour. Those qualities alone were not enough for him to invite her to his home for the weekend. The clincher was her senior position with Harrison’s and the possibility of using her to further his own company’s position in the market. Not too difficult he thought as she was not wearing any rings so probably was either unmarried or divorced so well worth a try. On occasions he was not put off by females wearing wedding rings, but only if he did not know their husbands or fiancés. It was a rule he adhered to very strictly, breaking it could bring problems and he needed to be in control without fear of friendships and lines of communication breaking down. His initial opener about the furniture on display had been the means of contact. He could now revert to type. She had only taken two steps when Simon asked if she had tried the new coffee bar which had the most superb blends. Her answer gave him the opportunity to say, ‘You must try it. I was about to go there when you arrived,’ he lied. ‘Would you care to join me?’ He gave her one of his most appealing smiles, stepped back slightly to admire her and so she could see he was serious about the offer.
‘That’s very kind of you I could do with a coffee, it’s going to be a long day and I might just need the caffeine.’ Looking at him she smiled and joined him as he set off for the coffee shop. It would break up her day, and who knows she might learn something from the competition. There was always an agenda item at the monthly board room meetings to update those present on any new information on their competitors.
In general conversation she had mentioned that she hoped to move from Hampshire to Surrey where her company had an office. The comment was not lost on Simon, but he put his response on hold until the time was right. An onlooker would have thought that the two people enjoying their coffee and each other’s company had been friends, or more than friends, for some time. They were relaxed, smiling and unaware of anything going on around them.
It was time. Her comment on moving to Surrey was the catalyst. Their coffee cups had been empty for some time and she had declined another but still made no effort to leave. The blends had been from a choice of two, black or white but she had not appeared to notice Simon’s little deception.
‘Diane.’ He paused before continuing. ‘I love the name and it suits you perfectly.’ Gazing at her he knew she really was a prize worth competing for. Her aquiline nose gave a slightly superior look, but her personality was outgoing and friendly. ‘You must come and stay at the family house in Surrey, it will give you the opportunity to shop around for that dream property you are looking forward to buying.’ He paused, hoping for a positive response but was disappointed.
She was attracted to him and the idea of visiting his home had interested her but she ignored the invitation not wanting to give him the impression she was easily available. Turning the conversation back to the George III scheme that Colbournes had used for the exhibition she complimented him again
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