BEYOND THE BOARDROOM

society functions, fortunes are made, deals are brokered, and reports are cemented over champagne toasts and indulgent hors d'oeuvres. Alexander m

and place card is perfect; knowing her scrupulous eye for detail is what. Greene relies on it to make his company shine. At 25 years

ke her mix in with the other spangling socialites. Acro

n their late nights together, Katherine has come to know the veritably mortal man behind the ruthles

the raptorial glint in the eyes of the over-groomed women circling him, empty for reflected status and wealth. Under their rapacious gaps

ncing at injuries that may never completely heal. She watches him supplicate the energy for further small talk, t

ittle signals of his fraying faculty to keep

res about the man u

and gratefulness there makes her palpitations quicken. She offers him a discreet nod and an encouraging smile, hoping to

, the stunning r

f his, the pneumatic beauty in the tight red gown presses her fractionalization against the CEO. Flustered, Mr. Greene tries politely dis

rself chairs the important charity fete commission. Causing offense pitfalls blowback for Mr. Greene and Greene Enterp

cuts purposefully through the crowd. Coming up behind Karen, Katherine adroitly insinuates herself between the woman and Mr. Greene."Your drink, Mr. Greene," she int

laring daggers at her bu

hindrance all night long. The supremely important man she serves intimately with similar care and

slikes. The part of administrative adjunct camouflages her real purpose-guarding him from behind the scenes so he suffers no insincere symbiosis or character impai

-

crumpled towels and empty wine spectacles. Outdoors, the limousines line up to whisk home the elite and aspirational. In

that have smiled too little over 50 hard times. But the face compels her still."The auto is staying downward whenever

ar armor snappily reassembles."No need, Miss Dawson. I am sure you are eager to get home yourself," he

or appear vulnerable, indeed with her. But she thinks again of the unguarded closeness they've sluggishly erected over l

ruthless mogul or cavalier playboy projected for the Machiavellia

." Katherine risks a step clos

hang between them, suddenly freighted. Does he grasp her underpi

change waits balanced on a cutter's edge. Heart-knocking, Katherine wonders hectically if she has presumed too much too fast. They risked this tender new

ave time also." His voice scrapes slightly."I would appreciate it. continued backing, Miss Daws

d be my honor." She does not trust herself with further words.

its curtains now slightly rasped, the puck lights winking out section by section, his bone frazzle after i

er, all artifice fallen. The only

coat. He holds her serape for her to slip her arms into-th

t the small of her back, his presence by her side feels def

der his impeccable poise. The partition separating them from the motorist creates a warm cocoon. Alexand

y appreciate everything you did this evening. The way you handle these affairs and, well, handle me." W

eflections."Of course. It's my pleasure to make your life run further ea

oss his face."Yes. Well." He clears his thro

en us." She answers g

wson." The formal name sounds defensive in this charged new space between them. Not rejectio

ssues in focused, professional tones that feel less like a ga

. Rain mists down, sheeting the thoroughfares in gauzy haloes around

Katherine begi

h, suddenly intimate in this sp

essly ahead before she loses her whim-whams."I have an excell

it further." Alexander trails off; the kick

rests gripped on his knee."It's no du

rded face. Hope and craving shine through, unmoored from conservative conventions or ente

p wouldn't go amiss, I suppose."

down in the rain's argentine mist. This night will change everything, Katherine knows without

the exposed man, learning to live beyond locked door

vet serape as they accelerate laughing outside, leavi