“Claire? It’s great to see you again.” Barbara stepped off the central staircase. Her black skirt and cream, pin-striped blouse suited the understated elegance of the building.
“Hi, Barbara. It’s good to see you, too. I’ve been looking forward to showing you our preliminary designs.”
“I can’t wait to see them. I’m updating the board of directors tomorrow morning with our progress. Let’s go to my office. How are the plans for your sister’s wedding coming along?”
In six weeks, Claire’s sister was marrying Brett Forster in a small ceremony on the Double Circle ranch. “It’s going to be amazing. Hannah is having the final fitting for her dress tonight.”
“That sounds exciting. I remember finding the perfect dress for my own wedding. It doesn’t seem that long ago.” Barbara placed her thumb on a scanner, unlocking the doors to the executive wing. “John is away at the moment so we’ve got the whole area to ourselves. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
“That would be great, thanks.” While Claire was waiting for Barbara, she took her laptop out of its case and placed two folders on the desk. She’d worked hard to put together a proposal the board of directors couldn’t say no to.
When Barbara returned, she wasn’t alone. Jason Smith, the man who confused her on so many different levels, walked into the room. As usual, his face was a polite mask, hiding whatever was going through his head. She’d met him a couple of months ago when he’d helped her sister’s fiancé. He’d been professional, friendly, and as distant as the moon.
Barbara smiled. “I believe you already know each other?”
Claire nodded. “Hi, Jason.”
He held out his hand. “It’s good to see you again.”
She ignored the rush of heat to her cheeks, the way her hand disappeared into his. For one brief moment, she imagined what it would be like to get to know this man. But then she thought about the fundraiser and the huge amount of work she needed to do. Spending time with anyone would be impossible.
Barbara sat at her desk. “Please, have a seat. I invited Jason to our meeting because he is one of the best security specialists we have.”
Claire still wasn’t sure why he was here. “Are you worried about security at the fundraiser?”
“Security is always at the front of our minds, especially with the guest list John has in mind.” Barbara leaned forward. “I want your proposal to have the best chance of being approved. For that reason, I’ve asked Jason to review your plans and make recommendations on how the event can be made more secure.”
Claire didn’t know whether to be grateful or concerned. “That’s a very generous offer. But do you have the time to help me, Jason?”
His brown eyes settled on her face. “I’ll make the time.”
It wasn’t the most enthusiastic response she’d ever heard, but she’d take it. “In that case, it looks as though we’ll be working together.”
And for the first time since she’d met him, he looked genuinely worried.
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THE WISH TODAY!
Other Contemporary Romances by Leeanna Morgan:
Montana Brides:
Book 1: Forever Dreams (Gracie and Trent)
Book 2: Forever in Love (Amy and Nathan)
Book 3: Forever After (Nicky and Sam)
Book 4: Forever Wishes (Erin and Jake)
Book 5: Forever Santa (A Montana Brides Christmas Novella)
Book 6: Forever Cowboy (Emily and Alex)
Book 7: Forever Together (Kate and Dan)
Book 8: Forever and a Day (Sarah and Jordan)
The Bridesmaids Club:
Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)
Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)
Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)
Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)
Emerald Lake Billionaires:
Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)
Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)
Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)
Book 4: One And Only (Elizabeth and Blake)
The Protectors:
Book 1: Safe Haven (Hayley and Tank)
Book 2: Just Breathe (Kelly and Tanner)
Book 3: Always (Mallory and Grant)
Book 4: The Promise (Ashley and Matthew)
Book 5: Coming Home (Mia and Stan)
Book 6: The Gift (Hannah and Brett)
Book 7: The Wish (Claire and Jason)
The Gift (The Protectors Book 6) Page 23