Lucas smiled. Diane knew he was in Edinburgh for the week. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. Luckily he knew Diane well enough to realize she was savoring it for herself, rather than leaping off the ramparts to share the potential gossip with everyone. That's why she'd been his PA for a number of years.
"Yes, and I know I can trust your discretion on the matter. It's important to the client she has an honest face-to-face with Georgio as if she hadn't met me, which we must respect."
"Got it, will do."
Lucas listed a few other tasks he wanted her to take care of, and was surprised to find she'd already rescheduled some of his obligations. She'd also asked another member of the team to represent him at a meeting with a major retailer on their list.
"I appreciate what you've done."
"It's what I'm here for." She paused. "Lucas, I know you don't drop everything at short notice if it's not important. You have people who care enough to keep things ticking over. We'll cope."
"I'm impressed."
"Ah, one thing. I haven't rearranged your face-to-face time with Ethan this afternoon…some things are beyond the call of duty."
Lucas laughed. "Good move."
Ethan Burch was one client who wouldn't deal with anyone but Lucas. He wouldn't even speak to an admin person. Ethan was a recluse, a brilliant software designer with a people phobia. It was a long standing joke at the Agency no one would deal with Ethan except Lucas, when in reality it was Ethan who wouldn't deal with other people.
Once his business with Diane was complete, Lucas rang Naomi.
"Well, hello, Mr. Eaglestone. How are you finding Edinburgh?"
She sounded even sexier over the phone, he noticed. "Lonely, without you."
"Tut-tut, you should be thinking about business during business hours."
"Are you only thinking about business?"
"Totally." She chuckled.
Listening to her made him want to hold her. "Why don't we get dinner here at the hotel this evening?"
"That sounds lovely."
"I thought we might do the Edinburgh ghost walk," he added, shuffling through the tourist leaflets the hotel receptionist had foisted on him. He was only half serious. He wanted a reaction, a sign she wanted him.
"Really?" She sounded surprised.
"We did the tourist thing in London. It's only fair we do it here too."
She laughed. "I'll head your way as soon as we shut the shop at five thirty."
"That sounds good. I have a Skype meet but I should be done by the time you get here."
"We can discuss the allure of the Edinburgh Ghost Walk when I get there," she said teasingly.
Lucas smiled. "Something about your tone makes me think you've done the Edinburgh Ghost Walk before."
"If you want to do the Ghost Walk, we'll do it."
He wasn't thinking about ghosts at all. He was thinking about one truly flesh and blood woman. "I'm willing to negotiate the evening's events."
"Negotiations, ay?" There was a decadent purr in her voice. "I can hardly wait."
"I'm in the Paisley Suite, fourth floor. When you get here come right up, the door will be open."
* * * *