"Topher. It's like the band getting back together," Rainer said. He shook his former assistant's hand.
"I've been meaning to thank you for recommending Topher to me. He's an excellent resource," I said.
Rainer arched an eyebrow at me. "Yeah, well, my plan backfired because our ethical man here wouldn't funnel me any information on how you've been doing."
"I appreciate that," I told Topher.
Topher looked from me to Rainer with an eager expression. "Maybe I should make you late dinner reservations? I'm not sure how much food they are serving here, and there's a new tapas place not far. That would give you real time to catch up."
I held up a hand before Rainer could agree with my assistant. "We're fine here. Thank you."
"Mr. Maxwell has been inquiring after you," Topher admitted. "It would take the pressure off me as the middle man."
Rainer put an arm around his old assistant. "Give him a break, Ms. Nichols."
"I think that's up to you," I said.
Topher saw my stiff response and found himself an errand to run across the room.
I watched him go before I turned to Rainer. "I still haven't managed to include late night wining and dining in my work schedule."
"Why not? It makes morning meetings harder but the advantage is the relaxed perspective you get of clients," Rainer said.
"I'm not your client," I pointed out.
Rainer gave a frustrated sigh. "You know, it's okay to add a little excitement to your work."
"That's the problem," I said. "I'm just not exciting enough. I know the other junior executives used to call me the Ice Queen."
"I never once called you that. In fact, my experience was much the opposite," Rainer said.
I scanned the room again as my cheeks reddened. The pre-awards cocktails were still being served by volunteers and we were far enough on the edges of the crowd to pass unnoticed. It was ridiculous, but I knew I couldn't have a conversation with Rainer while in work mode because he upset my composure. The one thing he seemed determined to do.
"Let's just face facts," I said. "I was never exciting enough for you and you probably breathed a sigh of relief when you didn't have to deal with my work style anymore."
Rainer frowned. "Face facts? Speaking of facing facts, I believe I asked you a question about how your plan worked out and you never got a chance to answer it."
I ground my teeth. "I'm not discussing yacht parties or anything that may have happened at them."
"May have?" Rainer shook his head. "I'm creative, but there's no way I worked up that fantasy all on my own."
My cheeks burned with a brighter blush. "Fantasy?" I squeaked.
Rainer leaned close to my ear. "You never think about it? Us alone in that cabin while the party and rock concert raged on without us?"
I stepped away from him and stopped the urge to fan my hot face. "Stop," I whispered.
"No, not until you face facts. I don't find you boring, and I never did. In fact, you are one of the most exciting, and damn frustrating, women I have ever met," Rainer said.
My eyes widened enough to notice not only Topher, but my entire team beari
ng down on us. Within seconds, I was engulfed by questions on seating, acceptance speeches, who was to be in charge of taking the award to the office, and fifty other small details.
"I'm sure I can handle all of this," Topher said. "Just say the word."
I glanced up at Rainer. "I'm sorry, but it looks like I have work to do."
"You never were good at delegating," Rainer said.