How to Woo a Wallflower by Carlyle Christy

Author:Carlyle, Christy
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-11-14T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“I’m learning how much can be conveyed, without words, with a single glance.”

—JOURNAL OF CLARY RUTHVEN

After the second vendor meeting, Clary was astounded at how much Gabriel knew about the inner workings of her family’s business. Down to specific numbers of inventory. He was conversant with binderies, printers, distributors, which bookstores favored their stock and which did not. He also seemed apprised of their competitor’s businesses, not to mention the various features and costs of every product each vendor offered. One discussion with an ink distributor had lasted ten minutes on the topic of the translucency and viscosity of their various brands.

By the fifth meeting, she had no idea how he remained seated in one spot for such a long stretch at a time. Between each visitor, she paced around his office or went out onto the pavement for a breath of air. During meetings, she found herself tapping her pencil, her fingers, her heels. And then he’d look at her, not in the chastising way of a man charged as her mentor, but a shadow of the way he had in the library. An intense look, as if she was the only other person in the room. He had a knack for choosing the moments when their visitor had his head down, making notes.

His looks were almost as powerful as his touch, warming her from across the room. She spent a good deal of time sipping tea, which only made her warmer and more eager to move.

The last vendor ate every last biscuit and complimented her on the tea. Daughtry had fetched them a second pot midday, and the flavor was deeper and richer than the first.

“This was very nice,” Mr. Bast said as he stood to depart, handing Clary his empty teacup. “I never get treated with half this much thoughtfulness when calling on your competitors, Miss Ruthven.”

“Then you should remember us, Mr. Bast.” Clary grinned at the slim young man. “And give us a discount.”

He chuckled so heartily that the two wings of his mustache danced above his lips. “Perhaps I shall do just that, Miss Ruthven. You’ll be receiving a proposal from me via post based on our discussion, Mr. Adamson. Thank you both.” He tipped his hat before ramming it onto his pomaded blond hair and striding from the office.

“Is that the last one?” Clary paced, swinging her arms and stretching her back to ease the knots from sitting too long.

“For today,” Gabe said as he watched her. “Though as charmed as they all were by you, I suspect most would be willing to return tomorrow if you like.”

“Were they charmed?” She pivoted to make her way back toward him and deliberately passed behind him. He’d shed his coat midday, and the shiny material of his dark gray waistcoat fit snuggly, emphasizing his narrow waist and broad back.

He twisted his head to watch her pass. “You know they were.”

“You almost sound jealous, Mr. Adamson.” Returning to her chair, she retrieved her notebook and clutched it to her chest.

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