Chapter 14 - THE NIGHT HE ASKED HER TO STAY
The conservatory renovation finished in early spring.
The room was transformed.
Sunlight poured through restored glass panels.
Green plants climbed the walls.
Soft chairs surrounded a small fireplace.
And the entire space smelled of jasmine and fresh wood.
Adrian stood beside me on opening night.
"It's perfect," he said.
I smiled.
"I'm glad you like it."
He looked at me.
"Claire."
Something in his voice made me turn.
"Yes?"
He hesitated.
For a man who commanded rooms full of powerful people, he suddenly looked uncertain.
"I need to ask you something."
I smiled nervously.
"Okay."
He took a breath.
"Would you have dinner with me?"
I laughed.
"We eat dinner together all the time."
He shook his head.
"No."
He looked directly into my eyes.
"A real dinner."
My heart stopped.
"Adrian."
He continued.
"Not as your employer."
I swallowed.
"Then as what?"
He smiled faintly.
"As a man who's fallen in love with you."
The room went silent.
I stared at him.
He looked almost frightened.
"I know the circumstances are complicated," he said. "And I don't want you to feel pressured."
I looked down.
Then back at him.
"I care about you too."
His expression softened.
"But?"
I smiled sadly.
"But I need to know that if this doesn't work, I still have my own life."
He nodded immediately.
"Of course."
I took a breath.
"Then yes."
He froze.
"Yes?"
I smiled.
"Yes, Adrian. I'll have dinner with you."
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For the first time since I'd met him, the most feared man in New York looked completely speechless.
And I loved that.
