Page 32 of Smooth Talk

Me: LOL

Me: I only meant that there are a lot of facets to your personality, your home should reflect that

Grayson: That’s pretty deep

Me: I have my moments

Me: Seriously though, this sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I don’t have any time right now. When is the shoot scheduled?

Grayson: Not until September, it’s for the October issue

Clearly, he thinks we’ll still be talking in three plus months. I try not to think on it too long, and, you know, come to the wrong conclusion. Play it cool.

Me: Wow, ok. You realize it’s June, right? Are you always this prepared?

Grayson: Yes. And yes. I was a boy scout

Me: Were you really?

Grayson: Yes ma’am. All of us were

Grayson: Well, except Lily and Vi. They were brownies. Winky face emoji

Now I’m laughing out loud for real. Grayson is not the emoji user type. Maybe I’m rubbing off on him. I’d like to rub off on him. I shake my head clear of gutter thoughts. This is a professional exchange, Poppy. Act like it.

Me: Are you sure you trust me?

Grayson: I have eyes Poppy. What you did with the cottage was amazing. I also checked out some of your work online. You’re very talented

Me: Thanks. Okay, I’ll pencil you in. It shouldn’t take long for superficial changes. I’m about to head out the door right now, is there anything else?

Grayson: Actually, I would like to request a venue change for Sunday

Me: Let me guess, you’d like to go to Carlton’s Grocery to pick up some fresh fish because you have zero faith in our abilities.

Grayson: Nope, I have every faith in Harp’s ability. Laughing emoji

God, this man. His snark shouldn’t be this charming.

Grayson: Kidding, I’m sure you’ve got mad pole skills. I’d like to take y’all to the lake at our farm. It’s only a few miles past the estate, but it’s better stocked than the pond at the house and the scenery is better. Plus, there’s space for Gunner to roam free

Ever since Caroline mentioned their farmhouse, I’ve been dying to see it. The excitement I feel about seeing the house is almost equally matched with seeing him again— I think he’s flirting with me. I’m not even going to respond to the ‘pole skills’ comment. Wouldn’t he like to know?

Me: Sounds good

Grayson: Great, I’ll see you ladies at 8am sharp

Another text comes in with the farm’s address. Eight, on a Sunday morning? He must be joking. Sunday is my day to sleep in. My only day. I was looking forward to going fishing after church, maybe getting some take-out for dinner (because he may have faith in our skills, but I do not) and vegging out the rest of the evening. Ugh! The things I do for Harp, I think as I walk out the door. Because this is all for her. It has nothing to do with my need to see his handsome face or hear his deep voice and husky laugh or smell his sexy woodsy scent. Just thinking about him, has my breath coming faster and my skin warming. Guess we’ll be missing church for the second week in a row. I’ll make it up to you next week Jesus, promise.

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