A REASON FOR MARRIAGE

Of course that was the way he’d been able to contact her, Sara thought, and he’d deliberately kept the information to himself for whatever reason that made sense to him. Sara forced a smile,” Of course, I knew,” she said hurriedly, “I’m just a little bit messed up from the drive. Work has been really hectic lately,” She turned to Simon and her smile faded away, “It’s nice to see you again too, Mr Hamilton,”

“Oh, we don’t have to be so formal now, do we, Sara?” Simon said with a grin, “I’m sure that we can both agree that we are way past that level,”

He was referring to the kiss, Sara thought, and she wanted to bang his head on the table, but she sure as hell couldn’t let this man make her lose control of her emotions again, especially not in front of Scott and Vivian. She already regretted the kiss and the slap, so she plastered another forced smile on her face, “Of course, Simon,” she said and turned to Vivian, “Shall we begin? I’m sorry but I’m quite famished,”

Her seat had been placed beside Simon’s, and she’d lost her appetite immediately she saw him, but what could she do? She could feel Simon Hamilton’s gaze on her, following her every movement, even as they began to eat.

“So how exactly do you two know each other?” Sara couldn’t stop herself from asking as she took a bite of the fish that had been served to her, although she could barely taste anything as her brain could only process the scent of perfume coming from the man seated too close for her liking.

“We met in college,” Scott replied, “And then Simon moved to London so we barely saw each other except during some of my travels for business,”

“Sounds interesting,” Sara said, although her tone suggested that she didn’t find anything about it interesting at all. “Simon obviously forgot to mention that when we met at his office,” She was being obnoxious enough for only Simon to notice, and he clearly did, because from the corner of her eyes, she could see one side of his mouth curl upwards.

“I trust you’re enjoying your move then,” Vivian pitched in.

“Indeed I am,” replied Simon, “I haven’t done much yet, but the city does look promising especially when it comes to business. Lots of promising sectors to tap into, credible investors, I must add an interesting social life and of course, beautiful women,”

Scott and Vivian found the last part of his comment amusing, but Sara couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes. Of course…Women, she thought, hating the unnecessary pang of jealousy she felt at the thought of Simon being with another woman or women as he’d put it. Why she felt that way, she had no idea, as she wasn’t in any sort of relationship with him and as far as she was concerned, she would never be.

“Ah, New York is well known as one of the cities you can rely on for an interesting social life indeed,” Scott agreed, “There’s always some party or club to go to if you want to,”

“Yes, I’ve heard people describe it as a City that never sleeps,” said Simon, then out of the blue, he added, “Sara, I’d be really honored if you would take some time out of your really busy schedule to show me around as soon as you’re done with my apartment.”

He said it so casually, as if they’d come to an arrangement the last time they spoke, that Sara almost let her intrusive thoughts of banging his head against the table win. Knowing that Scott and Vivian were watching her, she held his gaze, “As I told you last time, Simon, I don’t think I’ll be able to make out time to work on your apartment and I don’t think I’d be able to show you around as I have my plate full at the moment. Maybe you should consider hiring a tour guide or something,”

Simon regarded her with amused green eyes, “Oh, that’s no problem at all. Your brother says you’re the best when it comes to interior design and I believe him. The best is what I’d rather have, and I’ll be glad to wait till you have your… Plate… cleared up…. And then we can move forward. That’s a great idea, don’t you think so, Scott?”

Of course Scott nodded in agreement. Sara said nothing and concentrated on her food. He could say whatever he wanted, but as far as she was concerned, she wouldn’t be working for him or showing him anywhere around New York because she knew he didn’t even need her to. A man like Simon Hamilton didn’t need her to show him the city. He probably even knew the city better than she did, and had every resource he needed to explore at his disposal.

Sara tried her best to ignore him for the rest of the meal, although he didn’t make it easy for her to do so, but finally the evening came to an end and Sara announced that she’d be leaving.

“I will be taking my leave too,” said Simon, standing up as soon as she did, “Walk you to your car?” he asked her.

Sara ignored him and said goodnight to Scott and Vivian, grabbed her coat and bag, then hurried out of the house, knowing that Scott was right behind her. She was already unlocking her car when Simon approached her and she swore inwardly.

“Sara, wait,” he said.

She wanted to continue to ignore him. Wanted to act like he wasn’t there and just get into her car and drive off, but there was something about his tone that made her halt. She turned to look at him, and regretted it immediately.

Her chin rose determinedly, “What do you want, Simon?”

He regarded her for a few seconds before he spoke, “To apologize,” he said.

That wasn’t wasn’t the response she’d been expecting, “For what?”

“For not telling you that I know your brother,”

“Just that?”

He shrugged. “Yes… and for my comment at the office too. That wasn’t very… Gentlemanly of me.”

Sara agreed. He’d pissed her off with his comment, but she still shouldn’t have slapped him. She looked down at her feet and when she lifted her eyes again, she found him watching her, “I’m sorry too… That I slapped you. I’m not the kind of person who usually does stuff like that… and I apologize.”