Beyond Ruin by Crystal Cierlak Page B

Monday. Your offices are being furnished even as we speak. James insisted on having everything ready for you to use as soon as possible."
    So this was how it was going to be from now on: Natalie back in James' orbit whether she was ready for it or not. Maybe taking on the entire Fitson account was a bad idea? The Golden Palm anniversary party was a singular event, but the whole of Fitson was a massive undertaking, one requiring a near-constant presence at Fitson. She couldn't help but wonder if the offer was made in the first place because of James' desire to be close to her and not because of her talent. It wouldn't be the first time she had such a doubt. And of course Audra had her reasons...
    Natalie did her own assessment of Audra Robertson as she chatted politely with Joe. She was dressed immaculately as usual, black knee-high boots over black leather leggings and a swishy black chiffon blouse. Natalie wondered if she ever just wore a tee shirt and shorts. If she did they were likely designer as well. Audra didn't do cheap and cheerful.
    Joe made some kind of announcement that Natalie only heard bits and pieces of. It wasn't until Audra crossed one leg over the other that Natalie was brought out of her daze.
    "Hmm, what?" Someone had asked her a question, right? Audra was observing her with an amused smile on her face. Joe was gone, presumably out to pick up the pizza.
    "Do you mind if I help myself to a glass of wine?
    "Of course not!" Natalie snapped out of her thought cloud. "Sorry, I would have offered you some but I wasn't sure if you were driving..." she trailed off.
    "I am. But Joe did invite me to stay for dinner." Audra reached for the bottle of moscato and a fresh glass. "Don't worry," she said as she began to pour. "I won't if you don't want me to."
    "No, stay." Natalie took a seat onto the barstool next to Audra and sipped from her own wine glass. "Quinn was smart enough to escape to San Diego for the night so instead of work we're doing pizza and movies." Suddenly the thought of Audra kicking back for a relaxing night in was amusing to her.
    "What's that look for?"
    Natalie couldn't help but smile. "Nothing. So, you couldn't have told us over the phone that you wanted us to make a presentation?"
    Audra's eyes narrowed but the humor in them remained. "Does that question imply that you aren't happy to see me?"
    "Not at all," Natalie replied softly. "I just figured I wouldn't hear from you since you knew I was with James this afternoon." She flushed just at the mention of his name, and the implication it brought with it. God only knew how long it would be until she could think of him without her cheeks turning any shade of pink.
    "Ah." Audra leaned back casually into her barstool. "Well now that you brought it up, tell me. How was your date with James?"
    Natalie inhaled deeply as she thought of a way to answer the question. "It was very thoughtful and well planned." She waited for Audra to say something in response, but the silence stretched between them for a good minute without so much as a clearing of the throat. Suddenly Natalie felt the necessity to elaborate. "We drove up the coast in a Bugatti Veyron and had a catered lunch on a private beach in Montecito." Was that really today? It feels like another lifetime .
    "That sounds very romantic," Audra nodded, the movement brief. "So why are you having a quiet night in with Joe?"
    Natalie shrugged her shoulders emphatically. "Because James took me to lunch, not back in time."
    Audra took a thoughtful sip from her wine glass before setting it back down on the island counter and coming to a stand. She was close enough for her perfume to tempt Natalie's nostrils.
    "Thank you for the wine, Natalie."
    "You're not staying?" She didn't even try to mask the disappointment so evident in her voice. Audra must have heard it; the corners of her mouth upturned slightly.
    "I think what you need is an evening to yourself. Starting Monday your life is going to be very