Brushing Off the Boss: A Half Moon Bay Novel (Entangled Bliss) Read online

  Jack was waiting for her outside the cottage, and he’d put his bike away. “Can we go back into town in your car?”

  She unlocked the door and shot him a grin over her shoulder. “Bit misty for you here on the coast?” She pointed to the wet helmet in his hand.

  “No, I’m used to New York weather.” That damned perpetual grin was still on his face.

  Did nothing ruffle the man?

  “I just thought it would be nice to travel in together. We could always go on the bike.” His smile did something to her, and her heart gave a funny little flip as she pushed opened the door.

  “This isn’t a date, okay?”

  “No. It’s a business meeting, but we’re leaving from the same place to go to the same place so it makes sense to travel in the same car…or on the same bike?”

  She put her hands on her hips. “All right. You win. It makes sense, I suppose. But it’s not a date…and I don’t like bikes, so we’ll take my car.”

  “It’s not a date.” He repeated her words solemnly and she shot him a look. “You’ll have to pick somewhere because I don’t know my way around the area yet.” He put his bike helmet down inside the door. “I’ve only got jeans or bike leathers.”

  “Do you like Italian?”

  “I’ll eat anything.”

  She was sure he would. “There’s a nice place in Monterey. Great food and a live jazz band.” She needed some music and crowds around her to snap her out of the doldrums. Whenever she let the worry take over, the muse disappeared and her work suffered. And she couldn’t afford to have much downtime this week after that sale.

  “Sounds great. Half hour?” Jack stood there looking at her, and Sienna snapped her thoughts back to present.

  “You might be able to get ready in half an hour, but I’m going to have a soak in a deep bubble bath before we go anywhere.” As soon as the words were out, she regretted them. The grin got wider; he was obviously using his imagination. Sienna gave him a little shove. “You go to your apartment and leave me in peace. I’ll knock on your door when I’m ready.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” With a final grin he disappeared down the hall, and Sienna didn’t relax until she heard his door open and close.

  The restaurant was crowded and noisy, and the band was playing. Jack held her chair out for her after they were shown to a discreet corner table away from the band.

  “At least it’s quieter here.” Sienna put her bag on the floor. “We can talk. I made a list of things I want to sort out with you.”

  “Water?” The drinks waiter stood beside the table.

  “Yes, please.” Sienna pulled out her iPad. She’d taken it into the bath with her and made a list as she’d soaked in the bubbles.

  Straight to business. This was not a date.

  “We’ve sorted out the studio and your storage. Now we need you to make some decisions on the day-to-day running of the gallery.”

  “Put it away.”

  “What?”

  “The iPad.” Jack pointed to the computer on the table in front of her. “I told you, I don’t want to run the gallery. Do what you want.” For the first time today, he looked serious.

  “But—”

  “You’ve been doing fine. I’m happy for things to go on the way they are. Like I said earlier, we’ll see what happens after your show. Then you decide if you want to stay, or if you want out.”

  Sienna frowned at him. “But—”

  “If you want out at the end of the month, I’ll find another manager. Now let’s enjoy dinner.”

  “So we didn’t need a business dinner after all?”

  “No, but we will talk salary before we order. I looked into how much we’ve been paying you and it’s not enough. The gallery has been doing so well, you need to be compensated more.”

  Sienna lifted her glass and sipped her water. “Well, that is very kind. I won’t object.” With a higher salary and selling more frogs, she would be in a better position to look around for her own place…and maybe build her studio.

  “Nothing kind. Good business.”

  For a moment, she caught a glimpse of the businessman beneath the casual facade. He was a chameleon, that was for sure. Then his wide grin reappeared, and Jack leaned back in his chair. “So business is over now. We need dinner and you need some time out.”

  “What do you mean I need time out?”

  Jack reached over and put his finger beneath her chin, and she pulled back a little as a tingle ran down her neck to her back. “I told you this afternoon. You have the most expressive face.”

  “Stop right there. Read my lips.” She folded her arms to cover the thudding of her heart. “This. Is. Not. A. Date.”

  He held his hands out in front of him innocently. “Did I say it was?”

  Sienna tilted her head to the side and studied him, and she couldn’t stop the smile that was tugging at her lips. “Are you always so happy?”

  He grinned at her and she rolled her eyes. He’d worn a black polo shirt with his black jeans, and if it was possible, the dark color added to his sex appeal. She was going to have to work very hard to keep him at a distance. “Tell me about New York. You said you went back to help out in the family business. That’s where you know Blake from?”

  Jack leaned back in his chair. “Yeah. I grew up in a wealthy family, went to the best schools, and was expected to follow the family path. My father had big plans for me. So when I dropped out of college and took off to art school, you could say he was less than impressed.”

  “But why the move out here?” She watched as his green eyes lit up. “You could have bought a gallery back there.”

  “I guess I got the idea from Blake. I met him when he worked for Dad at Home and Hardware and we clicked. A few games of golf, and he told me about his home in San Francisco, and how much he loved living out here on the West Coast. I came out on a trip and caught up with him. I actually bought the gallery the same week I met you at that doohickey place.”

  Sienna fought the rising panic that welled in her throat. She remembered how she’d been so attracted to him back then. Now his smile was sending constant shivers down her back, contrasting with the hot feeling in her chest.

  “The time that Ana and Blake finally got together,” she said weakly.

  Fight it.

  “So enough about me. Tell me about you. You and Georgie grew up here?” His green-eyed gaze locked with hers, and Sienna focused on her breathing. The shaky feeling disappeared a little as she thought of her background, and she met his gaze squarely.

  “Yes. We were born in Texas but grew up in Nebbiton. Our father ran off when we were little, and our mother chased after him and brought us to Half Moon Bay to stay. Her brother and his wife took us in.” Jack’s eyes were fixed on hers, unblinking. She looked down. Jack’s fingers were rubbing the inside of her wrist. She hadn’t even been aware of him picking up her hand.

  “So then you had a happy childhood after that?”

  “We did. Uncle Renzo and Aunt Lucia gave us all the love we needed.” She stared over his shoulder and couldn’t keep the bitterness out of her voice. “Now our mother only ever comes back when she wants something.”

  “Parents can be a trial. I guess I was the opposite. My father smothered me, tried to put what he thought I should do over what I wanted.”

  She held her breath as Jack’s deep voice washed over her. “That’s why I’d never have children.”

  Well, that’s one thing we agree on. “Me either.”

  Sienna picked up her water glass and took a long drink.

  “Wine?” Jack called the waiter over. “If we have one glass you can still drive. Or if you’ll trust me I could drive that snazzy little car home.”

  Home?

  Jack had settled in a bit too quickly for her liking. She was in his gallery, he was in her apartment, and now they were having a too-cozy dinner. And Sienna knew the riot of feelings and the trembling of her legs had more to do with his presence across the table
than the hunger gnawing at her stomach. She didn’t answer him, and she watched as the waiter opened the bottle. When the ruby-red liquid filled her glass, she held it up to the light, fascinated by the depth of color. “Do you know how hard it is to replicate that ruby red?”

  When he nodded, she looked at him curiously. “Tell me about your work, about your art.”

  Jack stared past her, and she wondered for a moment what he was thinking about. He lifted the glass to his lips and Sienna looked away. Coming out to dinner, no matter that he said it wasn’t a date, had not been a good idea. She was altogether too attracted to him. Ana and Georgie were the only two people she ever let into her heart. Even Uncle Renzo and Aunt Lucia were kept at a distance; she could never quite trust. She kept her heart locked up tight, and there was no way she was going to leave herself open to be hurt. She’d fostered the prickly exterior and kept people at a distance, and she didn’t like the way Jack was able to get past it. He drilled right past her defenses and unsettled her. He was way too observant for her liking…and way too interested in her.

  And I’m way too attracted to him. I’m going to have to be very careful here. She needed to brush him off a little.

  His next words brought her back to the present, and she focused on what he was saying.

  “I’m not sure what you’ll think about it. And I have a feeling it might impact your decision to stay in the gallery.”

  “Why?” She tipped her head to the side. It was the most serious she’d seen him be.

  “Your exhibition.”

  “What’s it got to do with my exhibition?” Unease snaked its way to her stomach, and she picked up the wine and took a sip to cover her uncertainty. He’d seen way too much of that already over one dinner.

  “Because of what I do.”

  “What do you mean?” It was a strange moment. Jack’s expression was so intense she couldn’t read him.

  “In a way, our work might complement each other’s.”

  “Jack, get to the point.” Sienna lowered her voice and put her hands beneath her chin. “Will you stop beating around the bush and tell me what you’re trying to say?”

  “Is this the first time you’ve experimented with vitreous enamel? Do you have anything bigger than the frogs?” His gaze was fixed on her.

  “Not in enamel,” she said. “Only my paintings.”

  His shoulders dropped and he let out a breath as she watched.

  “My enamel work is all based on small creatures. Frogs, mice, snails…sort of cutesy stuff. My first few pieces were really popular. That’s why I decided to do a range of creatures,” she said as he held her gaze. Jack was worrying her with his intense interest in the nature of her pieces. She had a feeling he was about to drop something she didn’t like.

  “That’s excellent, then.” He nodded.

  “What are you trying to say?” Sienna tipped her head to the side waiting for his explanation.

  “It is a coincidence, because I haven’t even seen it in galleries in New York recently.”

  She stared at him, and he hurried on. “I sculpt in copper and bronze too, and I use enamel to create pictures on my sculptures.”

  Sienna shook her head slowly and frowned. “So you were worried about having the same type of exhibition?” It was a coincidence. When she’d researched the process, she’d found few other artists who were using the same process. And she hadn’t come across his name at all. She would have recognized it if she had. Her heart plummeted. Or maybe this was what the dinner and softening her up was all about. Maybe he’d changed his mind about her exhibition? If she was honest, she hoped he enjoyed being with her. The problem was, she found him so damned attractive, and no matter what his intentions were, all she could think about was getting close to him. Even when she was so unsure of what he wanted for the gallery, and her role in it, all she could think of was how it would feel to be held by him. If she looked into his eyes, she was a goner. She firmed her voice to push away the unwanted riot of feelings racing though her.

  “Are you trying to tell me that you don’t want my pieces exhibited in your gallery because it will take away the impact of yours when you have your own?” She narrowed her eyes as she thought of something else. “Wait, it’s more than that. Do you think I’ve copied your ideas?”

  Shoot.

  Chapter Eight

  “Of course not.” Jack reached for Sienna’s hand but she pulled back.

  Sienna was the most unpredictable woman he’d ever met. He’d had plenty of girlfriends, and he thought he knew his way around women pretty well. He’d learned when to say the right thing, and when to shut his mouth, and when to nod and not speak, but he was having trouble reading the mixed signals Sienna was giving out. Despite the complication of the gallery and their art, and living in the same place, he had this overwhelming need to kiss her. And he wanted her in his bed.

  “Just get to the point, Jack. If you’ve changed your mind, spit it out.” Her cheeks were flushed, and as he watched she crossed her arms in front of her chest and glared at him. “But don’t lie to me.”

  “Settle down. There’s no need to get upset.”

  “Well, I am. These past few days have been unnerving, and now you’re about to tell me I have to find somewhere else to have my exhibition in your gallery, because my work is the same as yours?”

  He shook his head. “Calm down. Where did you ever get the idea I was going to cancel your show?” He straightened in his chair. “I gave you my word that you could have it there, and I don’t go back on my word.”

  “Well, you’d be the first man I’ve ever met who hasn’t.” Sienna’s voice was sad and the look on her face dispelled the anger that had been building in his chest. “Look, this whole thing is getting complicated. Let’s forget the month and the show. I’ll pull out and leave your gallery all to you. You obviously have some concerns about our work being too similar?”

  “No, I think it will be great for the gallery. We’ll really establish a theme with the bronze and the enameling.” This time, he took her hands in both of his and held on tightly when she tried to pull back. “I’ve already sold my pieces, and I don’t need to have an exhibition. They’ll be on display in the building. You have yours organized, and I’ll have my first show when I do some more work.”

  “No.” She shook her head slowly.

  “No, what? I’m not going to get angry, but you are beginning to piss me off with your attitude.”

  “No…I’m not being difficult. Do you really think it will work? This changes things even more.”

  Her cheeks flushed more deeply as he held on to her. “Nothing has changed, apart from you jumping to conclusions. All I really wanted to tell you…or all I wanted to do, was make sure you knew that I work in the same medium before the truck arrived with my stuff tomorrow and jumped to the wrong conclusion when you saw it.”

  He got a glimpse of her dark eyes before she looked down.

  “Your reaction tonight, when I’m trying to be honest, tells me if you’d seen my pieces unloaded tomorrow and I hadn’t told you we work in the same medium, you probably would have walked.”

  “You’re getting to know me.” She shrugged. “I probably would have.”

  “Sienna, do you always think the worst of people?” She was hard work, but he was determined to get closer to her.

  She nodded. “Until they prove themselves to me. Yes, I do.”

  The walk from the restaurant to Sienna’s car was quiet. For the rest of the meal they’d discussed the techniques they each used and Jack was pleased that Sienna seemed keen to see his work. She had relaxed a lot after he’d told her a bit more about his commission, and her interest was gratifying. He held the driver’s door open for her before walking around to the passenger side and sliding in.

  “As much as I love your car, it really is made for midgets.” His knees were cramped between the seat and the dashboard. “Next time we go on a non-date, we’ll take the bike. You’ll love it.”


  And so would I. The thought of Sienna pressed up close behind him sent a pleasurable zing through his body. Jack leaned back and closed his eyes and waited for her to start the engine, but she took her time.

  “Dratted car,” she muttered.

  Eventually there was a loud click, and she cursed again. Jack opened his eyes, and realized she’d been trying to start the car while he’d had his head back and his eyes closed, daydreaming about her in his arms.

  He shot her a teasing glance. “Don’t tell me we’re going to have to walk home. We should have come on my bike.”

  “She’s been doing this on and off for a couple of weeks. I keep meaning to get the motor looked at, but I haven’t had the time. I’ve spent every spare minute with my frogs.”

  “What’s wrong with it?”

  “Her.” Sienna shot him a cheeky glance. “It’s a she, and she’s old and cranky. Like I will be one day.”

  “Is that where I’m supposed to say you’ll be a sweet old lady? And I suppose you’re also hoping I know something about engines?”

  “Do you?” Her lips parted as she smiled at him, and a rush of need coiled through Jack’s chest. She was flirting with him.

  “The very basics.” He opened his door, enjoying the need that had moved and was now firmly lodged in every nerve ending in his body.

  Every nerve ending.

  “Open the hood and I’ll see if any parts look like they’re in the wrong place.”

  “That fills me with hope.” The sarcasm was back and he grinned. Better than the quiet tones that had touched him over dinner.

  Sienna unlocked the hood using the lever inside the car, and then she followed him around to the front. He lifted the hood and held it up with one hand as he looked for the metal prop to hold it up.

  “Sorry, it’s broken. I’ll hold it up while you look.”