They ended up at a much fancier restaurant that Remi normally favoured. Other than tripping as she stepped from the taxi and being caught in time by a watchful Eadan, there were no other unfortunate mishaps. After the maître d’ had them seated, Remi breathed a sigh of relief. He’d chosen a dark corner with just the overhead, low-lit lamp hanging directly above the linen-covered table to give them enough light to read the large menu.
Once settled, Eadan began the conversation. Remi was too occupied with people-watching, a favourite pastime she’d learned as a shy young girl. “My editor introduced me to this place on one of the many trips I made here during our discussion about the book I plan to produce.” He gave her a short summary of his accomplishments and future plans, and looked pleased at her hero-worshipping interest.
“I think that’s wildly exciting, Eadan. You’re so gifted to not only be a physician who has the knowledge to perform surgical procedures on children, but also having the ability to document everything in book form takes a whole different set of talents.”
“You really think so? I never looked at it in quite that way before. I just know these procedures need to be shared and so many young medical students will benefit from learning what my brothers and I have perfected.”
He continued to expound, and she loved the way his eyes flashed with intelligence and the glee that lit his whole expression. Thankful that he kept his explanations in a realm where she could follow, she sat enthralled. The waiter had to cough twice to get their attention.
“Sorry, I tend to get caught up in my enthusiasm. So, the food here is amazing. I hope you like Italian because I can recommend their lasagna. They use a multitude of different cheeses, the tomato sauce is rich with meat and the garlic rolls are mouth-watering. I can’t tell you how much I’ve looked forward to sharing the experience with someone who will enjoy the meal as much as I do.”
Remi winced behind the hand she used to hide her expression. Now what the heck am I supposed to do? This was only the second day of her new life plan and she just couldn’t sabotage it before it even got off the ground. Frustration tore at her. She knew how hard it was going to be for Greta, and she didn’t want to have to admit that she’d been the first to screw up.
“Normally, I’d have loved the lasagna but I… ah, I have a stomach thingy going on and I’d better stick with something really light and bland.” She watched his face fall and wondered why it seemed so important to him that she eat the same as he did. “If you insist though, I could try a small amount.”
“No, of course not. You must order as you see fit. Don’t mind me. It’s just that I had looked forward to really enjoying a meal with a woman who didn’t pick at a salad while I gorged on a large entree.”
Oh, oh! If a rabbit got caught in a dog kennel, it would feel akin to the way she felt at the moment—cornered. In the worst way, Remi wanted to please Eadan. But wouldn’t he be more attracted to the future, slimmer version? Stop it! Stop playing games with your willpower. Be strong.
Right! How the hell was she going to do that? Delicious aromas of pizzas, pasta dishes and garlic bread had attacked the minute she’d arrived. While they’d been led to their table, she’d spied the array of food in front of the other occupants and it all looked delicious. She glanced up to see the encouraging smile he flashed her way.
Gritting her teeth, she appealed to the hovering waiter. “I’ll have a very small piece of lasagna and a large house salad, no bread.” Emotions rioted inside. On the one hand, she was proud of her willpower. Noticing that Eadan’s expression turned slightly sour, she was angry that it mattered so much. No one would be allowed to sabotage her plan. Not even the man who was her incentive.
While he ate and she nibbled, they discussed his ideas for the new designs he had in mind for his apartment.
“Eadan, your flat has a much larger floorplan than the one I have. Did you want to keep the look uniform throughout, or change according to the different rooms?”
“Actually, I like what you did with yours. How you have the same colors flowing everywhere. Only thing is, I’m a plant assassin, so you might not want to use too many.”
“Oh, there are different kinds of greenery that prefer very little water. The containers used nowadays are the actual design, rather than the plant itself. Leave it with me.” Remi visualized lovely glass cylinders filled with a multitude of different growing mediums and containing various large, attractive cacti and grass-like plants.
“Actually, I’m going to have to leave it all with you because I just received some upsetting news before we left. One of my brothers, Graeme, the one you met, has been called away on a case for a few weeks in northern Scotland, and it looks like I’ll have to return home to play locum at the clinic and take his place.”
The news hit her hard. First she knocked her empty wine glass to the floor. Then she whacked her head against that of a passing waiter who’d crouched to pick up the pieces at the same time as she’d bent to retrieve them. Once all the debris had been cleared away and they’d accepted her numerous apologies, she turned back to Eadan. Now totally flustered, she bit her lip and blinked back the pending emotion. Trying desperately to hide her crushing disappointment, she stammered. “I’m sor-ry. That means we’ll have to put off the renovations.”
“Not at all. We can Skype back and forth most days and you can keep me in the picture. I’d intended to give you a budget and free rein anyway. Therefore, it should work out fine. I’ll be out of your hair and you’ll be able to get on with it.”
Before she thought about her words, they burst out. “But I don’t want you out of my hair.”
Eadan lifted his hand tenderly to her cheek and caressed her skin gently. “You’re so sweet, Remi.” Before she knew he would, he leaned in and kissed her lips, taking his own sweet time, learning the contours of her mouth, tasting her—delighting her.
When he pulled back, her lashes felt glued to her cheeks. He waited for her to say something, and all she could think to ask about was when he’d return. “Will you be back and forth to see how things are progressing?”
“Not likely. But I have full faith in your abilities.”
“Thank you. It’s just that this will be the first time I’ve ever worked alone without supervision from the owners and it makes me a tad uncomfortable.”
“I don’t know why. You have a definite flair that appeals to me.”
Thrilled to hear these words, Remi’s heart revved up and she wondered if her smile glowed on the outside as much as it lit up her innards.
“You must realize your talent in design is a gift that makes you a very attractive person to know.” He winked at her and, rather than making her happier, it dulled the glow.
The man was only stirred by her ability to transform his apartment. Dismay and sadness filled all the empty nooks and crannies inside her, making her despondent. For seconds she wallowed, until an idea grabbed hold. If she could turn his place into such a warm and welcoming home, he’d have to appreciate her and maybe begin to care for her in a way that would be more personal. She just had to be patient. While he was away, not only would she renovate his home, she’d carry on with her private plans. Once he saw the new her–he’d be captivated, worshiping on his knees, in love…
You’re such a dreamer!