Chapter 75: The Welcome Dinner

Chapter 75: The Welcome Dinner
Laura woke the next morning to sunlight streaming through her bedroom window and the sound of movement in the suite's main living area. She checked her phone, six-fifteen. Leonard was already up, which meant she'd need to navigate their shared bathroom schedule sooner than she'd hoped.
She pulled on her robe and cracked open her bedroom door, peeking into the living space. Leonard stood at the kitchenette in sweatpants and a t-shirt, his hair messy from sleep, making coffee with the small machine the resort had provided. The domestic sight made Laura's breath catch.
"Morning," Leonard said without turning around, somehow sensing her presence. "Coffee will be ready in a minute."
"Thanks," Laura managed, retreating back into her bedroom before he could see her rumpled appearance.
By the time she showered and dressed for the day's activities, Leonard had left a mug of coffee on the counter for her, prepared exactly how she liked it. The gesture felt both considerate and dangerous, like they were playing house in a way that blurred too many lines.
Laura spent the day avoiding Leonard as much as possible during team-building exercises. They were paired for a trust fall activity that required her to literally fall backward into his arms, and the physical contact left her flustered for the rest of the afternoon. By evening, when Nathan announced the formal dinner, Laura was exhausted from emotional management.
"Tonight's dinner is a bit more dressed up," Nathan had explained during lunch. "Business casual at minimum. We have some special announcements and recognition awards to present."
Now Laura stood in front of her closet, staring at the limited selection of clothes she'd packed. She'd brought one dress, a simple navy blue number that hit just above her knees. It was the only option that qualified as formal enough for a business dinner.
She changed quickly, adding small pearl earrings and minimal makeup. When she emerged from her bedroom, Leonard was waiting in the living area, and the sight of him made her steps falter.
He wore dress pants and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms, revealing the strong lines of his arms. His hair was styled with the same care he used for board meetings, and he'd shaved, making his jaw look even more defined.
But what stopped Laura completely was the way Leonard looked at her when he saw her dress. His eyes traveled from her face down to her heels and back up, and his expression shifted into something heated that he didn't bother hiding.
"You look..." Leonard started, then seemed to lose his words. "Laura, you look incredible."
"It's just a dress," Laura said, though her cheeks burned at the intensity of his gaze.
"It's not just a dress," Leonard replied, his voice lower than usual. "Trust me."
The walk to the dining hall felt charged with electricity. Other employees passed them in the corridor, also dressed up for the evening, and Laura noticed several women do double-takes when they saw Leonard. She understood the reaction, Leonard cleaned up devastatingly well.
The dining hall had been transformed even more dramatically than the previous night. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the tables were set with formal china and multiple wine glasses. A string quartet played classical music in one corner, creating an elegant atmosphere that felt more like a high-society gala than a company dinner.
"Wow," Laura breathed as they entered.
"Seems like they pulled out all the stops," Leonard agreed.
Nathan directed them to Table 3, which Laura realized with growing dread was the senior executive table. Vincent and Maria Conti were already seated, along with Margaret Patterson and Robert Williams from the board. The only other seats were directly beside each other.
"Perfect timing," Vincent said as they approached. "Leonard, Laura, please sit."
Laura found herself seated between Leonard and Margaret, while Leonard had his father on his other side. The seating arrangement meant their shoulders nearly touched, and Laura was hyperaware of Leonard's presence beside her throughout the cocktail hour.
Wine flowed as appetizers were served. Maria engaged Laura in conversation about her family, asking questions that felt both genuine and evaluative. Laura got the impression she was being assessed as more than just an employee.
"Your mother must be very proud of your accomplishments," Maria said, sipping her wine. "Not many young women achieve director level so quickly."
"She is, though she still doesn't entirely understand what I do," Laura admitted with a smile. "She tells her friends I 'work with medicine companies,' which is close enough."
Maria laughed warmly. "Vincent's mother was the same way. She told everyone he 'did business things' even after the company went public."
Around them, other tables filled with employees enjoying the formal dinner. Jane caught Laura's eye from across the room and made an exaggerated swooning gesture that Laura pretended not to see.
When the main course was served, Vincent stood to make a toast. The room quieted as everyone turned their attention to the head table.