“I’m not harassing her. She likes me.”
“Yeah, I bet she does since you asked her and she said no.”
“She offered, then took it back.”
“Either way, she’s said she doesn’t want to marry you. Leave her alone. If she comes back...”
“Then she’s mine forever? That’s a crappy proverb.”
“No, if she comes back then at least you’re not a stalker. You back off, respect her decision. Then if she wants to reconsider, you haven’t used threats, favors or coercion. I want you married off, but I want your hands clean. We have to play this perfect. We can’t have a scandal on our hands. Or everything you worked for will be ruined.”
“She’s agreed to two dates.”
“Agreed as in this was in exchange for something? Job perks? Career advancement? Because that is out of the question.”
“No. Nothing like that. You’re paranoid. Or shady as hell, I can’t tell which one.”
“I’m cautious. It’s good to have the counsel of a cautious mate.”
“There is something about this woman that drives me crazy. I’m not going to pressure Paige to do anything she doesn’t want to do. Now, there are any number of things I want to do to her, but only with her agreement.”
“No. I strictly forbid any sexual overtures toward a woman who has outright refused to marry you. As your publicist and your friend, I don’t want to see you letting your competitive streak lead you down a dark path. You can’t win here. Choose a willing bride, one who understands the terms to begin with, and doesn’t need to be pursued.”
“This isn’t a dark path. It’s foreplay. We’re flirting, getting in deeper.”
“I think I’m going to be ill. I refuse to discuss this further, Luke. You asked for my advice. Now heed it. You can’t date an employee. It’s not happening! Leave this Paige person alone!” Magnus hung up in a huff.
“We’ll see about that,” Luke said.
Chapter 11
LUKE RANG PAIGE’S CELL phone early Sunday morning.
“Are you busy today?”
“I’m not working today,” she said.
“I am, but I can take a break later if you’re free.”
“We’re not going out until Tuesday,” she said stubbornly.
“Yes. Today and Tuesday. Let’s be spontaneous.”
“Why do I feel like you’ve been plotting and that part of your plan is to make it sound spur of the moment?”
“Because you’re an immensely suspicious person?” he said.
“Because I’m RIGHT?”
“Possibly that as well,” he laughed. “Is that a yes?”
“I have some stuff to catch up on at home.”
“Such as?”
“Personal stuff. I need to pay some bills online and shave my legs. It’s Sunday. A woman has things to do!”
“All right, I’ll send a car around for you at noon. That should be plenty of time for you to complete the tasks. Unless you’re vastly hairier than I imagine.”