Take Me Down (Suits in Pursuit) (27 page)

“Well,” he said, as he strolled toward her. “I had asked my buddy Daniel to help find Copper, but he didn’t find any leads. I went to the building Thursday morning to handle some business. I was standing on the curb talking through some details with a few of the construction crew when the robin caught my eye. The little thing had been fluttering frantically around one of the shrubs at the front of the building, almost like it was trying to get my attention.” He stared past her, as though remembering the moment. “I walked to the shrub, and that’s when I saw Copper. He was curled up underneath the bush.”

“Really?” A hand mounted her hip. Ashley gave Sebastian a skeptical grin. “Copper never goes to strangers willingly, without a fight.”

“I’m not finished.” He lifted his right hand. “I learned that the hard way.” His hand wore the mark of his scuffle with Copper. “I saw his leash attached to an adjacent lamppost. A woman on a cell phone a few feet away came barreling toward me. She asked if I was Copper’s owner. I said no, but I told her that I knew his owner.”

“She just gave Copper to you?” Ashley asked as she placed an overly excited Copper on the floor.

“Not exactly. She seemed suspicious of me even after I told her my name and that I own the Carlisle. Thankfully, Cassie walked by us on her way into the office. She spoke to me first, confirming my identity. That’s when Mrs. Wright handed over the leash.”

On the floor, Copper ran laps around them, circling their legs as he panted and yelped for attention. Ashley peered down at him, an uncontrollable grin spread across her face. Rising on tippy-toes, “Thank you,” she said, and threw her arms around his neck. “My hero.”

Sebastian’s hands found her waist. He peeled her off him, forcing her back so that he could look into her cheerful eyes. “You’re welcome,” he said, closing the distance between them with a tender kiss planted on her forehead. “I would have given him to you sooner, but I wanted to make sure he was Copper. I had his microchip checked. I also had a vet see him. He’s perfectly healthy.”

“Sebastian, I can’t thank you enough. Copper is the only joy in my life. I’ve had him since he was a puppy and I’ve been depressed without him. He’s the only good thing I’ve got in my life.”

His head jerked back. “Well, thanks,” he said. “I guess I’m useless.”

Ashley lowered her head and then met his frowning face. “That’s not what I meant, but you and I… well, you know.” She halted her words, and turned her eyes down again. “I just meant that Copper is the one thing in my life that has been steady. A girl needs a little stability in the uncertainty of life,” she said, her smile meeting his focused stare, eyes set deep beneath a wrinkled brow.

Sebastian looked as though he wanted to counter her remark. Instead, he remained quiet, only continued staring at her. “You’re welcome, all the same. If you really want to make it up to me…” He stopped and reached for Ashley’s hand, pulling her from the spare room.

Giggling, Ashley went willingly down the hall with him. Copper followed, yelping and playing behind them.

Sebastian scooped up Copper. “Oh, no you don’t. You can have her back when I’m all done,” he said, giving Ashley a smoldering look that shot sensations straight to her girlie parts.

Chapter Seventeen

Under the conference table, Sebastian tightened his hold on Ashley’s hand. He leaned to the side, whispered in her ear, “Hey, are you okay? There’s no reason for you to be nervous. You’ve done a fantastic job. Do it just like we practiced. You’ll be fine.” She smelled like heaven. The sweet and spicy fragrance she wore matched her grit and determination.

She squeezed his hand in return and leaned into his right shoulder. He couldn’t get enough of those big brown eyes now peering up at him, seeking approval. “Thank you. I have a lot riding on this project as you know. Axel won’t ease up, and I really want this promotion.”

At the mention of his name, Axel waltzed into the conference room. Ashley loosened her hand from Sebastian’s grip and sat up straight. Sebastian knew Ashley would be nervous, especially being the only woman in the room. Not helping matters, Axel’s permanent scowl and transfixed stare pierced a hole through Ashley. The only time the man seemed to soften had been around his wife Kerrigan.

Around the table, Sebastian, six other businessmen, and Ashley’s boss Axel all turned eyes on her as Axel spoke. “Ashley is here to present our plan for the Carlisle. I know she and Sebastian have spent countless hours drafting and revising the plan that you are about to see.”

Sebastian squeezed her knee. Ashley cleared her throat. “Gentlemen, I know your interest today is in how we plan to market the Carlisle. Each of you gentlemen is considering entering into lease agreements based on how much potential traffic and business this plan will generate. I do appreciate your coming into town to tour the facility and to see firsthand why we are excited about this property.”

Axel arched a brow.

Ashley smiled, and addressed him. “Axel, earlier this morning I took Brian and Sam on a tour of the property. This afternoon, John, Michael, Bob, and Ryan will join me for a tour.”

Axel gave an approving nod, indicating for her to continue.

“Well, for starters, we’ve decided to rebrand. The Carlisle brand has both good and bad name recognition. We want to preserve the good and eliminate the bad, pay homage to the past while forging ahead to the future. Therefore, the property will undergo a name change and rebrand.” Ashley jabbed the button on the slide advancer. “Welcome to the future. Welcome to Carlisle Place, a destination and a place to call home.”

“The property is absolutely magnificent,” Brian Evans said. “We’re set to begin negotiations this week. Our attorney will contact yours.” An endorsement from the vice president of real estate development at one the nation’s largest restaurant chains would be an added bonus.

Ashley smiled. “Thank you, Brian. Residents and future patrons have always flocked to cafés, and we are glad you see the potential in this property.”

“Your website is quite informative, the data compelling, and the creative package you sent to my office captured my attention right off. We definitely want a presence at Carlisle Place.”

“I have to agree with you, Brian,” Sam Williams chimed in. “We are very close to executing our agreement as well. Atlanta, and this zip code in particular, has a healthy appetite for wellness and health. We feel confident that our organics grocery store will do well in this market. We hope to pilot a larger store here at Carlisle Place.”

For the first time since meeting Axel, Sebastian saw him smile. Axel exposed teeth and gums. Ashley continued her presentation, showing compelling demographics and psychographic data and projections.

“I’ll skip the renderings since you all saw those on the interactive website and will see them in person today. Are there any questions?”

“Yes, can you talk more about space for arts and entertainment?” Michael Blake, head of development for Metro Movie Cinemas, asked.

“Yes, of course. There is space for up to twenty-four amphitheater-styled auditoriums that will each boast sixty-foot screens. Your sales consultant from Carlisle Place will go over specific details with you later today. Currently, other entertainment venues include six bars, four galleries, an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, and we’ve signed thirty-two other retail partners.”

Sebastian grinned at her and nudged her knee with his. Ashley advanced the slides again. “Here are details on our media campaign, beginning in two months.” The slide showed high-level information about ad placements in local real estate and entertainment publications, and on the Internet, radio and television. “An additional way we’ll promote Carlisle Place is through events. The Carlisle Place events management team is also working to book several events in the future.”

“Are there any other questions?” she asked.

Heads nodded around the table. “The tailored package you delivered answered most of my questions,” Michael said. “Our team is conducting an audit of the market, and we’ll be reaching out for more details soon. Thank you.”

Others around the table commended her and also extended their thanks.

“Great.” Ashley rose, her graceful frame stretched tall and confident. “Gentleman, please excuse me. I need to make sure everything is set for your afternoon tour and meetings.”

Ten minutes later, she returned and the meeting ended.

Sebastian turned to Axel. “May I have a word?” In the six months of working with Axel, Sebastian hadn’t seen him as jovial.

“Sure. We can stay here. Is everything all right?” Axel asked, his forehead wrinkling.

“Yes. I wanted to tell you how thoroughly impressed I am with Ashley’s work. She has been beyond accommodating, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having her in my arsenal.”

Axel smirked. “I’ll bet she’s been accommodating.”

“Well, I wanted you to know. I know she’s after a promotion. If you don’t offer that promotion to her, I just might have to make an offer to her myself. She’s become an invaluable member of my team.”

Axel leaned back in his seat, his arms folded, crossed his chest. His grin hinted at the secret he held. “Would the nature of your offer be professional or personal?” Axel waited for a reply that Sebastian refused to give. “Don’t give me that look, Sebastian. I see the way you two look at each other.” Axel unfolded his arms, leaned his forearms along the table’s edge. “I found myself in a similar position not too long ago.” He smiled.

Ashley had told Sebastian about Axel and Kerrigan, and how the two had meant, fell in love and married. While their story had been heartwarming, the last thing he wanted was to fall in love or to remarry.

Sebastian pushed away from the table. “Axel, I won’t lie to you, I do have a personal interest in Ashley, but my interest isn’t what you think—or maybe it’s exactly what you think. In either case, the thing between us isn’t long-term, and it isn’t anybody’s business except ours. Any offer I make to her would be strictly professional.” A knot formed in his stomach.

“Hmm. Interesting.” Axel’s hand massaged his chin, rubbing as he seemed to think. “You’re right. Your relationship isn’t my business. Care to join me for a drink to celebrate?”

Sebastian’s taut facial muscles loosened. The knot in his stomach untied. “The meeting did go quite well. I’ll drink to that.”

Axel fiddled with his smartphone as he spoke. “Ashley did an outstanding job. She’s always had great potential, but under pressure, she would always cave. With you, she has a new confidence.”

Sebastian shifted his position. “Just to be clear, she isn’t with me. We work well together.”

Axel raised a brow. His fingers glided across the screen. “She’ll be excited about the promotion. She’s worked a long time for the senior account manager position. What you two have cooked up will require her exclusive, dedicated focus long into the unforeseeable future.”

Inside, Sebastian couldn’t help the sense of excitement and pride he felt. He knew how much the promotion meant to Ashley. “That’s great news, Axel. She’ll be ecstatic.”

“You’re welcome,” Axel smirked, mischief in his eyes. Sebastian frowned at his remark, not sure what Axel meant. “I just texted the good news to Ashley, though I suspect she’ll be sharing the news with you soon,” Axel said.

As though Axel had orchestrated Ashley’s actions, Sebastian’s phone buzzed seconds later. A text from Ashley.

I got the promotion! The clients LOVE Carlisle Place. Best day ever!

Sebastian glanced up to meet Axel’s knowing grin.

Axel stood. “Later you and Ashley can celebrate together, privately. Like I said, you’re welcome. Now, why don’t we go get that drink?”

Ashley stepped out of her stilettos and kicked them to the side of the door where her other after-work shoes lived. Sebastian didn’t respond to the text she sent earlier that day. He stated clearly that their relationship didn’t mirror convention. Trying to keep her expectations and emotions in check, she tried to squelch the waves rolling through her insides.

Eager fingers couldn’t dial fast enough. Kerrigan answered on the second ring. A shrill poured into Ashley’s ear through the cell phone. “Axel told me,” Kerrigan squealed. “Congratulations, Ash! You’ve worked so hard. I know you wanted this for a long time. I’m so happy for you. Are you and Sebastian going to celebrate?”

Disappointment anchored in her belly. “Thank you, but my world doesn’t revolve around Sebastian. I’m quite satisfied to celebrate my promotion without involving Mr. Stone,” she lied and walked across the dark room. Ashley peered through the large window at the city lights twinkling in the distance.

At that moment, the sound of feet scuffing the floor came from the other side of the wall separating the living area from her sleeping area. She stilled. Panic struck her heart like a spear. “Kerri, keep quiet. I’m not alone. Someone’s in my house,” Ashley whispered. Clammy palms struggled to keep the phone from slipping out of her grasp.

Through the blackness, she tiptoed from the window to the kitchen counter. Reaching across the cool granite surface, her fingers curled around the slick handle of a long butcher’s knife. “I’m going to my front door. If you hear me scream, call 911.” She pocketed the phone in her slacks.