“What?” His green eyes pull wide as his chest rises and falls. “You want me to go jump on their mattresses?”
I nod. “I do. I think I would like thatverymuch.”
Laughing, he shakes his head in exasperation, but I can’t stop grinning like a goon.
Suddenly Brandon tugs the lapels of my red peacoat and his mouth crashes over mine. His breath heats my icy lips, and I soon drown in a lake of fire. His hands cradle the back of my head, keeping me firmly where he wants me. The pressure of his lips is perfect but somehow not enough. Too soon, he breaks the kiss, and that cocky grin of his slides back into place.
“Just in case I’m locked up after this,” he breathes, hands stillfirmly holding me in place, “I couldn’t go the night without tasting you at least once.”
I’m left speechless on the sidewalk as Brandon strides inside, removes his shoes, and begins bouncing on the mattress closest to the window.
He tries a few knee tucks, getting more air, and I can’t help but burst into laughter when he flings his massive limbs out like a starfish. It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen, and I’m saving this memory in my permanent collection. His head whips toward a posse of employees that begins to race toward him.
His wild eyes spin back to mine, and I see him mouth through the window, “Run!”
He’s tackled by a large man in a white uniform as I take off down the sidewalk.
sixteen
PRESENT DAY
KATE
Isprint down the sidewalk after Julia, who I happened to see exiting Pulse Fitness wearing a set of headphones and running shoes. I burst through the doors after her, because there’s no time like the present to save your best friend’s art exhibition.
The cold seeps through my thin workout leggings and into my bones, but I propel myself faster.
Julia finally hears me through her headphones after two blocks, and I pull up short with a stitch in my side. Her naturally large eyes pull even wider after witnessing me chase after her like a psychopath.
“Kate? What’s going on?”
“Holy crap, you’re fast,” I wheeze, pinching the ache in my side.
Amusement tugs the corner of her mouth. “Sorry, I used to run track.”
I laugh, and the sharp pain intensifies.
“I have a proposition for you,” I say between gulps of air. “I need your help. Well, my friend Amantha and I do.”
Julia lights up. “Amantha Adams?”
“The one and only.”
“Brandon has told me so much about her and Val!” She crooks an auburn eyebrow. “But why does she needmyhelp?”
I explain the situation, recounting Amantha’s abandoned exhibitionplans, the new mural idea, and our need for an expert social media marketer who can work within our limited budget.
Julia’s mouth hangs open. “And… you thought ofme?” Unfettered excitement brightens her expression. “That exhibition sounds insanely cool. I can practically see the videos I’d want to shoot! But…me? Are you sure?”
“Julia, I wasn’t kidding when I told you how impressed I was with your marketing videos. They’re memorable and compelling. We need you.”
The nearby stoplight cycles from red to green before she responds.
“I’m flattered, but…” She wrinkles her cold-kissed nose. “I don’t think my co-owner at Autumn & June would appreciate it if I split my focus. Hannah’s really stressed about sales being down after the holidays, and I’m trying to do everything I can to make her life easier.”
Regret tugs the corners of her mouth.
I’m sure my face looks as crestfallen as I feel, but I force myself to rally.
