A day Away from Business

CHAPTER FIVE

Adrian checked his watch for the third time as he stood near the entrance of the Sterling estate.

10:27 a.m.

He was early, which was unusual for someone who had spent the morning rushing between his bedroom, bathroom, and wardrobe because he couldn't decide what to wear.

It wasn't a date. At least, that was what he kept telling himself.

He was going to the village to confirm arrangements with a few Christmas suppliers. Alexander had offered to accompany him, and Adrian had accepted because having the billionaire around might make certain negotiations easier.

That was the professional explanation.

The less professional one was that he wanted to spend time with him.

A black SUV appeared at the end of the driveway. It approached slowly before stopping in front of him. The driver's door opened, and Alexander stepped out.

Adrian's eyes briefly travelled over his appearance. Alexander wore a dark sweater beneath a charcoal coat, with fitted trousers and polished boots. Without his usual suit and tie, he looked less like a billionaire preparing to take over a company and more like a man Adrian might actually enjoy spending a Saturday with.

That thought was dangerous.

"You're early," Alexander said.

"So are you."

"I didn't want to keep you waiting."

Adrian smiled. "Look at you. Learning manners."

Alexander laughed quietly. "I had excellent motivation."

"Should I ask what that is?"

"You already know."

Adrian shook his head, trying not to smile too much. "Let's go before you start saying things that will make me regret inviting you."

Alexander opened the passenger door for him.

"After you."

"Thank you."

As Adrian settled into the vehicle, he noticed a small paper bag on the seat.

"What's that?"

"Breakfast."

"I've eaten."

"Then you can have it later."

Adrian opened the bag and found a warm pastry and a cup of coffee. He looked at Alexander, who had already returned to the driver's seat.

"You bought me breakfast?"

"You mentioned yesterday that you sometimes forget to eat when you're working."

Adrian stared at him for a moment.

He remembered making that comment casually during their dinner. He hadn't expected Alexander to remember it.

"You're surprisingly attentive."

"I can be."

"Only when you want something?"

Alexander started the engine. "I want a lot of things, Adrian. But I don't think buying you breakfast is going to get me all of them."

"At least you're honest."

Alexander glanced at him with a small smile. "I'm trying."

---

The village was already dressed for Christmas.

Garlands hung across the shopfronts, warm lights wrapped around wooden balconies, and a large Christmas tree stood in the town square. Snow covered the rooftops and the edges of the road, while people moved between shops carrying shopping bags and cups of hot drinks.

Adrian stepped out of the vehicle and looked around.

"This is beautiful."

Alexander came around the front of the SUV. "You haven't seen much of it yet."

"I've seen enough to know I like it."

"Then perhaps we should come back when you aren't working."

Adrian looked at him. "Are you asking me out?"

"I'm suggesting an opportunity."

"That's a very businesslike way of asking."

"I can try again."

"Please do."

Alexander held his gaze. "I'd like to bring you here again. Not because you need to inspect a supplier or discuss decorations. Just because I want to spend time with you."

Adrian's smile softened.

"That's better."

"Does that mean you'll consider it?"

"It means we'll see how today goes."

Alexander accepted the answer without complaint.

They began walking towards the first shop.

Adrian had arranged to meet a local supplier who specialized in Christmas decorations and custom installations. He needed to inspect the available pieces before confirming the final design for the estate.

The shop was larger than it appeared from outside. Inside, shelves displayed ornaments, ribbons, decorative candles, artificial garlands, and miniature Christmas trees. Several employees were busy arranging boxes near the counter.

A woman in a red sweater approached them.

"Good morning. How can I help you?"

"Good morning. I'm Adrian Blake. We spoke on the phone about the decorations for the Sterling Christmas event."

Her face brightened.

"Of course! Mr. Blake. I'm Clara. We've been expecting you."

She led them towards a large display at the back of the shop.

Adrian immediately began examining the samples. He asked about delivery dates, installation costs, and the available quantities. His attention shifted entirely to the work, and Alexander found himself watching him.

There was something attractive about the way Adrian handled business. He was confident without being arrogant, friendly without becoming overly familiar, and precise about what he wanted.

He didn't behave like someone desperate for a contract.

He behaved like someone who knew his work was worth paying for.

"These arrangements are lovely," Adrian said, examining a collection of deep green garlands decorated with gold ornaments. "But I don't want the entire estate looking like a showroom."

Clara laughed. "I understand."

"We need something elegant. Warm, but not overwhelming. The guests should feel like they're celebrating Christmas in a home, not walking through a department store."

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"A home?"

Adrian turned towards him. "You do remember what those are, don't you?"

Clara laughed again.

Alexander placed a hand over his chest. "That was unnecessary."

"You'll recover."

"I hope so."

Adrian returned his attention to Clara and discussed a few changes to the original proposal. He wanted a more natural arrangement around the entrance, softer lighting along the staircase, and a central display that would complement the estate's existing architecture.

By the time they finished, Clara had taken several notes.

"I think we can make that work," she said. "I'll prepare the revised quotation and send it to you this afternoon."

"Perfect. Thank you."

As they left the shop, Alexander glanced at him.

"You were very particular."

"That's called doing my job."

"I didn't say it was a bad thing."

"You looked like you wanted to argue with me about the decorations."

"I was wondering whether you would allow a billionaire to have an opinion."

Adrian laughed. "You can have an opinion. You just can't assume your opinion is automatically better because you own the estate."

Alexander looked at him for a moment before smiling.

"I think I'm beginning to understand why you got the contract."

"Because I'm difficult?"

"Because you know exactly what you're doing."

Adrian's expression softened.

"Thank you."

It was a simple compliment, but Alexander had delivered it without teasing or flirting. Adrian appreciated that more than he wanted to admit.

---

Their next stop was a small bakery near the town square.

Adrian wanted to confirm an order for the dessert table and discuss whether the bakery could provide a selection of traditional Christmas pastries for the guests.

The owner, an older man named Thomas, welcomed them warmly.

After a brief conversation, Adrian sampled two pastries and approved the proposed menu. Alexander stood beside him, occasionally offering an opinion when asked.

When they finally stepped outside, Adrian was carrying a small box.

"What's that?" Alexander asked.

"Something for later."

"You bought more food?"

"Don't sound surprised. Some of us enjoy eating."

Alexander smiled. "I eat."

"Coffee doesn't count as breakfast."

"I had breakfast."

"Because you brought me some?"

Alexander opened his mouth, then closed it.

Adrian laughed. "Exactly."

They walked towards the town square, where a few stalls had been set up for the Christmas market. The smell of roasted nuts and hot chocolate drifted through the air.

Adrian stopped near a stall selling handmade decorations.

He picked up a small wooden ornament shaped like a snowflake.

"That's nice."

Alexander looked at it. "Do you want it?"

"I'm looking at it."

"I can see that."

"Then why are you asking?"

"Because I'd like to buy it for you."

Adrian placed the ornament back on the display.

"You don't have to buy me things every time I look at something."

"I know."

"Do you?"

Alexander slipped his hands into his coat pockets.

"I suppose I'm used to giving people what they want."

"That's not always the same as understanding what they want."

Alexander considered that.

"Then tell me what you want."

Adrian looked around the market before returning his gaze to him.

"Right now? A hot chocolate."

Alexander smiled. "I can manage that."

They bought two cups from a nearby stall and found a quiet bench overlooking the square.

For several minutes, they simply watched the people passing by.

It was strange how comfortable the silence felt.

Adrian took a sip of his drink. "Do you ever come here?"

"Not often."

"Why?"

"Work."

"That's a convenient answer."

"It's also true."

Adrian turned towards him. "Do you ever do anything just because you enjoy it?"

Alexander looked at the people moving around the square.

"I used to."

"What happened?"

"Nothing dramatic. Work became more demanding. One responsibility led to another, and eventually I stopped making time for things that weren't necessary."

Adrian studied him.

"That sounds exhausting."

"It can be."

"And you don't mind?"

Alexander gave a small shrug. "I've never thought much about it."

"Maybe you should."

He smiled faintly. "You say that as if you're giving me an assignment."

"Perhaps I am."

"What would the assignment involve?"

"Taking a day off occasionally. Eating proper meals. Going somewhere without checking your phone every five minutes."

Alexander glanced at the phone in his hand.

Adrian pointed at it. "Put that away."

"You haven't even given me time to consider the assignment."

"You're already failing."

Alexander laughed and slipped the phone into his pocket.

"Better?"

"Much."

He looked at Adrian, who was smiling into his cup.

For a moment, Alexander forgot about the event, the investors, and the endless responsibilities waiting for him back at the estate.

He was simply enjoying himself.

And Adrian was the reason.

---

By the time they finished at the market, the afternoon had grown colder.

Adrian checked the list on his phone.

"We still need to confirm the lighting installation."

"Is that the last stop?"

"Almost. There's one more supplier, but I can handle that over the phone."

Alexander nodded towards the vehicle. "Then let's go."

They were halfway across the square when Adrian noticed a small shop displaying handmade Christmas wreaths.

He slowed down.

Alexander followed his gaze.

"Another inspection?"

"No. I'm just looking."

"Should I be concerned?"

"Very. I might spend the next ten minutes deciding whether I like that wreath."

"I'll survive."

Adrian stepped closer to the display. He examined several designs before choosing one decorated with pinecones, dried orange slices, and a simple red ribbon.

Alexander stood beside him.

"That one?"

"Yes. It's beautiful without trying too hard."

"Sounds familiar."

Adrian looked at him.

"Are you comparing me to a Christmas wreath?"

"I'm saying you have good taste."

"That was a terrible recovery."

Alexander smiled.

Adrian paid for the wreath himself before returning to the pavement.

They continued towards the SUV, but just before reaching it, Alexander spoke.

"Adrian."

"Hmm?"

"I've enjoyed today."

Adrian turned towards him. "Even with all the supplier discussions?"

"Especially because I got to see you doing something you care about."

Adrian held his gaze.

"Most people find work conversations boring."

"I'm not most people."

"You're definitely not."

Alexander stepped a little closer, though he left enough space between them.

"I meant what I said yesterday. I'd like to spend time with you outside this contract."

Adrian looked down briefly before meeting his eyes again.

"I know."

"Is that something you'd want too?"

He could have made a joke. It would have been easier than answering honestly.

But Alexander had been patient with him, and Adrian didn't want to turn every sincere moment into a game.

"Yes," he said. "I would."

Alexander's expression changed. His smile was small, but the pleasure in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Good."

"Don't look so pleased. I haven't promised you anything."

"I'll take what you've given me."

Adrian shook his head, smiling.

"You're learning."

"I have a good teacher."

For a second, neither of them moved.

Alexander's gaze dropped briefly to Adrian's lips before returning to his eyes.

Adrian noticed.

"You keep doing that."

"Doing what?"

"Looking at my mouth."

Alexander didn't deny it.

"I like your mouth."

Adrian's smile turned playful. "You've mentioned that."

"I don't think I've mentioned it enough."

"Alexander."

"Yes?"

"We're standing in the middle of a public square."

"I noticed."

"Then behave."

Alexander laughed, and Adrian found himself laughing with him.

---

The drive back to the estate was quieter than the journey into the village.

Adrian rested the wreath beside him and looked out at the snow-covered trees passing beyond the window.

He had expected the day to be useful, perhaps even enjoyable.

He hadn't expected to enjoy Alexander's company so much.

The billionaire had listened to his suggestions, allowed him to handle his professional responsibilities, and made an effort to spend time with him without turning every conversation into an attempt to get closer physically.

It was a good start.

When they reached the estate, Alexander parked near the entrance.

"I can have someone bring your purchases inside," he offered.

"Thank you, but I can manage."

Alexander stepped out and opened the passenger door.

Adrian climbed down, carrying the wreath and the bakery box.

Alexander reached for the wreath.

"Let me take that."

Adrian handed it to him.

Their fingers brushed briefly.

Neither man moved immediately.

Then Adrian smiled.

"Thank you for today."

"Thank you for coming with me."

"I had a good time."

"So did I."

Adrian took the wreath back from him.

"I should get these things sorted before I forget what I bought them for."

"Of course."

He turned towards the entrance, but Alexander called his name.

"Adrian?"

He looked back.

"Would you have dinner with me tomorrow?"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "You don't waste time, do you?"

"I've spent enough time pretending I only want to see you because of the event."

Adrian's expression softened.

"Tomorrow?"

"If you're available."

He considered it for a moment.

"All right. But no business talk."

Alexander smiled.

"Agreed."

"And no trying to impress me with an unnecessarily expensive restaurant."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Good."

Adrian walked towards the entrance, but he was still smiling when he disappeared inside.

Alexander remained beside the vehicle for a moment, watching the door close.

He had spent the morning watching Adrian work, listening to him talk, and discovering how much he enjoyed being around him.

The attraction was still there, strong enough to make him think about kissing Adrian every few minutes.

But something else was beginning to take its place.

He wanted another day like this.

Another conversation. Another laugh. Another chance to see Adrian smile.

And for a man who had always believed he knew exactly what he wanted, Alexander was discovering that getting to know Adrian might be the most rewarding thing he had done in years.