The New Year Resolution Read Free Page B

in Ryan. Lately he’d been flying so far under the radar the press had nothing to write about. He hoped it would stay that way. He hadn’t dated anyone for almost three months – and he didn’t intend to either. Not for as long as it took to launch his latest turbine design worldwide.
    Nicole wouldn’t be an issue. After tonight it was doubtful he’d ever see her again. The press wouldn’t cotton on to this New Year’s Eve date. It was so random, and she was so different to the kind of girl he usually dated, which was precisely why he’d agreed to go out with her.
    When Dave had called with the New Year’s Eve proposition, Ryan had seized the chance. It was the perfect setup. An unknown local Pretoria girl wouldn’t attract any attention. Plus, she was ideal for his needs. Vincent was impressed by her, he could tell, and she’d done an excellent job covering for him.
    “Given enough time the media will hopefully find a different target,” he mused.
    “I hope so, for your sake, my boy.”
    The ladies returned. The rest of the table had filled up with other guests, some of whom knew Vincent and his wife and there were more introductions. Nicole seemed totally at ease amongst the financial minds of the banking industry and contributed to the lively conversations, and Ryan could see she’d earned Vincent’s respect and admiration.
    After dinner the band kicked it up a notch and a few couples hit the dance floor.
    “Do you want to dance?” asked Ryan suddenly, as Nicole leant back in her chair, a small smile playing on her lips. She looked serenely beautiful, with her blonde hair piled up in a loose bun with tendrils falling around her face. For the first time he noticed the elegant line of her neck and shoulders, and the smoothness of her honey-coloured skin, adorned with a simple diamante necklace. He really couldn’t have found a more suitable date if he’d hand-picked her himself. She oozed elegance and intelligence. Now all he had to do was convince Vincent that she was around to stay and hopefully the mining magnet would agree to finance his latest project.
    “Sure.”
    Ryan saw Vincent smile approvingly as he led Nicole onto the dance floor. The band was playing popular cover versions, easy to dance to. Ryan liked music but he wasn’t a natural dancer. Like most men he lacked rhythm, but in this instance he was willing to make an exception. Whatever it took to secure the deal....
    Nicole danced in a manner that was both enticing and admirable. She moved almost instinctively, oblivious to what other people thought of her. Ryan could see she was enjoying herself and he was glad. If this deal went through he owed her – big time.
    As she sang along to the track, her cheeks flushed and her pale blue eyes sparkling with delight, Ryan felt a twinge of guilt. Vincent was right. She was a nice girl. He wondered how she’d react when he told her this was it, that he wouldn’t be seeing her again.
    Nicole caught his eye and smiled. “I love this song. It reminds me of my university days in Cape Town.”
    As she twirled around in front of him, Ryan caught the floral whiff of Allure , by Chanel.  It suited her. He fought the urge to move closer. Her enjoyment was contagious. For a brief moment he wished he could relax and live in the moment like she was doing, but this project was too important. It would be too easy to grab her hand, whirl her around the dance floor and laugh along with her, but that would be dangerous. It could lead to complications.
    So he reined himself in and smiled politely, watching her lose herself in the music.
     

CHAPTER TWO
     
    “I told you, it was a fun night.” Nicole uncurled her legs from the sofa and tickled the Great Dane’s ear with her toe. Rupert was curled up leisurely at her feet, enjoying the morning sunshine. He grunted in response to her touch.
    “But what about Ryan? What was he like?” probed Janine from the other end of the phone.
    “He was