Page 17 of Executive Privilege

"Oh, you didn't know? Nicholas lives at the Four Seasons downtown. Has for over a year. Never talks about it, but I handle his mail when Jennifer is on vacation." She leans forward conspiratorially. "I don't think he eve has his own furniture. Just hotel living."

That explains so much. The perfect suits, the emotional distance, the way he seems to exist in professional mode twenty-four seven. He's literally living like he's passing through his own life.

"That's..." I search for the right word.

"Lonely," Frankie supplies. "That man needs someone to remind him how to actually live instead of just exist."

Before I can respond, Angie bounces over to the reception desk, her short blonde bob catching the morning light and her energy already at ten despite the early hour.

"Did someone say Nicholas is living like a hermit?" she asks cheerfully. "Because I've been saying for months that man needs a serious intervention. He works too much, eats too many meals alone, and I'm pretty sure his idea of relaxation is reviewing quarterly reports."

"We were just discussing whether it would be completely crazy to invite him to a family dinner," I say.

Angie's blue eyes light up. "Are you serious? That's either the best idea ever or relationship suicide. There's no middle ground."

"It's not a relationship—"

"Honey," Frankie interrupts gently, "I've seen how you two look at each other during meetings. There's definitely something there."

"We have good professional chemistry," I protest.

"Professional chemistry," Angie repeats, grinning. "Is that what we're calling it?"

Before I can defend myself further, I spot Nicholas walking through the main entrance. Even from across the lobby, he carries an aura of controlled authority that makes people step aside without realizing they're doing it.

"Speak of the devil," Angie whispers, smiling her sweetest smile. "Good luck with your hypothetical dinner invitation."

"I'm not actually going to—"

"Morning, ladies," Nicholas says as he approaches the reception desk. "Sadie, do you have a few minutes to discuss the Dallas logistics?"

"Of course."

As we walk toward his office, I can feel Frankie and Angie watching us with barely concealed amusement. This is what I get for having this conversation with office gossip central.

Nicholas's office is sleek, modern, and meticulously organized. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a commanding view of downtown Austin, and the walls are covered with incredible dark monochromatic paintings that make you stop and feel sad and also angry. It's an odd feeling, looking at them. I have to look away or else get caught up in them. They feel personal to Nicholas somehow.

"Close the door," he says, settling behind his desk.

I do, then take the chair across from him, trying not to think about the fact that we're alone in his office with the door closed. Despite myself, I take a mental image in case I need it for my next inappropriate fantasy.

"I spoke with Morrison this morning," Nicholas begins, pulling up information on his computer. "They're happy with the timeline we presented, but they want to add another element to the executive content."

"What kind of element?"

"They want to include their headquarters tour as part of the content strategy. Show potential clients and employees the company culture, the workspace, the team dynamic."

I nod. "That could work well with the rebrand message. Show them as established but innovative, traditional but forward-thinking."

"My thoughts exactly. But there's more. Morrison's CEO suggested we stay for their company retreat on Saturday. Team building, strategic planning session, the kind of informal interaction that could give us great content."

"That's..." I pause, trying to process the implications. "A long time to be away from the office."

"I know it's a lot to ask. Especially on short notice. If you're not comfortable with the extended time—"

"No, it's fine." The words come out more forcefully than I intended. "I mean, it makes sense strategically. The more time we spend observing their company culture, the better we can represent it."

Nicholas nods, but there's awareness in his expression that suggests he's as conscious as I am that we're talking aboutspending four or five days together, not just a quick business trip.