'I'd prefer Jem, if you don't mind.'
Not so pliable then. 'Then Jem it is! What are your plans for today?'
While innocent it was a loaded question as far as Jem was concerned. Without a ready answer she hedged with 'This and that.' This being lots of phone calls confirming bookings and that being the emails to be checked.
'After doing this and that do you have time for lunch in the city?' His tone was frankly sardonic. 'By my reckoning you've only been out 2 times, once with Darlene shopping and once with me on a… for dinner.'
'And the cruise?'
'Ah yes. The cruise.' The one syllable drawn out to add meaning.
Jem couldn't help but notice the dreamy look that crossed Ethan's face as he clearly reminded himself of the day out on the boat.
'But that doesn't count. I meant out in the real world, the city and so forth.' he countered, quickly snapping back to the real world Jem hoped he hadn't noticed the guilty blush that crept up her neck. She could hardly contradict his maths by saying she'd been out 3 other times in relation to his party.
'I don't want to take you from your work.' Or me from mine, she thought wryly.
'A man has to eat. Nothing fancy. What time would you like David to pick you up?'
Jem fought an inner battle. This and that, she admitted, could be put off to this afternoon. And lunch with Ethan was so tempting. But she was getting worried that time was running out, the party being only 3 days away. The look on Ethan's face as he waited for an answer clearly showed that her acceptance of his invitation was a foregone conclusion. Jem tried to sound enthusiastic and failed miserably. 'What time would you want me?'
'Anytime.'
Ethan's half smile and wicked glint made Jem blush at her innocent innuendo.
'Perhaps you'd like to go shopping before meeting up. David can be at your disposal once he's dropped me off at the office.'
Quickly rearranging her plans in her head Jem realised that she could use the service of Ethan's driver to find a present. Thankfully he was fully cognizant of the party. It would also save Darlene from having to ferry her to the event hire company for some final selections the housekeeper had decided had had to be made in person.
'Excellent. When are you leaving?'
'You're definitely keen to get me out of your hair, aren't you?'
'Of course not!' she spluttered hoping he didn't realise how close he was to the truth. 'Just the sooner you leave the sooner I can to hit the shops.'