Ыоуве Been Warned   ::   Patterson James

In front me there’s a crowded bar and an equally crowded lounge area, beyond which begins the crowded dining room. The way it’s laid out, I can see only the first few tables.

As I make my way to a better view, one thing becomes clear. With its dark wood paneling, leather club chairs, and portions that could choke the Lincoln Tunnel, this is definitely a place for guys. In fact, there are very few gals to be seen.

“May I help you?”

The voice startles me. I turn around to see the maître d’. So much for blowing right by him.

“I’m just looking for someone,” I say.

“Perhaps I can help you.”

“No, that’s okay.”

He glances down at what I’m wearing – a black Elie Tahari waistcoat over jeans and an Armani Exchange sweater. Stylish, perhaps, but not exactly “female executive” attire.

“Really, I insist,” he says.

I more than catch his drift. He’s not asking if he can help me, he’s telling me.

“In that case, his name is Michael Turnbull,” I say. “He comes here fairly often.”

“Yes, of course. Come this way; Mr. Turnbull’s seated in the back with his guests.”

I hesitate. “Actually, would you mind telling him that I’m here?”

“I see. And you are?”

Clearly not his wife.

“Kristin,” I say.

There’s an awkward silence between us.

“I’m his assistant,” I tack on. Immediately I regret it.

The maître d’ smiles – a little too knowingly – and disappears into the dining room.

Good one, Kris! Why not just grab a bullhorn and scream out, MISTRESS ALERT! MISTRESS ALERT!

I continue berating myself while I wait for Michael. All I can hope is that he’ll be more surprised than angry and not the other way around.

But it’s not Michael who appears from the dining room a few moments later.

It’s the maître d’ again.



Chapter 15



“HEWHAT? ”

“Mr. Turnbull asked that you join him at his table,” repeats the maître d’.

I look at the guy so sideways I nearly lose my balance. “Are you sure about that?”

“Very.”

The next thing I know I’m being led to the back of the dining room. It dawns on me. This is sooo Michael.

So confident. So in control.

So much why I love him.

It’s no surprise he runs such a successful hedge fund. He never met a risk he couldn’t minimize.

“Ah, there she is!” he says.