Three Minutes to Happiness (7 page)

Another woman.
“I’m just tired.”

His phone rang. Once. Finn pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the screen. Val’s name on his missed call log instantly killed what remained of his libido stone dead.

Krista crossed her arms. “Do you have to call someone?” Her eyes narrowed.

“It doesn’t matter.” Finn shoved his phone back in his pocket. “You know, I’m so tired, I think I should go home alone.” The excuse wasn’t fooling either of them.

“There’s something you’re not telling me.” Krista’s gorgeous green eyes looked into his. There was silence for a moment. “Have you met someone?”

They’d agreed that if either met someone they felt serious about, that would herald the natural end of their relationship.

He hadn’t. Had he? “I don’t know. I’m not involved, but…”

“But you want to be.” Krista didn’t sound annoyed. If anything, she seemed relieved. “I get it, Finn. And it’s no biggie. I’ll miss you of course, but we both knew this couldn’t continue forever.”

Relief flooded Finn, quickly followed by irritation. Now, just the memory of Val was destroying the perfectly satisfactory bed-only relationship he and Krista had enjoyed for the past year. “I didn’t expect this to happen.”

Krista laughed. “Men never do. To be honest, I think we’ve had our time. I was asked out by a colleague last week. Maybe I’ll go.”

“I hardly know her.”

“But you have feelings for her. Different feelings.”

Feelings more “I’d like to strangle her” than true love, but discussing his feelings for another woman with a sleeping partner was crass. “Maybe. How about you and this colleague, could it be more?”

“Maybe, I think he wants more than I’m prepared to offer. We’ll see. Maybe I can talk him round.” Her voice lowered. “Bye, Finn. It’s been fun.”

He walked Krista to her car, and kissed her on the cheek. They’d been together more than a year, but neither had any shared possessions or belongings in each other’s houses. There was nothing to say. No pain involved. There should be more.

Finn walked to his car. Alone in the darkness, he phoned Val back.

Her phone was off.

Who calls someone, doesn’t leave a message, and then turns their phone off?
Someone destroying his love life—one woman at a time.

*****

When Val arrived at the studio the following morning, she met Simon on his way out. His light brown hair was brushed back and he wore a navy shirt under his black Boss suit. He clutched a portfolio under his arm, and looked every inch the Enchant photographer.

“I’ll call you later.” He readjusted his tie, and a muscle twitched in his jaw. He was nervous. So was she, it was the first time she’d had to handle all the appointments by herself.

“Good luck.” With a smile, Val walked in. The studio was small, but large windows filled the space with natural light. The receptionist looked up from the reception desk.

“Morning, Val. I have the coffee on.”

“You’re a lifesaver. Can I bring you one?”

Fiona held up her mug. “Got one. Better hurry, the first appointment is due in twenty minutes.”

The studio was running a promotion on baby photographs, and the entire day was booked out. Val dropped her bag behind the reception desk, slipped off her coat, and fueled up.

She jiggled and giggled her way through the next couple of hours. Squeaking a toy for one baby, pulling faces to coax a gummy smile from another. When baby number three peed all over the black velvet cover she’d set up for the photo, she didn’t even flinch, just replaced the soiled cover with a tiger print version.

Simon returned at around five carrying a box of cream cakes and three cappuccinos. She held the door open and took the coffees from him before he dropped them.

“Good meeting?” Simon was predictable; a good meeting was always celebrated. His mile-wide smile was another giveaway.

“Fan-bloody-tastic.” He flicked the sign on the door to ‘closed’ and walked through to the kitchen area in the back. “Come on, Fi, cake time.”

Fiona turned off her computer and followed them into the kitchen. “After today, I’m off motherhood for good.”

Simon looked up. “How did it go?”

“Good.” It had been hard work, but the photographs were worth it.

“Wait till you see the pictures,” Fiona said. “You might think they were perfect little angels but believe me, they were anything but. Val did a great job.”

Val grinned. “You deserve a cake for that.” She opened the box, took three plates from the cupboard over the sink, selected a cream-stuffed coffee slice and slid the box over.

“So, tell us all about it then, Simon.”

“I nailed it.”

Val and Fiona’s voices joined in congratulation.

“The shoot will take a week, and I fly out the day after tomorrow. Are you able to handle everything for that long?”

Val forced down the somersaults in her stomach. “No problem.”

“I spoke to Finn this morning and explained I had to be away. The offer was great, but the timing is wrong—how do you feel about trying for it?”

Val frowned
. Finn?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. What offer from Finn?”

“He didn’t tell you?” Simon’s gaze was keen, questioning. “I thought…”

There was nothing for it; she’d have to fess up. “Finn isn’t exactly an old friend. I’ve met him a couple of times, that’s all. He didn’t mention anything about an offer.”

“Finn’s company has been asked to submit a proposal to be featured on TV, on
Wonderful Houses
. They need a portfolio of photographs of their past work to submit.” His voice lowered with emphasis. “A really impressive portfolio. They are asking a number of photographers to produce sample shots, and will choose the winner based on merit. He called this morning to organize the first session at a client’s house they completed six months ago.”

“I can’t do it.” Simon leaned forward. “But you can.”

Shock dried Val’s mouth. “I-I’ve never…”

Simon nodded. “I know. I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t think you had the skill and the eye to carry it off. But you do, Val. You do. You could work on those shots while I do the Enchant job. Pitch for the contract in your own right, I’ll help you work out the pricing. I’m confident that you can win.”

Val swallowed.
I’m not ready, what if I screw it up?
“What did you tell him?”

“I recommended you.”

This was it. A chance in a lifetime. If she nailed the contract, she’d join Simon not as a full time assistant, but as a photographer in her own right. The regular income would take the pressure off paying the rent and she could concentrate instead on finally making something of her career. She straightened her spine, and forced the fear down.

“I’ll call him.”

*****

Finn shoved his hands into the pockets of his wool coat as he strode from his BMW to the door of Logan & O’Donoghue. Each exhale produced an icy cloud of breath, and the tips of his ears stung in the chilled air. At least it wasn’t snowing.

A wall of warmth hit as he pushed open the door. A woman looked up from behind the blocky cube of the reception desk. “Good morning, Finn.” Logan & O’Donoghue written large in dark red script decorated the wall behind her.

“Good morning, Anna.” Finn took off his coat and hung it on the wooden coat stand. “Cold one this morning.”

“Sure is. There’s coffee in the kitchen.” No matter the weather, Anna was always in before him, and always started the coffee machine percolating. When they’d interviewed candidates for the job, Connor had been smitten by Anna’s blonde good looks and breezy personality. Finn had wanted someone older, with more experience. Thank God Connor had won that particular fight. Now, he couldn’t imagine anyone better than Anna for the job.

Finn nodded. “Is Connor in?”

“In his office.” The phone rang. Anna turned away to answer it.

Finn poured two coffees, and tapped on the door of Connor’s office.

“Come.” Connor looked up from his computer screen.

“I brought you a refill.” He placed the mug on the desk and sank down on the black leather chair opposite Connor. “I spoke to Simon Wood yesterday. He can’t make it and is sending another photographer instead.”

He frowned. The three other photographers they’d chosen had impressive bodies of work behind them, and stellar reputations. He’d been surprised at Simon’s call, and reluctant to commit to using an unknown in Simon’s stead.

But when he’d learned the replacement was Val…

“Problem?” Simon watched him carefully.

“I know her. It could be difficult.”

“Hang on.
The
girl?” He’d told Connor about the speed dating night, and that he’d met Val again at the wedding, but hadn’t told Connor about the kiss.

Finn nodded. “The girl. Her name is Val. Wood assures me she’s up to the job, but the fact that I know her can’t influence our decision.”

“Are you involved?”

“No.” Although that could change if they were working together.

“You like her though.” Simon tapped his mug with a pen. “I know you, man. You’re interested.”

There was no point lying about it. “Yes. I like her. I’d like to get to know her better. The complication that she’s now a candidate for the commission is something I could damned well do without. I’m determined not to make it an issue. There’s no preferential treatment. When the test shots are done, I want to see them all without knowing who took what, so we can make a decision on the photographs alone.”

Connor grinned. “Anna can be in charge of all the pictures as they come in. We’ll both be in the dark as to who the photographers are, that way neither of us will be influenced.”

“Great.” Finn ran a hand through his hair. “I’m taking her to Merlin’s Grove this morning, and you are out with another photographer to Phil and Eileen’s.”

“Yes, I’m meeting them there. I’ll make the introductions and leave them to it,” Connor said. “I have a meeting back here at eleven, and I’ll take them out to Merlin’s Grove in the afternoon.”

Ferrying photographers around to their clients’ over the next couple of days would cut into valuable time, but had to be done—two of their clients had been gracious enough to agree to have their houses photographed at short notice. They deserved the courtesy of having Finn and Connor on site.

The fact he had cancelled today’s appointments to ferry Val around to both houses wasn’t worth mentioning.

Chapter Seven

It was so cold, Val wished she’d been able to dress in jeans instead of the moss green wool dress, but going casual wasn’t an option. Not when she had so much to prove. She wore opaque tights under black, high-heeled suede boots, and the charcoal wool coat Mum had bought her on her last birthday. She looked like a professional businesswoman, even if she didn’t feel it.

The spacious offices of Logan & O’Donoghue were in Dublin’s city center. Rent around here was crazily expensive—Finn must be doing okay. The receptionist had directed her to the large leather sofas that graced the open plan reception area. She took in the details: a pile of glossy architectural magazines on a modernistic glass coffee table; thick white shag-pile carpet that must be impossible to keep clean. Val swallowed and crossed her legs.

The receptionist took a call, then looked up. “Mr. Logan will be out in a moment.” Her perfect smile was warm.

Seconds later, a door to the left opened, and Finn walked out. Val stood, and picked up her camera case.

“Come on through.” She followed him into his office. “Have a seat.” She tried not to notice the elegant fit of his dark grey suit. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea?”

“No thank you.” She’d drunk so much caffeine this morning she was jittery. Although that could just be the adrenalin coursing through her veins at being here. Or of being in Finn’s orbit again.

“I was surprised when Simon told me he wouldn’t be taking photographs for us.” Finn leaned against the corner of his desk, altogether too near for comfort. If she reached out a hand, she would be able to touch his thigh. “He explained that he had to leave the country on an assignment, but...” His frown was as eloquent as any words.

“I’m prepared.”

“It’s not a question of preparation.” Finn said. “All of the photographers we’ve asked to tender for this job have considerably more experience. It’s a valuable contract. Not one I can afford to compromise on.”

Val smothered her immediate, irritated reaction. He has every right to be cautious. She had a portfolio of work, but he hadn’t seen it. “I’m sure you’ll be happy with my work.”

Finn spoke slowly and deliberately. “The best candidate will win the contract.”

“You mean don’t expect any preferential treatment?”

Finn nodded.

“I wasn’t. I wouldn’t. It’s not as if we have a relationship or anything.”

Finn’s mouth twisted with a wry smile. “You’re the only candidate that I’ve kissed.” His gaze fell to her lips, then flicked back up to her eyes again. “In order that I’m not influenced in any way when picking the winner, my partner Connor and I have decided to do a blind pick. The photographs are to be sent to our office manager, Anna. She will remove all identifying information, and present them to us. That way, the winning submission will not be tainted.”

“I wouldn’t agree to have my pictures considered under any other circumstances,” Val said. “Of course the photographer of the best pictures should win.”

“Good.” Finn walked around the desk. “Now we’ve got that out of the way, we can talk about other matters.”

Other matters? Why is my heart pounding? He can’t mean...

“Like why you called me the other night.”

She could tell the truth. Explain how Maggie had taken the phone from her hand and called his number. But then she’d have to admit they’d been discussing him. She could pretend she wasn’t interested in following up his offer of dinner. Deny the attraction between them. .

Or admit to herself that she’d been intrigued at the thought of having a sex-only relationship with him ever since they’d met, despite his dating practices. When he’d said he would be exclusive for the period of their fling, she’d wondered long and hard if she would let her doomed marriage color her relationships with men for the rest of her life. Having a hot affair with Finn might help her move on. The fact that he didn’t want happy ever after—like her, didn’t believe in love, was a powerful aphrodisiac.