Page 29 of Last First Date

As soon as the images flicked onto the screen, Benjamin's attention was drawn away from me and toward the designs. I watched as his eyes scanned over our hard work and could only hope that he'd be pleased with what he saw.

"Here we have the entrance area," Marcy began. "We've planned for a red carpet, large floral arrangements on either side, and twinkling fairy lights hanging from above."

"And you want the camping stuff, right?" Benjamin asked. "Sleeping bags and all."

"That would help complete the setup," I said.

He looked at me and then my boobs. "I wouldn't mind testing out the comfort of our sleeping bags with you. Have you ever been camping?"

I could feel heat rushing to my face, whether from pure outrage or embarrassment, I didn't know. But I quickly composed myself and fixed a polite smile on my face. I looked at Marcy. "Show them the space inside," I said.

Benjamin chuckled. "Alright," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender but grinning like he'd just won a prize. "Not available. I get it."

He turned his attention back to the designs, but the smirk never really left his face.

After Marcy finished her presentation, she sat down.

"What do you think?" I asked Benjamin.

Once again, his gaze made my skin crawl.

"I think you both have done excellent work," he commented finally, his gaze finally moving away from me to look at the designs again. "I must admit, I had my doubts. But you've proven me wrong. I would like to set up another meeting. Maybe just me and you over dinner."

He was looking directly at me. "Marcy is an integral part of the planning," I said. "It wouldn't be right if she wasn't involved."

"Two ladies," he said with a lascivious smile. "I think I can handle that.”

I blinked, taken aback by his audacity. I clenched my hands underneath the table, fighting the urge to snap back something unprofessional. Instead, I forced a polite smile onto my face once more.

"If you're okay with what we've presented, we'll order the decorations we need. We'll put a rush on things, which, as we've stated in the budget, will be a little more."

"I can afford it," Benjamin said. "Just like I can afford taking two beautiful ladies to dinner. All as a show of gratitude for taking on this job with relatively short notice."

"Thank you, but you don't need to do anything extra," I said.

"Okay, then just you," he said, leveling his gaze at me. "Do you like oysters? They are an amazing aphrodisiac."

I nervously laughed. "I'm afraid I have an allergy, Benjamin," I lied smoothly. "Seafood doesn't really sit well with me."

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to size up whether or not I was telling the truth. "Red or white?"

"Excuse me?"

"I was just wondering what kind of wine we'll have on our first date." He shrugged.

Brenda shifted nervously. Marcy cleared her throat. The man seemed oblivious to the fact he was making this very awkward. Oblivious or he just didn't care. As I looked at him, I got the feeling it was intentional. He was getting off on this.

This was not something I knew how to handle. I never considered myself a sex object. Men didn't hit on me like this. His incessant flirting and inappropriate comments cast a shadow over the meeting. This was supposed to be my chance to shine. He was making it very awkward.

I prided myself on being a consummate professional, but Benjamin's behavior pushed the boundaries of propriety. I wondered if this was why Knox put me on his project.

"Okay then." I smiled. "We have a lot of work to do. Brenda, I will be in touch."

"You can touch me," Benjamin said with a disgusting smile.

I got to my feet.

Brenda stood up as well. I saw the apology in her eyes. "It was nice to meet you. I'll get you the finalized list of guests in two weeks."