Page 15 of Never and Always
Allie made a sound and looked like she was hiding a laugh.
I crossed my legs and sipped my latte. “Once construction starts, I don’t expect we’ll have to spend much time together.”
“That would be a shame,” Sierra said.
My gaze narrowed. “What?”
“Oh, come on. You two don’t just exude sparks,” Sierra exclaimed, “you’re like a five-alarm fire. Just being around you two leaves me all hot and bothered.”
I felt heat hit my cheeks.
“You both just need to get naked and enjoy the fireworks,” she finished. “If you could have done it like a month ago, I would have won money on you.”
“Excuse me?”
“We had a betting pool,” Tessa said. “About when you and Everett would get naked together.” She pouted. “But we all lost as you’re taking a really long time.”
“I willneversleep with Everett Murray.”
The women all shared a look, then burst out laughing.
“Never,” I repeated.
Allie looked at Tessa and Sierra. “I hear a lot of protesting. You know what that means?”
“We are total opposites,” I said frostily.
“Opposites attract,” Tessa countered.
“He drives me crazy. You’ve all lost your minds.” I set my coffee down. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.” Iglanced at my watch. And Murray was due here to talk about the plans. In fact, he should have been here already.
“Fine.” Allie headed for the door. “But we haven’t finished discussing this.”
“We have.”
They all filtered out, with Sierra giving me a jaunty wave.
I blew out a breath and refocused on the plans. I was studying them and finishing the last of my coffee when I heard a knock at the door.
“Morning, big city.”
I didn’t turn around. “You’re late.”
“So I am.” He stepped up beside me, and I smelled that maddening combination of spice and citrus and wood.
He leaned forward, pressing his hands to the table.
My gaze fell to his hands. They were strong and tanned, and I noticed a few old, pale scars from past cuts and nicks. A man who worked with his hands.
His red flannel shirt had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his strong forearms.
I glowered at the flannel—which I felt was a taunt—and decided to ignore it. I could take the high road when I needed to.
“I like your shoes today,” he murmured.
I didn’t accept the bait. I loved my blush-pink Louboutin pumps. They matched my cap-sleeved blouse that was tucked into my navy-blue pencil skirt.
“Apart from adding more work, I love this pool idea.”
