Chapter 23 THE COFFEE DATE
NOVA'S POV
The drive to Blackthorn Industries was the most uncomfortable twenty minutes of my life.
Callum didn't speak. Didn't look at me. Just stared straight ahead, his hands tight on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched so hard I could see the muscle jumping.
I wanted to say something. I wanted to explain, to apologize, to make this better somehow.
But what could I say? That I was sorry for wanting to have coffee with someone? That I was sorry for not immediately agreeing to their arrangement?
We pulled into the parking garage and Callum put the car in park.
"After your date," he said, his voice carefully controlled, "come to my office. We'll be waiting."
"Callum, I—"
"That's all I have to say to you right now, Nova." He finally looked at me and the hurt in his eyes made my chest ache. "Go. You're going to be late."
I got out of the car and watched him drive away to the executive level.
My phone buzzed as I was walking to the elevator.
Text from Matthias: Can't wait to see you this afternoon. You've been on my mind constantly.
I stared at the message, guilt twisting in my stomach.
What was I doing? Why was I putting everyone through this?
\---
The morning dragged by in a blur.
I couldn't focus on work. Couldn't concentrate on the financial reports spread across my desk. Kept checking the clock every five minutes, watching the hours crawl toward two o'clock.
Jasmine stopped by around eleven with coffee.
"You okay?" she asked, studying my face. "You look stressed."
"I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind."
"Is it the coffee date?" She sat down in the chair across from my desk. "Are you nervous?"
"Something like that."
"Well, don't be. He sounds great from what you've told me. Successful, charming, actually interested in you. That's a win in my book." She took a sip of her coffee. "Plus, it'll be nice for you to get out of this building for a bit. Away from all the Blackthorn intensity."
If only she knew.
"Yeah, you're probably right."
"Of course I'm right." She grinned. "Now finish that report so you can leave on time. You don't want to be late for Mr. Perfect."
She left and I turned back to my computer, trying to focus.
At one thirty, I packed up my things and headed to the bathroom to check my appearance. My makeup had held up okay despite the morning's tears. I reapplied my lipstick and fluffed my curls.
Ember & Brew was only two blocks away. I could walk there in five minutes.
I grabbed my bag and headed for the elevator.
\---
Ember & Brew was exactly the kind of place I'd expected. Warm lighting, exposed brick walls, the smell of freshly ground coffee beans filling the air. Vintage pendant lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over everything.
Small tables scattered throughout, most of them occupied by people working on laptops or having quiet conversations. Indie music played softly in the background, just loud enough to create ambiance without being intrusive.
I spotted Matthias immediately.
He was sitting at a corner table near the window, wearing a charcoal gray suit that looked like it cost more than my monthly salary. His dark blond hair was perfectly styled, and when he saw me, his entire face lit up with a smile that made my stomach flip.
He stood as I approached, and I noticed he was even taller than I remembered. Broad shoulders, confident posture, the kind of presence that commanded attention without trying.
"Nova." My name on his lips sounded like music. "You look absolutely stunning."
Heat crept up my neck. "Thank you. You look very handsome yourself."
He moved around the table and pulled out my chair, waiting until I sat before taking his own seat across from me. The gesture was so old-fashioned, so gentlemanly, that it made me smile despite my nerves.
"I took the liberty of ordering for us," he said, gesturing to the two lattes already on the table. "I hope you don't mind. I remembered you mentioned liking lattes when we met at Maison Noir. But if you'd prefer something else, I can absolutely get it changed."
"No, this is perfect. Thank you." I wrapped my hands around the warm cup, the ceramic smooth against my palms.
"Good." He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease. "I have to admit, I've been looking forward to this all week. You're a hard woman to get out of my head, Nova Sinclair."
I felt myself blushing. "I find that hard to believe. I'm sure you have plenty of other things occupying your mind."
"Business, yes. But even during board meetings, I found myself thinking about you." His gray-blue eyes locked on mine. "Wondering what you were doing. If you were thinking about me too."
"I was," I admitted before I could stop myself.
His smile widened. "That's very good to hear."
We sat there for a moment, just looking at each other, and I felt something shift in the air between us. Something warm and promising and slightly dangerous.
"So," he said, taking a sip of his latte. "How has your first week at Blackthorn Industries been? Are they treating you well?"
"It's been intense but good. I'm learning a lot." I took a drink of my own latte, savoring the rich espresso flavor. "The work is actually really interesting. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I do."
"That's wonderful. You seem like a natural at it." He set down his cup. "What made you choose to work there? I imagine someone with your talents had other options."
"Honestly? I didn't have many options. Richard Blackthorn gave me the job as a favor. My mother was married to him before she died."
Something flickered in his eyes. "I'm sorry for your loss. That must have been difficult."
"It was. Still is, some days."
"And the Blackthorn sons? What do they like to work for?"
"Demanding. Callum especially. He expects perfection in everything." I traced my finger around the rim of my cup. "But he's fair. If you do good work, he recognizes it."
"I'm sure you do excellent work." He leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, have you heard much about the business world here in Meridian City? The major players?"
"A little. Why?"
"Just curious. My company, Kane Tower, competes with a lot of the firms here. Including Blackthorn Industries." He said it casually, like it was no big deal. "Nothing personal, of course. Just the nature of business."
"You're competitors?" I hadn't known that.
"In some sectors, yes. We've butted heads a few times over acquisitions and contracts. But I try not to let business interfere with my personal life." His smile was warm. "Especially not when I'm sitting across from a beautiful woman."
I felt my cheeks heat again as the tension between us was building. If he was a competitor to Callum and Elias. Are they aware? Is this the reason they don't want him even without meeting him?