Chapter Forty-Five

He gives me a look that’s humorous, for all its sardonic nature and earnest truth.

I grasp not to press at this particular moment. And concede, with an easy, “Fine. A different story for a different time.”

True fact, because a server arrives to pour still water in the crystal-cut goblets for the entire table and then sparkling, for us, in shorter tumblers, with a twist of lime that he adds, using tongs.

After he departs, Jameson tells me, “I need us both to focus on this meeting. It’s imperative.”

“Of course.” I nod and sip. “Consider me laser-focused.”

The corner of his mouth quirks. He chuckles under his breath. And says, “We have plenty to talk about. But… Thank you for understanding that tonight is mission-critical.”

“One-thousand percent,” I affirm. And I’m adamant about this. “I want the same outcome you do, Mr. Richards.”

I give him a wink.

He glances away as he apparently stifles a laugh.

My heart skips a beat or two over having amused him.

When he glimpses at me again, he s