Page 47 of Seductive Hearts

It took biting my tongue hard to put a lid on the laughter. “Nothing, really. Just one of those passing thoughts. Anyway, I appreciate the invitation, but I think I’ll have to pass.”

“What do you see in that guy? Straight up.” His narrowed eyes darted over my face, searching for answers. “Why would somebody like you want to have anything to do with him?”

“It’s not easy to put into words.” I lifted my gaze to meet his, gritting my teeth against an angry outburst. Where did he get off? “And maybe none of your business, respectfully. I appreciate your concern if that’s what it is, but there’s no need for it.”

He snickered and shrugged like he was disappointed but not surprised. “Some people just can’t be told.”

“I guess not.” I’d had enough to eat. Besides, the company was making my stomach a little sour. I was so wrong about him. How could I have ignored what a self-absorbed, boring person he was?

Colton was right. I would never be more important to Landon than his image. He was only interested because he wanted to take me from Colton. I deserved better than that—someone who actually wanted me.

What a shame I couldn’t find anybody who fit the bill.

“I have to go meet with my mom and her business partner at the store. But it was so good to spend a little time with you. Keep me posted on the campaign, please.” I managed to sound genuine, or at least I tried. Colton would laugh himself sick if he knew.

Except he wouldn’t because he would not speak to me.

I crossed the street on trembling legs once I recognized Mom’s black Mercedes parked near the store. If Noah had spread the news about Colton and me, I would’ve known about it by then. No way my mother could have kept it to herself just so she could tear me a new one this morning. I needed to believe that as I entered the store, where the last of the shelves were being mounted.

Rich was talking with Mom when I entered. “I was just telling Mrs. Goldsmith here that we came in early to make sure the shelving was installed on time,” he explained. “What do you think?”

What did I think? I was overwhelmed. More than anything, my heart ached. It should’ve swelled with pride, but instead, there was a stinging sensation behind my eyes. “It’s amazing. I owe you so much for fast-tracking this.”

“That’s our job,” he reminded me, waving a hand with a good-natured laugh. “After this, it’s only a matter of installing the rest of the features.”

“And then we get to pull it all together.” Mom’s eyes danced while Lourde entered through the back door, carrying a stack of folded drapes.

“A little help?” she called out, laughing. I could barely see her face, thanks to the fabric stacked in her outstretched arms.

“This is gorgeous,” I sighed, touching the heavy silk. It would look stunning in front of the windows.

A handful of assistants scurried around as well, surveying the space and getting familiar with the placement of furniture—sofas, chairs, and footstools. Whatever it took to make the customers comfortable.

“I have to hand it to you.” Lourde was gentle as she laid the drapes across a long table that had been covered with sawdust only a few days ago. “You pulled it together fast. It’s like a miracle.”

“Here we were, thinking we would have to cram decorating in at the last second.” Mom threw an arm around my shoulders and squeezed me while Lourde beamed with pride. “I am over the moon for you, sweetie. This is a triumph. Your first big professional triumph.”

“It’s not only mine,” I reminded her, fighting back a wave of emotion as Colton’s image filled my head and made my heart swell painfully. “I couldn’t have done it without Colton.”

She winced. “He didn’t make it too difficult on you, did he?”

“The opposite.” I shot Mom a quick look at the mention of his name, but her expression gave nothing away. She was clueless. Thank God. “We would’ve been completely screwed without him.”

“How so?” Lourde asked.

Interesting. After hearing Barrett hammering Colton, giving him hell, grinding him down, it was refreshing and reassuring to see nothing but adoration on Lourde’s face. He deserved one loving parent, at least.

I gave them the CliffsNotes’ version of what went down with the carpenter, leaving them wide-eyed and a little breathless. “But on top of that, he got along so well with the crew. He made them want to work hard, and he worked hard along with them. He filled in where necessary. He motivated them. He kept them on track, and we’re ahead of schedule thanks to him. I can’t imagine doing it without him, really.”

Lourde clasped her hands together, glowing with pride. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that. I knew he would come through.”

“Between you and me?” I added with my heart in my throat. He probably wouldn’t like it if he found out I said this, but I couldn’t hold it in. “He would be a tremendous asset to the company if he decided to go full-time. He has that special touch. He knows how to get results.”

Does he ever!

Heat bloomed in my core, but then that wasn’t the sort of touch we were talking about. He had ruined me for all other men, plain and simple.

Thankfully, our discussions turned to decorating, and we confirmed when my office furniture would arrive. In other words, work stuff and putting the final touches on the finished product.

---