A bubble of nervous laughter broke out of my mouth. "Can you imagine what would have happened if I delegated to one of my temporary assistants? I really can't thank you enough for recommending Topher."
Rainer caught my hand. "Or to your fellow junior executives. How did you put up with us for so long?"
I didn't want to let go of what appeared to be a casual handshake. None of my team noticed except for Topher whose eyes shone with approval. Then the house lights flickered and a swell of pre-recorded music caught everyone's attention.
"If you will please find your seats, the awards ceremony will begin shortly," a nervous voice announced.
Rainer squeezed my fingers. "I really want us to catch up, Tasha."
The sincerity in his eyes tipped me off balance and I hung on to his hand to keep from swaying. "Your boring old stick-in-the-mud colleague?"
"That's not how I remember you at all," Rainer said.
His gaze was hot, but there was more to his words than just innuendo. The lights flickered again, and I shot the cheap chandelier an irritated look. "I'm sure we'll run into each other again."
Topher piped up. "The tapas place is three blocks away, and they are holding a table for me, if you want."
Rainer laughed and slipped his hand out of my grip to chuck his old assistant on the shoulder. "Always anticipating. Glad you're taking such good care of our Tasha."
Topher pointed me to our table, far across the room, as Rainer turned to a nearby table. He pulled out a chair for the older woman next to him, and our eyes met.
"Good luck," I said, reluctant to move.
He winked and the flutters that flirty move caused followed me all the way to our far table. My head cleared as I nodded to my fellow table mates. What was I thinking flirting with Rainer Maxwell? As far as I knew, he was engaged to Ellison Ramsey and planning the pinnacle of a high-society wedding.
The charming toasts and stale jokes of the awards dinner began and I found it hard to concentrate on anything. I had somehow sat so I had to either turn towards the podium or sit staring straight ahead at Rainer. Through a few shifting gaps of other people, his smiling face would appear and give me a little jolt. He chatted with people at his table, laughed in support of whomever was at the podium, and lounged in his chair looking completely at ease.
"Ms. Nichols, is there anything I can get you?" Topher asked in a hushed tone.
"No, I'm fine. And you can stop asking," I told my assistant.
He shook his head. "You look unhappy. They're about to take a break if you'd like to switch tables. Maybe something with an easier view?"
Topher meant of the stage, but he had no idea how apt his suggestion was for me. I couldn't help but stare at Rainer, and the more I did, the more I felt the tug of attraction. If I was seated somewhere else, maybe I could better concentrate on the awards being given out.
The next presenters had a slideshow, and I took to swirling my wine and then trying to place it on the table in the exact same position. Topher eyed me with worry, but I shook my head at him. I was fine and didn't need to move.
It didn't matter that the table directly behind Rainer was half-empty. I could face the podium and see my fill of the back of his head.
Rainer would turn around, toss some funny comment over his shoulder, and we'd laugh. Just like in meetings at the community garden when his funny little asides were for my ears only. I imagined us finishing off the dull awards speeches sitting side by side and highly entertained.
It was tempting, and for a moment I sat up to signal Topher. Then I thought of Rainer's impending nuptials and slumped back in my seat. I might miss his banter, but I had no right to it. We didn't even work together anymore. I turned my chair with a loud scrape and concentrated on the slideshow.
For all of thirty seconds before I glanced across the room and saw Rainer looking back at me.
His look was intense, solidifying his easy smile into something serious. Rainer considered me the way a predator might stare at prey that once escaped. I shifted in my seat and was glad when a round of applause ended the long slideshow.
From then on, I resolved not to look at Rainer. Instead, I scanned the room again, wondering if perhaps his fiancée came late and was waiting politely for the break in order to join him. Ellison knew how to make an entrance, and I expected to see her when I turned around.
She wasn't there. In fact, Rainer hadn't mentioned her. And neither did Topher. Why would my very detailed assistant offer to make us reservations for two? Shouldn't Rainer be off to meet his fiancée as quick as he could escape?
No. I was being too romantic. Ellison Ramsey most likely had some fancier and more expensive charity event to attend. Rainer was at this grassroots event out of the kindness of his heart. I had to ignore the small voice that said perhaps he came on the off-chance that I would attend as well.
The woman seated next to me waited until the applause subsided then she leaned over with a conspiratorial smile. "That Rainer Maxwell is easy on the eyes, isn't he?" she asked.
I swirled my wine glass too much and almost spilled. "Yes, I suppose he is."
"Oh, dear, there is no supposing about it. Just look at him. I don't blame you for letting your gaze stray that way a few times." She patted my arm.