“Jolene, you are brilliant! I don’t know how I am going to be able to thank you for this.”
“Referrals and repeat customers are always nice.” I winked at Kathy as her face lit up with a huge smile.
For the most part, Finn had remained quiet through the entire meeting, frequently nodding and saying “yeah” a lot.
“Are you going to be ok with having Kiera almost naked on my book cover, little brother?”
Kathy looked kind of concerned when Finn shrugged and stated, “She dumped me weeks ago, so it’s totally fine with me. I don’t know how she is going to feel about it.”
“Isn’t she a model?” I knew tons of models and in the name of “the job” they understood that art was just that. As long as it was tastefully done, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“I am, she isn’t. She agreed to do this cover months ago when Kathy asked us if we’d do it.”
Kathy put her hand on Finn’s shoulder. “We’ll make her feel comfortable. It’ll be fine.”
“Well, this was great, but I need the rest of the day to deep clean my apartment.” I laughed a little, trying to play off how I was trying to run away from Finn’s enchanting stare. He was way too distracting.
Everyone shoved up from their chairs at the same time while I untied Dozer from the table. “See you in the morning.” Kathy sighed with relief while hugging me tighter than necessary.
Brett kissed me on the cheek. “See you in the morning, cous!”
“You’re coming?” My voice sounded more shocked than I intended.
Brett nodded quickly. “Seeing that piece of gorgeous Irish booty with his shirt off? Wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
I glanced over at Finn, whose face was turning fifty different shades of red while he hugged his sister goodbye.
I laughed a little, waved goodbye to everyone one last time, and set off down the block toward my apartment with Dozer trotting happily at my side.
“Hey, wait up!” Finn jogged quickly down the crowded sidewalk to catch up to me.
“What’s up?” I couldn’t help up let my eyes wander over his gorgeous cheek bones and down to the abs that could faintly be made out under his tight fitting V-neck.
When did he have time to change?
I caught a whiff of his clean sent, which was complimented by a hint of cologne.
He had time to shower?
Suddenly, I felt like a slime ball.
“Have dinner with me tonight?”
I shook my head. “Sorry, you’re a client now. I don’t mix business and pleasure.”
“Come on. My sister is your client, not me.”
“Nope. Sorry. No can do.”
I wanted to say yes. My body was screaming for me to say yes. Why were my lips betraying me and sticking to my rules? This guy—this hot freaking guy—was just the perfect person to break the rules for, and there I was turning him down.
“Bollocks. Well, lucky for you I don’t give up that easily. I always get what I want—eventually.” He winked. “See you tomorrow morning, Joey.”
Before I could say anything, he turned and headed the opposite direction of my apartment. His ass was perfectly shaped in his jeans.
God, even his ass is gorgeous.
What the fuck is wrong with you Jolene?
