Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 96752 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96752 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
I can glam up. I have some pretty dresses, and though not my favorite, I’ve been known to wear heels.
I’m not sure what I’m thinking, but I can’t take my eyes off him.
He’s joined by a slightly shorter man in khakis and a tunic. He’s handsome, too, but his vibe is artistic and not Wall Street like the other guy. His hair is lighter than Businessman’s, and his smile sunny as he points something out to his friend.
Then Businessman smiles and it changes his face. He goes from wickedly handsome to something softer, kinder. He likes the other man. It does something to me. I suppose I know what it means to be around ruthless. My father was fairly ruthless and didn’t find joy in much of anything. The smile on that man’s face is joy, and it attracts me like nothing else.
Art Guy laughs at something, and then they disappear under the patio roof.
I should start dating again. The thought makes me cringe since my last relationship ended in flames. Not literal ones, but I felt burned. Still, my visceral reaction to Businessman has me thinking.
Or maybe it’s because my two best friends found their guys, and I’m still in the dating pool. Still giving it a go.
I hate the dating pool. Sometimes I’m absolutely certain I’ll drown in it.
I’m still for a moment, letting the weight of the day sit on me. Soon, I’ll go to Europe to watch Anika become a queen. I’ll come back and restore this stunning home and after we’ll start planning Ivy’s wedding.
Where will I be at this time next year?
Oh, I know physically where I’ll be. Right here in good old NYC. I’ll be in the apartment I’ve lived in since I got back from college. I’ll be working at the company I’ve worked for my entire adult life.
But where will I be emotionally?
Maybe I should hit the non-moldy bathroom, straighten my hair, and oops, bump into Businessman. I’m being optimistic. It feels like I’m taking an eight-week vacay from my normal life. Why not try to have a little more fun?
I’m about to do exactly that when I hear two masculine voices talking.
“I don’t know. The rooms are small and not well ventilated,” one says. “I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do with the whole top floor.”
“Come on, Reid,” the other man replies. “It’s stunning. How can you possibly say you’re not excited?”
Shit. Reid. That’s the name of the designer. Ani mentioned he’d be here, but I was kind of hoping to avoid him until I read up on him. If he’s some kind of celebrity designer, I’ll have to play to his ego. Because he’ll have a big one. I look around to see if there’s another way out. It’s a large ballroom, but it’s been locked up since the TV show ended. Maybe I can sneak out the back.
“I suppose it’s a challenge.” Reid’s got a deep voice. It’s silky and smooth. “I like a challenge, and it’s good to get back to work.”
There’s a pause, and then the other man’s voice is softer. “Hey, you know how much I appreciate what you did for me.”
“You’re my brother,” Reid says, and I’m almost to the point that I’m willing to give this guy a real chance. I like people who stand up for their loved ones. Even if I don’t know why they’re being forced to stand up. “Let’s not talk about it. Let’s talk about how to get this H. R. Ross person to quit. I want Lenny. I don’t want to work with some guy who got the job because he knows the producer.”
“Hey, we talked about this.” Jeremiah. That’s the brother’s name.
“I know we did, and I haven’t done much research, but what I do know is this guy is a typical New York construction boss. He does high-rises and big box stores. He can’t possibly understand my work.”
Oh, and now I hate the sound of his voice. Asshole. All thoughts of running are gone because I’m a rip-the-bandage-off kind of girl. Can’t possibly understand his work? His work is picking colors and fabrics and pretending he’s some kind of artist.
I stand in the middle of the ballroom/hill I’m about to die on, and the doors come open.
“Trust me. This is delicate reno work, and we want the best. This guy is not the… Hi.” Reid stops and stares for a moment. He’s looking me over, and he’s not good at hiding what he’s feeling or the fact that he’s a heterosexual male. His eyes stop at my breasts, and his lips curl up. “You must be one of the production assistants.” He moves forward, holding out a hand. “I’m Reid Dorsey. This is my brother, Jerimiah. Whatever you do don’t call him Jerry. He hates Jerry.”