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This is a place where I can work towards turning my dreams into reality. I turn back to my desk, taking in my sketches for the lingerie brand I want to launch. Each design captures a unique blend of style, sexiness, sophistication, touches of femininity, and playfulness. I trace my fingers over the lines of each garment on the paper. How would they look on a model? I should start sewing prototypes soon.

I take the sketch of my very first design. I drew it after my night with Elijah. The hunger in his eyes, the feel of his hands and mouth on my skin.

To be honest, he is the inspiration for every sketch. I always try to remember the feeling he gave me.

Feeling wanted.

Desired.

Sexy.

Everyone deserves to feel that way. So, I hope my collection makes women feel like they can conquer the world and nothing stands in their way while being at their most vulnerable and almost naked. It’s corny but true.

Another yawn escapes me as I place my sketch down.

Time for a coffee.

I wander into the kitchen, still a bit drowsy.

Lil sits on a stool at the counter, sliding an already-prepared cup of coffee toward me. Her warm hazel eyes are soft, and her lips form a silent “Morning” before she turns back to Mary, who waves around with a spatula while standing at the stove.

I lean down to my coffee mug and inhale the delicious aroma.

“Did you hear me?” A spatula appears in front of my face.

I blink up, meeting Mary’s narrowed eyes. “Sorry, what?”

“The charity gala.” She points the spatula at me. “Did you forget?”

Lil holds up her hands in surrender while I give a sheepish grin in response.

Exasperated, Mary turns back to flipping eggs in the pan. “Anyway, that means we’re going dress shopping!”

“I suppose a new dress wouldn’t hurt,” I say, and Lil approves with a slight nod.

Mary whoops. “Perfect, I can’t wait. But let’s get some energy first. And tonight, we’ll meet some handsome man.”

She pauses before continuing, “Sophisticated ones, not like John, who thought it would be a good idea to give me a list of his allergies on the first date. Am I his mom or what?”

I force a laugh, shoving aside the memory of my last run-in with a so-called handsome man. After that and the debacle with Oliver, the mere idea of dating again leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

All I want is to focus on my career and have fun with my friends. But my mom already set up some horrible dates for me, and she doesn’t relent.

Mary puts the pan aside, joins us at the counter, and we eat.

“I’m dying to hear about that hot date your mom set you up on last night,” Mary says.

“Don’t even ask.” I groan, rolling my eyes at the memory of enduring two hours with some pompous trust fund baby named Bartholomew. Who even names his kid like that?

“At least you got a free meal out of it.” Lil picks at her food.

“And indigestion,” I say.

“So, no… fun afterward?” Mary asks.

I swat at her arm. “Of course not.”

“As we have a girls’ night out today. No more moping around or complaining about your mother’s matchmaking attempts. No men tonight.” Lil puts on an over-exaggerated pout.

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