through three. This isnât a big deal. They just need a little hand holding and a little ego stroking. Bowl them over with how Maddox is going to make them look good while increasing their exposure by three hundred percent and theyâll be fine.â
Jason flipped through the pages, his brow creased in concentration. She felt comfortable leaving her clients in his very capable hands. He took his job very seriously and moreover, he was damn good at what he did. Maddox had landed a huge account thanks to him, and if Celia had her way, she was going to top that by landing Evan Reese.
âAnd the afternoon meeting?â Jason asked.
âHopefully you can read my notes. I have the PowerPointpresentation ready to go. They need to view it and sign off or suggest any changes so we can move it into the production stage. Impress upon them that this is their last chance to see it before it goes nationwide so make sure theyâre happy with it.â
He nodded and straightened the papers before closing the folder. âDonât worry. Iâll take care of it. Brock said you were going to be out of town. Hope everything is all right.â
There was a subtle question there, and she knew he hoped sheâd expound on her reasons for not being there on Friday. She was just grateful Brock hadnât told him where she was going and why.
She smiled. âEverythingâs fine, and thank you again for stepping in on such short notice. I owe you one. Send Lauren my love. Iâll have to remember to buy her a gift certificate from my favorite spa. I canât think of a pregnant woman alive who wouldnât appreciate a massage.â
Jason sent her a disgruntled look. âI donât want some beefcake putting his hands on my wife.â
Celia rolled her eyes. âThe poor woman canât see her feet and is probably miserable, and youâre going to be picky about who gives her some relief?â
âDamn right I am!â
Celia made a shooing motion with her hands. âOut. I have work to do.â
And she made a mental note to call her salon and make an appointment for Lauren. Sheâd ask for the hunkiest massage therapist they had.
Five
T he car that Evan had sent to collect Celia pulled up to the plane parked on the paved landing area that led to the single runway and stopped just a few feet from where the door to the jet lay open.
Celia looked out the window to see Evan standing a short distance away. He was waiting for her.
The driver opened her door, and she stepped into the afternoon sun. She blinked a few times then pulled her shades from her head over her eyes. Maybe then it wouldnât be so obvious how she ate Evan up with her gaze.
He was dressed casually. Jeans, polo shirt and loafers. Sheâd only ever seen him in suits, and she hadnât imagined he could look better. She was wrong. So, so wrong.
The jeans cupped him in all the right places. They clung to his thighs, rounded his butt and molded to his groin. They werenât new, starchy-looking jeans, either. They were faded and worn, just like a good pair of jeans should be.
âCelia,â he said with a nod as she approached. âIf youâre ready, we can be on our way.â
âI just need to get my luggage â¦â
She turned to see that the driver was handing her luggage to a uniformed man.
âOkay then, Iâm ready,â she said cheerfully.
He smiled and motioned for her to precede him onto the plane. She mounted the steps and ducked inside.
Her eyes widened at the luxurious interior. It was simple and understated, but she recognized it for what it was. Very expensive comfort. She shoved her shades up so she could get a better look.
There was nothing gaudy about any of the furnishings. It looked very masculine. It even smelled masculine. Leather and suede. Earth tones.
Beyond the three rows of seats, there was a small sitting area with a couch and one chair with a coffee
Shauna Rice-Schober[thriller]