I walked into her office; the familiar surroundings still looked the same as the last time I’d been there. I placed the still-hot coffee and panini down in front of her. "I wasn't sure if you had lunch yet. You've been so busy I worry that you forget to eat."
A small blush painted her cheeks as she picked up the cup. "You caught me," she admitted. "I have been working through." She took a small sip. "This is so thoughtful. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
She stared at me over the rim of her cup as her perfect mouth took another cautious sip. That electrifying spell snared me again, but she seemed equally enthralled this time. I needed to get out of here before I closed the door and begged her to touch me.
I started to back out of the room. "Well, I'll leave you to it."
Something moved behind her eyes. "You're not staying?"
"No, I just wanted to make sure you ate. I didn't want to disturb you too much. Plus, I have a shit ton of washing to do."
"Oh. Okay. Well, thank you." She raised her cup at me.
I tapped the door jamb, getting one last look at her. "I'll text you tonight?"
At her dazed nod, I smiled and forced my legs to leave. Whistling gently, I walked back out of the salon with a swagger I hadn't felt in a long time. I could feel the girls following my movements. When I was outside, I glanced through the window just in time to see Rachel and one other girl rush to the back office. I bit back a laugh.
As I walked back to my car, all I could think about was Maria's gorgeous features. And the look of disappointment on her face when I left.
Chapter 34
Maria
"She works at Triton Academy. Have you heard of it?" I swiped a fry through the ketchup.
Brian shook his head as he speared a grilled broccoli with his fork. "I'm ignorant when it comes to that type of thing. The most I do in the morning is a splash of water and some sunscreen if I'm going to be working outdoors."
I grinned, my mind going to the stack of male grooming products I stocked at my salon. I personally thought Brian didn't need any extra help. He always smelled addictive, even after a hard work day when his sweat overrode his spicy scent. His eyes had adorable crinkles whenever he smiled at me—which was often—and I knew most came from his job working out in the elements.
"It's considered the top beauty school in the country. A lot of makeup and hairstylingAcademy Awardwinners came out of there. Gena started there as a junior tutor and ended up onthe makeup team forAll Roads Lead Here. Do you know that movie?"
"I haven't seen it, but I've heard about it."
"It won the Golden Lion at The Venice Film Festival." At his blank stare, I waved my hand. "Anyway, I saw it a few months ago. It's good if you're into that sort of abstract storytelling. I tend to re-watch movies I love or seek out obscure titles, especially foreign films."
I popped another fry in my mouth as I moved my hands expressively. "Sometimes I feel like the art of filmmaking has been lost these days, so it takes a lot to get my ass into the theater. A lot of movies are either remakes, sequels that make no sense, or films churned out by AI."
Brian nodded as he signaled to the bartender for another round of drinks. "I agree. Growing up in New York, it was common to come across a street or footpath that was closed off for filming. I loved growing up around that kind of excitement. All my weekends were spent either at the arcade or at the movies." A nostalgic smile curved his firm mouth as his mind took him back.
Fresh drinks were placed on our table, and we sipped the cold brews. I discreetly watched Brian dipping his own fries in the sauce. There was a low hum of pleasure sitting in my stomach, warming me from the inside out. It was so easy with him. So easy to fall back into the familiar chemistry that hadn't dulled since we last saw each other in a romantic capacity. Not that any romance had been happening on our dates. I was still a little wary of him and knew he was treading softly with me—something I appreciated.
What I also appreciated? Despite my busy schedule and aloofness, he still let me know in small ways that he was thinking of me. He texted and called me throughout the day, even if it was just a quick note to say "hello."
When he showed up at the salon with food and coffee for me, I was stunned—and a little disappointed he didn't stay. When I found out from the girls that he'd also supplied them sustenance, I almost called him over to fuck me. A bubble of amusement rose up at the thought. A few muffins, and I was ready to sleep with him without much prompting.
Of course, I used to drop my panties for a free drink at the club, so at least I had upgraded to pastry and coffee.
I wouldn't have done it, of course. I was still firmly in my celibate era; and as much as I missed sex, I enjoyed the clarity my celibacy gave me. I enjoyed just being with someone without wondering whether my big tits would keep him around longer than one night.
After he'd left my salon, I called him up that night and asked him out for a drink the following night. That was how we ended up at Malley's right now, sharing fries and grilled vegetables as we got to know each other better.
"So what kind of movies do you like watching? Give me some of your favs."
I chewed slowly as I considered my options. Nowadays I often watched movies that showcased some interesting things with special effects and make up.
"I love body horror." I laughed at his quick look of revulsion. "Some of my favorites areTitane,Tusk, Martyrs, andRingu. There are some new ones coming out soon that I'm excited to watch."
