‘Okay.’ Though her appetite had deserted her—pushed aside by the spin of emotions Ethan had unleashed.
‘If you need anything you’ve got my mobile number. My suite is on the next floor. No one knows you’re here, so you can sleep easy.’
For the first time in the two horrendous weeks since she’d walked in on Hugh and a woman who had turned out to be a hooker she felt...safe...
‘Thank you. And, Ethan...?’
‘Yes?’
‘Thank you for today. For...well, for coming to my rescue again.’
A long moment and then he nodded, his expression unreadable. ‘No problem.’
‘Ethan?’
‘Yes.’
‘Can I ask you something?’
Wariness crossed his face and left behind a guarded expression. ‘You can ask...’
‘Why did you call me to an interview?’
Silence yawned and Ruby’s breath caught. Foolish hope that he had wanted to make amends for the past unfurled.
‘Everyone is entitled to a chance,’ he said finally. ‘And everyone deserves a second one.’
The words were a deep rumble, and fraught with a connotation she couldn’t grasp.
‘Sleep well, Ruby. We’ve got a lot of work ahead.’
The door clicked shut behind him and Ruby sank down onto the bed.
Enough. Don’t analyse. Don’t think. Don’t be attracted to him. In other words, don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.
Ethan Caversham had offered her a chance and she wouldn’t let the jerk of attraction mess that up. Wouldn’t kid herself that it was more than that—more like a bond between them. Ruby shook her head—this was an aftermath...an echo of her ancient crush on the man. Because he’d rescued her again.
Only this time it had to play out differently. Instead of allowing the development of pointless feelings and imaginary emotional connections she would concentrate on the job at hand. Get through the trial period, secure the job as a permanent post and then she would be back on track. Heading towards her goal of a family.
One week later
Ethan gave a perfunctory knock and pushed the door open. Ruby looked up from her paper-strewn makeshift desk in the box room where she’d set up office. His conscience panged at her pale face and the dark smudges under her eyes. She’d worked her guts out these past days and he’d let her. More than that—he’d encouraged it.
Get a grip, Ethan.
That was what he paid her to do—to work and work hard. He had high expectations of all his employees and made no bones about it. Ruby was no different.
Sure. Keep telling yourself that, Ethan. Say it enough times and maybe it will become true.
‘Earth to Ethan. I was about to call you with an update. I’ve got delivery dates for the furniture for the banqueting hall and I’ve found a mural painter. I’ve mocked up some possible uniforms—black and red as a theme—and...’
‘That’s all sounds great, but that’s not why I’m here. There’s something else I need you to do.’
‘Okay. No problem. Shoot.’
‘Rafael Martinez is coming for dinner and I need you to rustle us up a meal.’
Her dark eyebrows rose. ‘Rafael Martinez—billionaire wine guru, owner of the vineyard of all vineyards—is coming for dinner? Why on earth didn’t you mention it before?’