Chapter 14
“And by the big guns, you mean the video you are requiring they watch if they want to take ownership of Fredericks Design Co.? Can I make a suggestion? Talk to the lawyer that drew
up your prenup agreement before making a decision about when or how best to break up with Adam. Bradley seemed almost hesitant when making this suggestion.
“What are you thinking? I thought you wanted me to end it with him?” I was confused. Didn’t he just say the sooner the better?
“I do want you to end it with him. Monday if possible. But maybe revealing you know about his cheating isn’t the way to do it. Maybe, just maybe, you should let him think you are just getting cold feet. Let him think he can win you back. Tell him that you want to take a break from the relationship for a couple of months.” I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. And just a hint of a smile graced his features.
“Ooohh, I can tell you are as devious as I am. What exactly are you thinking? Spill.” I was more than curious about his train of thoughts. Bradley was an astute businessman, and knew how to use a person’s weakness to his advantage. Clearly, Bradley had been mulling over this situation, and had thoughts on how best to execute our plans.
“If you break up with Adam using his cheating as the reason, it may trigger actions we are not yet prepared to deal with. I was thinking, if you told him you had acquired the design and reno project at my office building, which you do have by the way. That a requirement of the job is
that you have to be here in Toronto for the next four months. Tell him that you want to put a hold on the relationship, and that you will consider this time as being on a break. Adam will think that when you go back to Halifax that he will be able to sweet–talk you back into the relationship.”
“That sounds like it might work. But how am I going to set up the Graystone Design annd Construction office in Halifax if I’m here in Toronto? I don’t see how that can work.” I protested.
“Anna Graystone can still do that. You can spend three days a week here in Toronto, and the rest of the week in Halifax. You, Anna Graystone can work out of your penthouse suite office. And as far as everyone at Fredericks Design knows, Anna Fredericks will be here in Toronto,
working her butt off. Think about it.”
Bradley’s thought process made sense. It would mean a tremendous amount of travelling for
me, but I could use the Graystone International Jet so I could stay in the shadows. “I’d need to
arrange housing for Anna Fredericks while I’m here. Staying in a hotel for that length of time
would be too costly. Would eat in to the job profits.”
Chapter 14
Bradley had a bit of a sheepish look on his face, but he still make his suggestion. “Well, I was
thinking, while your here in Toronto, you could stay at my place. I have a huge bed that is
begging for your company. I also have a quest bedroom with an ensuite bathroom if you don’t like the thought of sharing. Though I hope you do. We’ll write it in the job contract that Gray
Industries is providing housing for you. When I’m in Halifax, I stay at your penthouse. You do
have that guest room, unless you can think of a better place for me to lay my head.
Oh faaack. His slow, flirty wink was nearly my undoing. “Guest room, of course. That’s if you
don’t like the idea of sharing.” I stuttered. Not sure how long he would actually be using the guest room. Because I could picture him in my bed, with his head in all kinds of places. I know my face was flushed with just the thought of that possibility.
Seeing my reaction, my flushed face, my shortness of breath, I know darn well Bradley knew exactly what I was thinking. The corner of his mouth lifted in that sexy smirk I was beginning
to love, making it even harder for me to keep my thoughts out of bed, and on to the business
at hand.
Gaining a bit of control over my emotions was a challenge. But I managed. Which was a good
thing because my phone vibrated with a text alert from Hector. “The car is out front Ms.
Graystone.”
“We have to go. My car is out front. Let me grab my purse and briefcase.” I swiftly gathered everything I needed, slipping my cell phone into my purse. Bradley had the keycard to the suite
in his hand, making sure I didn’t forget it. Bless him for that, I was still a bit flustered and may have overlooked it on my way out.
He placed his hand on my lower back as we walked to the elevator, laying his claim to me with
that smaill gesture. Never in my life had any man done that. It felt good. I felt good. Felt protected, cherished even. If I wansn’t careful, I was going to be head over heels in love with this man before I knew it. I was well on my way there after just four days. Crazy! Absolutely
crazy.
Though I do remember my both my grandparents once saying that sometimes the love of true soulmates could hit hard and fast. It’s what happened to them. They had met, fell in love, and married in the span of two months. Their sixty plus years of marriage was a testament to their committment to each other. Their relationship hadn’t been without it’s share of trials, but
together they worked through it all and came out stronger on the other side. I wanted a
marriage like theirs. Strong, true, and full of love.
Reaching the lobby didn’t take long, and we made out way out the front door and onto the sidewalk. Hector was out of the car and had the rear door open waiting for us to enter. I slid in first and moved over to make room for Bradley. Once Bradley was in and the door closed,
Chapter 14
Hector made his way to the driver’s side, got in, started the engine, and pulled out into traffic.
We arrived at the lawyers offices a short twenty minutes later. Twenty minutes that didn’t feel long enough. The whole time Bradley had his hand placed on my thigh, with his thumb brushing back and forth, sending shivers of excitement through every inch of my body. My hardened n*****s could easily be seen through the soft silk of my blouse.
“Bradley,” I gasped out in a near whisper. “You have to stop that. I’m not going to have a functioning brain cell left for this meeting.” Lord have mercy. I know I’m not going to wait two months before I let this man have his way with me. I don’t even know how I’m going to last the weekend. I swear to heavens, this man is going to make me lose my mind. In a good way.
mind you.
Pulling up
in front of the company lawyers office building, Hector parked the car and came around too open the rear door. Bradley exited first, taking my briefcase with him. He h
held out his hand to assist me, once again making me feel like I was someone he cherished. I could certainly get used to this,
“Hector, I’ll message you when we’re ready to go. It will probably be close to four as I have a lot of ground to cover” Hector nodded, then excused himself.
We entered the building and were immediately greeted by the receptionist. “Ms. Graystone. Mr. Harvey will see you now if you would please follow me.”
Within moments we were ushered into Spencer Harvey’s office. Spencer was the senior partner in Graystone Law Group. He was in his early forties, and started working for the Law as soon as he passed the bar. His brother, Tony Harvey worked in the Halifax office of Graystone International. The two of them had colabarated in drafting my prenup. Which worked in my favor as I could consult him today to see if there would be any negative impact as a result of me breaking off my engagement.
“Anna, I am so happy to see you. It’s been ages. And Mr. Gray, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Please, have a seat.” Spencer directed us to the small boardroom table where he had his laptop and printer set up. I had emailed him a copy of the business plan and proposed partnership agreement for Graystone Design and Construction. And true to form, he had focused his time on reviewing the proposal.
I
“Anna, your business plan is brilliant. I see no reason for it not to succeed and flourish. Though I am surprised you are pulling away from Fredericks Design Co. May I ask why?”
“Well, in truth, my life depends on it.”
