Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
I was stunned silent. What the hell did that mean?
“Maybe you just don’t know how to pick ‘em.” I slammed my hand over my lips, regretting my big mouth.
But Rowan didn’t even flinch, just rounded his shoulders like they were caving in on him. “I won’t deny it.”
I swallowed roughly, trying to think of something—anything—to make it better. “Maybe you should use this badass persona when choosing. You’re certainly a force to be reckoned with.”
His eyebrows rose. “Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
We were meeting in the middle again, and I needed to take the opportunity when it was presented to me before I squelched it again.
“Listen, I’m sorry if I crossed a line at the fundraiser. I was just trying to help.”
“I clearly thought it was a good idea at the time and went along with it.” He sighed. “But now he’s blowing up my friends’ phones, trying to figure out who you are.”
I felt a stitch of irritation. “Why didn’t he just walk over and introduce himself?”
“Because it would make it seem like he actually cared.”
“What a piece of work.” I scowled. “You should totally change your number.”
“Been there, done that. He’ll simmer down eventually. It’s really all for show until he finds another man to charm.”
“You really aren’t that great at establishing boundaries with him.”
He scoffed. “I set them just fine. I told you stuff was complicated.”
“Well, you seem to set them just fine with me.”
“My heart’s not involved.”
“Do you even have one?” I teased.
“Obviously. But it’s got Scotch tape all over it.”
I couldn’t breathe. That was the most he’d ever revealed to me.
“On that note, I’m off to dinner with…whom?” He glanced toward his planner, which I’d left on the table in the middle of a pile of measuring tape and looms of thread.
“How are you so terrible at this?” I reached for the book, then flipped to the date. “With a woman named Garcel.”
“And what is it about?”
I glanced down at the page. “A new jewelry line.”
“And who recommended them?”
“Lindsay.”
His shoulders slumped. “Great, another dull evening.”
“Why do it, then? Just have them send over samples.”
“Normally I would, but this is a favor for a friend.”
“I’m surprised you even have any,” I deadpanned, and that got a smile out of him. “I’d offer to tag along, but I already met my good deed quota for the month.”
When his gaze slid down to my mouth, my stomach dipped. Fucking hell.
He grabbed the planner, waved a hand, then headed to the door. “Good night.”
10
On the break between shows on Thursday, I was heading to Kendall’s office to find Naomi when I recognized a familiar name.
“Brett, what a surprise to hear from you,” Kendall said, and I froze outside the door to listen.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s been a while,” Brett said, and I breathed out in relief that he was on speakerphone and not here in person.
“No worries, we’re both busy.” Kendall was cautiously cordial, the voice she used to greet strangers. She must’ve been as taken aback as I was that Brett had called.
“I was hoping to score some tickets to an upcoming show.”
“But you’ve been to many shows.” Her tone bordered on suspicion. “Is this a special occasion?”
“It’s not for me…it’s for the new guy I’m dating. He’s a huge fan.”
“Is that so?” she asked, and I rolled my eyes.
“Yes, he’d love to see the studio.”
“How nice.” I heard an intake of breath. “I thought you’d want to avoid your ex.”
“Rowan and I are civil.”
“Are you sure you’re not trying to rub this new man in his face?”
“Like he did me at the fundraiser?”
“What do you mean?”
“He brought a date as well.”
“You mean Shae?” she sounded confused. “His assistant?”
“He might be more than his assistant.”
Suddenly my feet started moving, and I rounded the corner into her office. “You’re right, I am. I’m like a super assistant and keep Rowan’s life in order. Even out in public.”
Kendall looked dumbfounded by my presence, and Naomi’s eyebrows lifted as she studied me over her reading glasses. And right then was when I realized that Kendall’s cell was propped on her desk because it was a video call. Fuck me.
“Shae Shanahan.” I waved at the screen. “And you must be Clint, or was it Brett?”
“Very funny.” He scoffed with an air of importance.
“Sorry, can’t keep them all straight.” I saw the smirk form on Kendall’s lips. “Anyway, I came to ask Naomi about a possible scheduling conflict.”
“Speaking of Naomi,” Kendall said, taking my cue, “I’ll have her see which show times might be available and get back to you.” Kendall ended the call.
I walked to Naomi’s desk and asked her my question, barely registering her reply over my hammering pulse. Maybe I shouldn’t have barged in there like that and just let the call play out, but I didn’t know what I’d do if he described the other night to her in vivid detail without my input or explanation.