“Possibly not.” He shrugs. “Why cubicles?”

“Cubicles are proven to extend common ticket costs. Folks get cozy, they wish to keep longer, they order extra drinks.” I raise my shoulder. “If that is greater finish, it’s a win, however for those who’re making an attempt to show tables, it won’t be your finest wager.”

He scrubs a hand over his scruff-covered jaw and appears across the area.

Then, as if I’ve no management of my mouth, I hear myself ask, “So, you’ve met somebody critical? Not that they’re critical, however you realize, like that you’re critical with, in that type of unique form of method. Not that it’s my enterprise or that I’d count on something like, you realize, you to not be.” I attempt to look disinterested as I shuffle by means of papers earlier than I let my eyes flick to his face.

His lips twitch. “I’ve.”

Two phrases I don’t wish to consider in.

“Good.” I clear my throat. “I imply, that’s nice. For you. And her. And also you as a duo.” I rub my brow and scrunch my nostril. “You understand what I imply.”

I don’t let him reply earlier than I pivot again to enterprise. “So usually, with these consultations, the proprietor is somewhat additional alongside within the course of. From right here, we are able to discuss menu concepts, however I assume it’s essential determine what you need this to be and the way a lot you wish to spend. Clearly, you may already efficiently run a restaurant, so there would simply be just a few issues to think about for those who determine you need this one to be extra of a bar.”

I attempt to squeeze by the area he takes up behind the bar to get to a ways, however even barely touching him sends consciousness capturing by means of me.

“Is that this going to be one other Mainely Native enterprise, or are you serious about one thing completely different?” I ask.

“You look good, Nel.”

The easy praise makes my coronary heart skip like a pebble thrown throughout flat water. “Thanks. Identical. You look the identical. Good.” I chuckle by means of an exhale, including, “Ok to nonetheless make me babble like an fool.”

I shake my head and relieve a few of the rigidity that’s been swelling since he walked in and wrecked my means to suppose, converse, and see straight.

His eyes meet mine, acquainted smirk tugging at his lips.

“There’s a restaurant down the road. Let’s go seize dinner. I’ll inform you what I’m pondering for a menu, and we are able to go from there.”

No.

This man admitted to being in a critical relationship. I can’t be that girl. My physique is perhaps a pandemonium of hormones, lighting up with each phrase he says like there’s an opportunity in hell that is going any additional, however my thoughts is just not. Dinner is absolutely the worst concept. From this level ahead, I can deal with all the pieces over electronic mail with my fancy letterhead.

I’ll come see him when he’s up and working, and there’s a employees to coach. Finish of story.

After I open my mouth, I’m adamant I’m going to stroll away, however, “Sounds good,” is the one factor that comes out.

My mouth betrays me proper together with my physique.

Fifty-five

Ethan follows me to the resort I’m staying at and waits within the foyer whereas I’m going as much as my room. I simply want a couple of minutes to freak the hell out in peace and quiet earlier than doing no matter silly factor I’m doing.

Self-destructive conduct, I consider an professional would name it.

He employed me to do a job, albeit sneakily, however it doesn’t matter what I really feel and he doesn’t, I’ve to determine the best way to handle my emotions or refund his cash.

No.

Within the scheme of all the pieces else I’ve carried out within the final two years, this mission will probably be a small blip we are able to deal with over just a few telephone calls and emails and possibly solely two or three extra in-person conferences as soon as he hires a employees, which might be months and months away.

Straightforward.

I’ve seen him, he’s in a relationship, and I’ll recover from my emotions.

This isn’t an enormous deal.

Twenty minutes later, I’m within the foyer sporting a fitted inexperienced turtleneck sweater—the one one my mother and Marin would let me purchase—and black skinny denims.

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