Loving Lana - Chapter 3
Lana sat up in her chair abruptly, blinking her eyes a few times to chase the memories away.
“Focus,” she mumbled to herself, closing the file and placing the paper with her notes on top. She turned to her computer, and started typing out a detailed plan to fix or replace all of the items that had been sabotaged, and move forward with the weekly specialized interior decorating that Martin Interiors was famous for. Her fingers moved swiftly over the keys, and as she worked, she could almost forget the man behind the business.
*****
Lana shut her car door and stowed her keys in her handbag. Tucking her portfolio under her arm, she surveyed herself one more time in the reflection of her car window. She’d considered changing her clothes after work, but decided that her prim business jacket and skirt would help her maintain her professional distance. Her honey-colored hair was pulled back into a neat and efficient chignon, and the practical wire frames on her glasses gave her the air of a stern librarian. She walked to the restaurant, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.“He really is a jerk,” Lana whispered under her breath as she peeked carefully through the window at McIntyre’s. Brad was sitting at the same table they’d had last time, and he still looked just as delicious as she remembered. His broad shoulders filled out an expensive navy sport coat that hung casually open over a crisp white dress shirt and navy pants. No tie tonight, she noted, so he was treating this as a casual dinner. His dark hair was longer, just brushing over his collar and framing his smooth, angular face. She turned away, feeling her face heat with embarrassment as tingles swept through her at the thought of actually being near him again. Taking a few deep breaths, she held her head high, and walked through the door, determined not to let him see how he still affected her.
The second she entered the restaurant, Brad knew. He didn’t even have to turn around – he could feel her strong presence growing stronger as she approached the table. Her heels clicked confidently on the tile floor behind him, and he grinned, glad she had risen to his challenge. That-a-girl, he thought, standing to hold out a chair for her. He stood patiently as she stopped in front of him, all buttoned up in her business attire, looking strong and unperturbed by her surroundings and his presence. But as he gazed into her emerald eyes, he saw a hint of fear, and his amusement faded. He had done that to her, and there hadn’t been a day since that he hadn’t regretted his actions.
“Hello Lana,” he said calmly, gesturing for her to sit.
“Hello Brad,” she replied, her voice even and low. She allowed him to push the chair in before she set her purse on the chair next to her, and her portfolio on the table. Brad took the seat across from her, and raised a hand to signal the waiter.
“Wine?” he asked. Lana considered sticking to water, but decided that one glass of wine might help sooth her nerves.
“Please,” she said, noting that the waiter had brought a bottle of white wine with him, her favorite. The waiter topped off Brad’s glass, and filled Lana’s, leaving them to look over the menu.
“The duck is good,” Brad said quietly. Lana glanced over the simple flowers between them and raised one eyebrow. She looked back down at her menu for a moment, then closed it decisively.
“I think I’ll have a steak,” she said, willing her voice not to crack from the nerves that were curling through her skin. “Have you decided?” she asked politely.
“Yes,” Brad replied as the waiter magically reappeared at his arm. “The lady and I will both have the steak,” he said as he handed their menus to the waiter. “Rare for me, medium well for her.” The waiter nodded, taking the menus and disappearing as easily as he had come. Brad leaned back in his chair, a smile flirting on his lips.
“It’s been a long time, Lana,” he said, studying her intently. “You look like you’re doing well.”
“I am, thank you,” she replied, taking a sip of wine. “From what I see in your file, despite Ms O’Neal’s efforts to the contrary, it would appear you’re doing well too. I think we can improve on that, especially with your big gala coming up.” She reached for her portfolio, preparing to open it, but Brad leaned forward and placed a hand gently on the navy leather.
“Business can wait, Lana. I want to talk to you – we need to discuss a few things.” His voice was gentle, soothing, and his hazel eyes were focused on hers, making it hard for Lana to think. Was that regret she saw lurking in his gaze? She frowned, giving herself a mental shake.
“Of course we do,” she said crisply, trying to maintain a professional boundary, though she was fairly certain he wanted to discuss personal things. Things she didn’t want to revisit. “I realize that you’re probably not happy with our services right now, and I have some ideas about how we can –“
“I need to apologize,” Brad said softly, reaching out to run a tentative finger over her hand where it lay on the table. Shivers ran up her arm, and instinctively she pulled her hand out of reach. He leaned back, giving her space. “I really couldn’t care less about my business right now, Lana. I just need you to hear me out.”
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