Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 80612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“If you say so.” He let out a sigh. “Make sure she’s interesting. Or funny. Or ridiculous. I hang out with you for two hours and it’s never strained like it was with Natalie.”
My cheeks heated at his compliment. He really knew how to make women feel good. Maybe I could set up a business on the side of doctoring where I hired him out to women who were feeling a little bit shitty.
“Yeah, but it’s different with us,” I said. It was always easy between us. Not that I didn’t say the wrong thing in front of him and embarrass myself regularly—just that I knew it wouldn’t affect how he was with me. Our connection was deeper than some silly faux pas because our families were so inextricably linked. “We have that brother-sister thing going on.”
“We do not,” he spluttered. “That’s . . . disturbing. Especially since we’ve kissed and you just confessed to a crush on me.”
That kiss . . . “A past-tense crush. I’ve known you such a long time now . . .”
“Come on, Hartford. Do you really think of me as your brother?”
I thought about it. Joshua would always be too impossibly handsome for me to think of as my brother. He still made me shiver when he looked at me a certain way. I was still mesmerized by his hands, his chest, that dimple. Now I knew him a little better, it wasn’t just the flirty confidence, the charm, and the good looks that were attractive. He looked out for me and wanted me to succeed at my new job. He could laugh at himself and question himself too. On top of being gorgeous, I really enjoyed his company.
“Well, not brother exactly. More like . . . friend who’s really good at leg massage and isn’t a bad kisser?”
The dimple was back. “Don’t kid yourself. I’m a great kisser.”
That was for sure.
Fifteen
Joshua
The department store was teeming with people. I fought my way through the crowds to the jewelry displays at the far end of the store, where I knew Hollie would be. I’d happily agreed to lend her one of my top stylists to help her arrange her new concession at Harvey Nichols. Little did she know, she was going to be repaying me for that favor sooner than she thought. I’d nearly tried to kiss Hartford again last night. Even now, thinking about her having a crush on me had my dick hardening. I needed to take action.
“Joshua!” Hollie said as she spotted me. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to see your fantastic success. How did Camilla get on?”
“Oh my God, thank you for lending her to me. She’s so creative and really helped me make the most of the range.” She stopped and put her hand on my shoulder. “Can you believe I’m in Harvey Nichols?”
“Absolutely I can. Your stuff is great.” I could see why Vogue made such a fuss about Hollie. She was really talented.
“I know, but I’m two rows over from Dior and Chanel. It’s crazy.”
“You do have a very good spot here. It’s going to be a roaring success.” I glanced down into the glass counters where her jewelry was displayed against a sea-green background. “It all looks very fresh. Not too much.”
“Exactly,” she replied. “That’s exactly what I was going for. I’m only here for a trial in the beginning so we’ll see what happens. But I swear, I’m happy to come and work behind the counter if it means they keep my stuff here. I can’t think of anything better.”
“You’ve done brilliantly, Hollie. It’s well deserved.”
“Thanks, Joshua. And I appreciate your help. Now tell me why you’re really here?”
Yeah, she’d seen right through me. I didn’t usually just drop by Harvey Nichols, but after last night, I needed her help to find Hartford someone she’d really like.
“I think you know that I’ve been setting up dates for Hartford—you know, to expand her social circle a little. I’m looking for someone for her second date. I was wondering if you knew anyone?” Hollie met a lot of people between her business and attending functions with Dexter, and I was hoping she’d know someone who’d be a good fit for Hartford. I’d spent far too much time with her recently. The lines had gotten blurred. I needed to redraw them.
Hollie leaned her hip against the counter and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Let me get this clear.” She paused. “You think you want me to suggest someone Hartford could go out with?”
Her question was worded strangely. “Erm, I’m not quite sure I follow you, but yes. I need help getting her a date. You like Hartford, right? She’s funny and interesting and so passionate about her work.”
God, I’d been so close to kissing her last night. In the moments after she’d stood to leave and before she’d moved to the door, it was all I could do not to grab her by the hips and drag her closer, fitting my mouth against hers. I couldn’t make that same mistake again. We’d agreed. And it was clear she didn’t want me like that anymore than I wanted . . .