A Matter of Trust: London Calling Book One by Kat Faitour

leaving Natalie to follow.
    ***
    Hours later, Bennett yanked off his tie and unbuttoned his shirt as he walked through his Notting Hill townhouse. Trading his suit for dark denims, he added an untucked button-down in soft cotton. Barefoot, he padded down to his kitchen.  
    He eyed the sterile solitude. Cool marble and stainless steel surrounded him as he gathered ingredients for a simple salad and omelet. His mobile phone lay on the counter, full of female contacts.  
    He tore romaine with more vigor than necessary. As he lined up ingredients for vinaigrette, his thoughts were of two women in particular. Combined, they were enough trouble for any man.
    First, Natalie was moody.  
    They’d worked together, seamlessly, for over five years. She was integral to his success, both personally and professionally. He winced, thinking of the times he’d joked about her being his other half.
    It had been too easy to begin partnering with her at occasional social engagements. They’d never progressed to being lovers, but he realized now she had feelings for him that he didn’t share. Sighing, he admitted it was another miscalculation on his part.  
    Because that was all before Devon.
    He drizzled olive oil into the dressing while he whisked. Since that first, fateful day, Devon Sinclair had enchanted, enraged and consumed him. He absently rubbed at the tension knotting the muscles in his neck.  
    He needed to take back control.
    The kitchen door opened behind him, admitting a tall, silver haired man. Wiping his hands on a towel, he embraced the older man.  
    “Granddad.” He fielded his coat, hanging it on a nearby peg. Handing his grandfather a spoon, he said, “Taste this. Tell me if it needs anything.”
    Charles Sterling pronounced the vinaigrette superb while perching on a stool at the large work island. He reached for the open bottle of Chablis sitting nearby and filled the two glasses Bennett slid toward him.  
    “I’ve been thinking of paying you a visit. You beat me to it.” Bennett raised his glass, acknowledging the older man.
    “I can still beat you at most things, despite my age.” Laughter brightened his grandfather’s dark-blue eyes. “I’m certainly better at socializing. So tell me what you’re feeding me, then catch me up on everything else happening with my favorite grandchild.”  
    Bennett lit the burner under the small omelet pan, watching as a pat of butter sizzled into foam. He rolled his neck and chuckled, realizing all the tension had gone.
    “You’re getting wine, salad, and an omelet, in that order. Maybe a brandy later since you think you’re so funny.” He turned, sliding a perfectly rolled, airy omelet onto a warm plate before passing it to his grandfather. “I’m your only grandchild.”
    ***
    Later that evening, Bennett sipped cognac in an overstuffed armchair situated at a right angle to another containing his grandfather. Fire flickered in the fireplace close by. “I’m glad you stopped by.”  
    Charles swirled his brandy, examined, and then breathed it in before taking a drink. With eyes closed, he said, “Mm. As usual, you have excellent taste. Of course, you come by it naturally.” Eyes crinkling with humor, he enjoyed another swallow. “Now tell me what’s bothering you. Business or pleasure?”
    Bennett briefly considered prevaricating. However, he knew his granddad would see through him and dig his heels in further. Bennett pinched the bridge of his nose, choosing his words. “I suppose it’s both. There is a woman. And she works for me. She’s smart, beautiful, dynamic. She’s also driving me out of my damn mind.”
    Charles listened, completely relaxed in his chair, cognac lightly clasped in one hand.  
    Bennett continued. “Obviously we can’t have a relationship. You know how I feel about dating within the company,” he broke off at his grandfather’s puzzled look. “You must know I never do after Olivia. That was a disaster.” He took a breath