“Is it a special event? And I can take that for you and hold it at the register.” He held out his hand, and I gave him the shirt I’d picked.
I decided I might as well take a few extra shirts to keep at the office, and chose another white and a blue one.
“Yes. I have a dinner at The Pierre hotel, so I need to look presentable.”
“How about a tie? We have a great selection, some forty percent off.”
“Sure. Why not?”
Did I need any more ties? No. But I felt bad for only buying a few shirts, so I picked up a few ties as well, in case I made another mess like today and couldn’t get to a dry cleaner in time.
“That’s it,” I told him.
“I can ring you up over this way.”
I followed him to the register and took out my credit card. He continued to chat as he took off the security tags and placed the ties in tissue paper before bagging them.
“That’s a nice hotel. A work function or pleasure?”
I couldn’t consider being with my father a pleasurable experience.
“Definitely work-related.”
I tapped my card, and he handed me a receipt.
“Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you.”
I made it down the elevator and was near the doors leading to Seventh Avenue when I heard a familiar voice.
“Couldn’t bear to be away from me? Is that why you came to visit?”
My gut tightened, but I checked my step and slowly turned around. “I’m sorry?”
Ethan’s laughing face came into view, and I couldn’t help noticing again how beautiful he was. His suit hit him in all the right places, showcasing his muscular arms, broad chest, and strong neck. A shockwave of desire ripped through me, and my mouth dried.
Get a grip.
Ethan said, “I was getting ready to leave when I saw you at the register. You didn’t have to pretend to want to buy something just to see me.”
“How do you manage that ego? I needed a new shirt, and this was the closest place.” I held up the shopping bag as proof.
“What happened to the old one?” I opened my jacket, and he laughed at the coffee stain. “Oh. Well, better the shirt than in your lap. Don’t want to damage the goods.” He winked, and my face burned. I’d always prided myself on being able to control my emotions, but with this man, I’d lost that talent when I seemed to need it the most.
“Well…I’d better get going. I have lots of work waiting.”
“Yes, I’m sure you do, being an über-busy executive.” The heat in those big green eyes intensified. “Have a wonderful evening. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow on the 2.”
I nodded and rushed out, feeling like a fool. Why did this man make me so tongue-tied and off-center? He was just a guy—good-looking for sure, but not the first gorgeous man I’d had flirt with me, and yet I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why I wanted to flirt back. Ethan was a stranger I talked to on the subway. I barely said hello to work colleagues I’d known for years, yet I’d confided things to Ethan I hadn’t told a soul.
Maybe it was the anonymity of the train and never knowing if I’d see him again that made it more comfortable. But now I’d broken through that wall by seeing him outside the safety of the subway. I should switch cars and stay away.
The more distance I put between the store and me, the more I could breathe, and by the time I returned to my office, I was back to normal. Whatever that was.
I finished my reports and emailed them to the CFO and the COO just as Madeline buzzed me.
“I have your tie, and Julia is outside.”
“Thanks. Please bring it and send her in.”
Before I had a chance to set the receiver down, the door opened and Julia strode in. Her black hair hung like a gleaming silk curtain over her shoulders, and she pirouetted in front of me.
“What do you think?”
Her gown was electric blue and clung to her slight frame. I knew she worked out almost every day, and the dress showcased her toned body.
“Very pretty.”
“Don’t sound so enthusiastic, Nash. I’m not sure I can handle all the praise.”
Madeline came to hand me the tie, but before I could take it, Julia grabbed it. “Here, let me.”
Her fingers swiftly tied the knot, and she tweaked it, then pressed a kiss to my lips. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thanks.”
Her perfume swirled between us, and she looped her arms around my neck. “We should get going.”
“Julia.” I held her elbow and made sure she looked me directly in the eyes. “You realize we’re not a couple. Nothing’s changed between us.”
She patted my cheek. “Silly. I’ll get a car for us.”
* * *
We entered the ballroom of The Pierre, and I immediately spotted my father with his wife, Diana, in a circle of admirers. Julia tugged at me.
“Let’s go say hello.”
“No. I said I’d come to show my face. That’s all.”
“Nash…” Her expression grew fierce, but I wasn’t having it.
“Look. This isn’t happening. I’m going to say hello to Roger and Barney, then leave. I have no desire to make small talk with people I barely know and in most cases don’t care to.” I yanked my arm free and made my way to the bar, where I was offered a glass of wine. I stood by a towering potted plant, surveying the crowded room full of hospital dignitaries, philanthropists, and doctors. Of course, my father’s entire department was there to cheer him on.
“Hi, Nash.” One of my father’s associates, Dr. Alex Stern, bounded over to me. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” Alex was the type to never give up if he wanted something. And for some reason, he’d decided he wanted to be my friend and refused to take no for an answer, no matter how many times I’d tried. And despite myself, he and I had become friendly during the various cancer drives held at the hospital, where he’d confided that he dedicated every day of his job to his brother, Seth, who’d died of leukemia. The story of how he and his husband had adopted a dying woman’s young son had become legend in the hospital.
“Hi, Alex. I was just leaving.”
A good-natured grin spread over his face. “Why am I not surprised?” He took a glass of white wine from the bartender. “Have you said hello to your father?”
I grimaced. “No. I’ve only been here a few minutes—”
“And you came straight to the bar. I don’t blame you. I can’t stay late either.”
“I’m not staying at all. I’ll see you soon.”
I left him behind and found Julia talking with Diana. “Hello, Diana. Nice to see you. Julia, I have to leave.”
Disappointment flashed across her face. “I was about to sit down. The ceremony is starting.”
“I know, but I told you I wasn’t staying.”
Diana said, “I’m sorry to hear that, Nash. I know Martin would’ve loved to share this night with you. Are you sure you can’t stay a little bit longer? He’s just talking to the head of the hospital right now and should be back any minute.”
My smile was halfhearted. “I’m sorry. I’ve had a brutal day, and I need to get home.”