“You were watching me?”
Nicholas smiled again. “I believe nearly every man in this room is. You’re hard not to notice.”
She blushed, completely blown away by the compliment. “Th-Thank you.” She stared down at her hands, embarrassed, and not believing that others were watching her. She slowly raised her eyes and glanced around the room. She noticed Alex at the bar again.
“Give me another,” Alex growled in a low voice to the bartender.
Jamie stiffened when she heard his voice, but she tried to ignore it. “Sorry, what did you say?” She turned back to Nicholas and moved a little closer.
“I was wondering if you would like to join me for dinner sometime.” Nicholas watched her, bemused. “I understand if you don’t. You must be incredibly busy with work.”
“Busy, but not that busy,” Jamie said. “I’d be happy to.”
Nicholas’ face lit up. “Excellent! I can finish my rags to riches story, and you can tell me yours. I’d love to hear it.” He dug into the pocket on his shirt, right over his taut chest. Jamie watched, enjoying the pull of the shirt across his upper body. “Here’s my card. My personal number’s on the back. Why don’t you text me when you’re available and I’ll make the arrangements?”
Jamie took the card and enjoyed the warmth of their fingers touching, but was disappointed to not feel the tremor she felt when Alex and she touched. She forced the comparison out of her mind. Not professional, Jamie.
There was a muffled crash near the bar and Jamie winced at the sound. Jamie looked around to find Alex trying to laugh off a tray of drinks spilling all over the floor. “I’m sorry, Nicholas, would you excuse me, again?”
“Of course.” Nicholas grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Make sure you let me know about that dinner. I’ll be waiting.”
“I will.” She returned the gentle squeeze briefly and then let go. “I’m afraid work calls at the moment, though.”
“Good luck,” said Nicholas.
I’ll need it. Jamie slipped past the others to help Alex. Most hadn’t noticed the crash or had gone back to chatting, already bored. “Everything all right?”
Alex looked at her with bloodshot eyes and a grin a little too wide. “Just a crap tray table that knocked champagne over. I’ve got the caterers coming to clean it up.” He shrugged. “Shit happens.” He glanced over to Nicholas, who appeared to be leaving. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
He was drunk, but it could be a lot worse. It wasn’t that bad. He was coherent enough to get out of there with his dignity intact and no one noticing. “Mr. Reid, Murray asked me to find you,” Jamie said. “Something about in the kitchen.” Jamie swallowed. “Please,” she said, trying to keep her voice cordial. “It seemed important.” She raised her eyebrows at him and somehow the situation processed in Alex’s slightly intoxicated head.
He nodded and followed Jamie into the kitchen. Murray was wiping the sideboards. “He needs water.” Jamie made Alex sit down in the nearest chair.
“Wuss wrong, Murray?” Alex’s words slurred slightly.
Murray handed him a bottle of water and eyed him suspiciously. “Nothing, sir.”
“Nope,” Jamie said, stepping in front of Alex. “You need to sober up and stop drinking alcohol before you do something stupid. It’s only two in the afternoon for Pete’s sake.”
Alex waved her off. “I’m fine,” he growled. “I don’t need your help.”
“I suggest you listen to her,” Murray said. “I can smell it on you. If your personal assistant suggests you slow down. Then I suggest you listen to her.”
“Seriously?” Alex looked at both of them with raised eyebrows.
“Isn’t that why you hired her?”
“Not to gauge my alcohol and school me like she’s my mother.”
Jamie thrust the bottle of water into Alex’s hands. “I’m not your mother. But I like my job and if you make a scene, in your own home, it’s going to look bad on me.”
Alex stared at her. “It’s all about you, isn’t it?”
She’d just used the line as an excuse. “No, it’s my job to make sure Billionaire Alex Reid keeps the investors believing he is solid like a rock. He doesn’t mess up on anything.”
Alex sighed. “Fine. I won’t drink anymore.” He stood and chugged the bottle of water. “There. Happy?”
“For now.”