Fine. Be a pain in the proverbial. ‘Okay.’ She set her mug on the bench with a sharp chink. ‘I’ll get my stuff.’
She was tempted, so tempted, to demand he tell her what his problem was, but they had no time to spare and she didn’t want to get into something they might have to stop in the middle of, which in turn could make the situation even more awkward. Later, after hours, they were going to have a conversation about this. What did he think—that she was going to jump his bones in front of the client? That she didn’t know what the word professional meant?
Or that he’d changed his mind and one night was enough.
An iron band tightened around her stomach. Please, not that. She knew they only had a short time but she wasn’t ready to let him go yet. She wanted more. She needed to get him out of her system before she left Australia.
Jared turned the car radio’s volume up and scowled at the road in front of them as they covered the few minutes it took to drive to their destination. He hadn’t given Sophie time to eat breakfast. He should’ve woken her. His idea to go to the meeting without his PA was unprofessional. His usual clarity of mind was this morning a jumble of confusion. She was getting to him in ways that weren’t supposed to happen. Making him indecisive. Making him look a complete incompetent.
Cameron met them at the front of the building. With his dark surfer-streaked gold hair and ocean-blue eyes, even Jared could see why women would find him attractive. He introduced Sophie.
‘Welcome to Noosa, Sophie.’ He shook her hand. ‘You’re a new member of Jared’s team?’
‘Just filling in for Pam for a few days.’ She looked about her, took out a small pad and pen in favour of high tech. ‘You have a lovely position here. Great potential.’
‘I reckon so. I want Jared’s opinion on it.’
Jared nodded. ‘Okay, let’s take a look around outside first and get a feel for the place.’
Perched on the hillside with breathtaking views of the beach and ocean, it had definite potential. Jared noted that Sophie returned their host’s casual charm with a smile and professional courtesy as they inspected the premises. Jotting notes, asking pertinent questions of the two of them. If she found Cameron irresistible, she showed absolutely no sign.
On the other hand, neither did she show any sign that she found Jared even the tiniest bit irresistible. Busy with her notes, she barely acknowledged him at all, unless it was to clarify something, and then she did so with politeness and professionalism.
As it bloody well should be. Exactly what he expected, no, demanded of his PA. Why the hell should this time be any different?
Downstairs in a makeshift office, she set up her laptop on a small desk and worked on her own while Jared and Brett discussed the proposal and possible contractors.
Over coffee, she asked a question of Cameron. He leaned over to study her screen and met her eyes as he spoke. Sophie seemed to be riveted to her chair, those big amber eyes of hers looking up at him.
And Jared felt something uneasy and unfamiliar scratch across his skin and bury itself in his solar plexus like a hot blunt knife. The scrape and burn of possessiveness.
‘What’s your opinion, Jared?’
Jared blinked, aware they were both watching him and expecting some sort of reply. Sophie raised her eyebrows at him.
‘Jared was only talking about that yesterday on the way up,’ she said smoothly. ‘Didn’t you say you preferred to use local labour where possible?’
‘Yes,’ he replied. What’s your problem? her expression said. He wished to hell he knew. Thank you, was his wordless reply. He shifted his gaze to his client. ‘Did you have someone in mind…?’
When they were leaving, Cameron turned to Sophie and said, ‘If you’re looking for work and want something more permanent, my organisation has a vacancy at present. I’m sure you’d fill it more than adequately.’
His organisation? Not bloody likely, Jared thought. If she decided to stay, she’d be staying at Sanderson’s.
Did she hesitate? He wasn’t sure, but his breath caught in his chest. Then she smiled up at the other man. ‘Thanks, but I’m going overseas soon.’ Jared’s relief, and a certain smugness, was short-lived.
‘When you return…’ Cameron pulled out a business card ‘…the offer will still be valid.’ He wrote something on the back then handed it to her, trademark blue eyes twinkling. ‘If circumstances change…’
Jared frowned. Was that an invitation in his tone? Was it business? Was it social? Was it pertinent to the message on the card? Damn it, from his position opposite Sophie he couldn’t see what the guy had written.