Faithful by Louise Bay

pitch because of me? Was this meeting to see me? He took his seat at the head of the table and addressed David. His hair was glossy and the perfect length for running my fingers through—
    Focus, Leah.
    He completely commanded the table. No one was able to take their eyes from him, especially not me. I found myself studying his lips and absentmindedly reached for my own as I imagined what his would feel like on mine. My eyes moved down to his broad chest covered in his expensive suit and tie.
    And that’s when I noticed. That distinct band of gold on his left ring finger. I looked from his left hand up to his eyes for the first time since we shook hands and he caught my eye and I looked down again to check I wasn’t imagining what I’d seen. He must have realized what I was looking at and he instinctively covered his left hand with his right and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. My breath caught in my chest.
    I caught him in his lie.
    The rest of the meeting was a blur. I was on autopilot—I spoke at all the right points and in the same way as we had rehearsed, but I didn’t have any conscious control over anything. It just happened. I addressed everything I said to Jim and Emily. I could feel Daniel watching me, but I couldn’t look at him. I was worried I would blurt out, “You’re married! You told me you were divorced! I’ve been questioning my relationship because of you!” Of course I didn’t. And then we were packing up our papers and being seen to reception. Daniel was called away before we said goodbye.
    “Good job , Leah.” David said on the walk back to the office.
    “Really? I was so nervous that I wasn’t sure what I said.”
    “No, really excellent  Even better than last time. I think they liked us.”
    Thank goodness. That’s what good preparation rewarded you with , I thought. I was right to throw myself into work. And now I had no reason to be distracted. Daniel was married, I was engaged. That was the end of that.
    Back at my desk, David came over . “Leah, I’ve just had a message from Daniel Armitage’s office. He’d like another copy of our presentation. Can you walk it over?”
    “Sure, I can get Deb to go.”
    “I think you should go in case he has other questions. Stop on your way home. Thanks, Leah.”
    Great. He’s going to think I want to see him. I couldn’t say anything to David now , though. I had left it too late. Oh god, I hadn’t even thought of what would happen if we actually won the pitch. I’d have to see him all the time!
    I finished what I was doing, logged off my compute r, grabbed another copy of the presentation, and headed out the door. I would just leave it at reception and run like the wind.
    “Hi . Is that the additional copy of the presentation?” The bubbly receptionist smiled at me.
    “Yes, can I leave it with you?”
    “Actually, Mr. Armitage has a couple of questions for you. I’ll see you to his office.”
    I wasn’t sure how this day could get much worse.
    The receptionist put her head into an office . “Daniel, I have Leah from Wilkins & Watkins for you.” She beamed at me. “Do go in, Leah.”
    I stepped just inside the door, my eyes fixed on the ground. I left it open. Hopefully this would be strictly professional.
    Daniel got up and reached behind me to close the door. He was close enough for me to breathe in his masculine scent, and my god, he smelled delicious. He held both my shoulders in his firm grip.
    “Look at me , Leah.” I couldn’t stop myself; I brought my eyes up to meet his. “I need to explain all this to you. I realize this afternoon could have felt like an ambush—“
    “I need to go ,” I interrupted.
    “Not before I’ve explained. Sit down, Leah.”
    I didn’t argue—I couldn’t argue. His hands, still on my shoulders, guided me to one of the sofas and pushed me gently to sit down. He sat next to me, his body positioned toward me. I was hyper-aware of every inch of him and his proximity to me. I stared