I don’t really want to tell business that’s not mine, so I simply explain, “Carly wasn’t feeling well, and some of these are time-sensitive. Plus, she’s going to be… taking some time off, so I’m shopping for another agent in the meantime.”
There’s a long pause, and then Phoenix’s voice softens to almost a whisper. “Wait, is she pregnant?”
I cringe to myself. “Uhh, I don’t really want to?—”
“I understand. You don’t want to talk about something she divulged privately. I just know they’ve been trying. I play golf with Albertsometimes, and he mentioned they’re going through some fertility treatments.”
Feeling better about it, I reply, “Let’s just say she’s stepping back, and it’s due to some very happy news.”
Phoenix lets out a whoop that surprises me. “Hell yes! Those two will be amazing parents.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. His exuberance is contagious. “I agree.”
“Hmm, you need me to look over your contracts while you’re in agent limbo? I’m actually an attorney, and I deal with contracts and endorsements all the time, so I’m very familiar with them.”
My eyes widen at his offer. “Are you sure? How much do you charge?”
He chuckles like that’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard. “Consider it a favor for a friend. Depending on the complexity, it shouldn’t take me long at all.”
“There are three of them, and I think they’re pretty simple as far as contracts go. They’re for some local businesses.”
“Okay, hold on a second.” I hear him talking and assume he’s speaking on the office intercom. “Charlotte, when can we squeeze Jordie in this week?” His assistant’s reply is tinny, and I can’t hear what she says. Then Phoenix replies, “Crap, I forgot about that. Okay, I’ll figure it out.”
As soon as he gets back on the line, I say, “It’s no big deal if you don’t have time. I know you’re really busy, and I don’t want to?—.”
“Jordie,” Phoenix says, his voice a low command that has my mouth clamping shut. “It’s not a big deal. Just email them to me, and I’ll look over everything. I’ve got a ton of meetings with our European marketing team every day this week, so just drop by my house on Friday at seven, and we can go over your contracts in person. I’ll have them done by then.”
“I… okay,” I acquiesce because I really need help sorting through the legal mumbo jumbo. “I’ll be there.”
“Good. I’ll text you my address. I was calling today to tell you about a new opportunity you might be interested in. We can talk about it on Friday night.”
“That sounds good. And thank you so much, Phoenix.”
“You’re welcome, Jordie. See you Friday.”
As soon as we hang up, he sends me his address, and I program it into my maps app before setting an alarm for Friday afternoon so I don’t forget.
Later that evening, I shower and dress in a cropped white tank top and tight black shorts. Grabbing the bottle of Red Haze perfume Phoenix gifted me, I spritz some on my neck and wrists. It really does smell sexy. I close my eyes when I remember the little noise Phoenix made when he was smelling my neck. It was almost carnal. And the feel of his nose brushing up and down the side of my neck had me under some kind of spell.
I wonder what it would have felt like if he’d?—
No. Nope. Not going there.
I place the bottle back on my dresser with more force than necessary before heading to the kitchen. My new apartment is very nice though definitely not extravagant. I have my own income now, but I’m doing my best to be frugal and not spend money like a drunken rock star.
After taking the Mexican casserole out of the oven, I cover it with foil and set two place settings on the small table in my dining area. Miles will be here in just a few minutes. My boyfriend lives in Dallas, but he’s flying directly into Houston from the camp he’s been attending so we can spend some time together.
I dart into the bathroom to check myself in the mirror. My hair is half up, half down, the blonde strands waving down my back. I’d taken a little bit more time with my appearance tonight since Miles is coming over, and I even put on a light dusting of blush and some soft, rosy lipstick.
The doorbell rings, and I practically sprint to the front door before pausing to take a deep breath. I want everything to be perfect tonight.
As soon as I open the door, Miles powers into my foyer and drops his bag on the floor before scooping me up into his arms. I wrap mylegs around his waist, and a happy laugh climbs up my throat and escapes my mouth.
“I guess you missed me,” I say a second before his lips take mine in a possessive kiss.
When he finally pulls back, his mouth bears the evidence of our passion, and I swipe the remnants of my pink lipstick from his lips.
“Damn sure did, babe.” He turns us and pushes my back against the door, grinding his erection between my legs. “I think I sprained my hand from all the jerking off I did while I thought about you in my hotel room every night.”
