Lorraine strides into the walk-in pantry to throw away the baby wipe, and I follow, lowering my voice. “She had a little trouble going to the bathroom this morning, so if you could make sure she drinks a lot of water today? And maybe some high-fiber fruits.” I give her a wry grin. “She’s also been a little more rambunctious than usual.”
Lorraine nods crisply. “She just needs to work off some energy. I’m on it.” Then she walks out into the kitchen and claps her hands twice. “Reece, honey, get your water bottle. I thought we’d take a walk down to the farmer’s market and get some fruit.”
That’s Lorraine Moore. Killing all the birds with a single, skillfully thrown stone. I’m giving that woman a raise.
“Thank you so much for giving me a chance,” my sister says. She’s uncharacteristically dressed in a teal business suit as she sits in my executive office on the top floor of Hale Cosmetics.
I scoff. “Of course, Perri. You’ll be great in public relations for our company.”
Perri smiles happily. “Okay. I didn’t want to just assume that I’d get a job here because I’m your sister.”
“You’re getting the job because of your degree and your work ethic.”
“And my perfectly presented Power Point?” she asks, bobbing her blonde eyebrows at me.
Chuckling, I say, “It was very impressive.”And very, very long, though I keep that thought to myself. My administrative assistant, Charlotte, had texted me ten minutes ago to let me know my next appointment had arrived. I stand from my chair to signal that the meeting is over, and Perri does the same. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Who’s your next appointment?” she asks quietly as we walk toward the door.
“Jordie McNamara.”
Perri’s eyes light up. “Oh, I just love her. I’m so excited she’ll be playing for Houston. Dad said we’re getting a suite at the new stadium.”
“Yeah, Reece is really excited she gets to see, and I quote, ‘Ladies knocking each other down.’”
My sister snorts. “She is unhinged in the most adorable way.”
When we exit my office, I spot her sitting in the waiting area and freeze.Dear god, did I just make a growling sound on my exhale?
Jordie McNamara is fucking stunning. Even seated, she seems larger than life, like she radiates an unassailable strength. She’s dressed simply in a fitted aqua button-down and nice linen shorts that show off mile-long legs. The shirt perfectly matches the crystalline eyes that are currently locked on my blue ones. Her lashes are almost as long as those tanned legs.The makeup team is going to have a field day with those eyes.
And a sweet scent that wasn’t here earlier seems to have permeated the space. Something fresh and crisp.
When Perri’s hand wraps around my bicep, I shake myself out of my reverie and try to focus on my sister. But my stubborn gaze is fighting to land back on the woman I’ve only seen on TV.
Inhaling deeply, I think I’ve figured out that intriguing scent…
Apples and trouble.
CHAPTER TEN
The cosmetics Casanova
Jordie
TWENTY MINUTES EARLIER
As I enter the blue-mirrored building, I huff out my relief that I made it on time. I made an attempt with my makeup this morning since I have a meeting with the cosmetics company. Well, a minimal attempt that included tinted lip balm, a swipe of peach blush, and some mascara. The problem came when I blinked and the mascara left little black spots above and below my eyes. Stupid long lashes. It had taken me ten extra minutes to clean it all up and make myself halfway presentable.
Then I’d made my way to the Hale Cosmetics offices and encountered traffic. Because of course I had. This was Houston, after all. I moved here right after graduation a couple weeks ago and still wasn’t accustomed to all this congestion. Sure, I went to college in Dallas, which is a huge city, but everything seems more crowded here.
Glancing down, I ensure my blouse is secure. The damn button over my boobs keeps popping open. I’m not exactly well-endowed in the chest department, but this stupid shirt fits me like a glove.
I’d stressed over my attire for thirty minutes last night and finally ended up FaceTiming my sister for advice. For my previous meetings with companies, I had worn a Dragons T-shirt and track pants, butthey were all sports-related companies, so my attire didn’t matter that much. But now? Now I’m at Hale Cosmetics, and I felt like I needed to level up a bit. After all, this place is the definition of high end.
The lobby is decorated in cool white and shiny silver with a modern-looking chandelier hanging overhead. The damn thing is so big it could crush an entire football team if it fell.
When I look around, I think maybe death by lighting fixture wouldn’t be such a bad idea.I don’t belong here.
