Page 22 of Indiscreet

CHAPTER SIX

When I went to pull into my driveway upon returning home, I was surprised to find a silver Mercedes parked out front. The car had left me enough space to drive around to park in the garage. Once I stopped in my usual spot, I got out, went back to the driveway, and pressed the button for the electronic door to come down.

“Miss me?” purred a deep voice behind me.

My face heated. It wasn’t Dane; he’d said he didn’t mix business with pleasure, but apparently he hadn’t told Elliott, whom I now faced. His brilliant, crystal blue eyes bore into mine with a knowing that immediately set me on edge. They brought me right back to him on his knees before me with his fingers bringing me to a climax.

If the flashback wasn’t enough, I was overcome with lust. He looked too damn good in his structured indigo blazer and dark jeans. They were tailored to fit what I had little doubt was a well-toned body underneath. Shit. Now I was imagining him naked. I inhaled a heavenly scent of expensive cologne that was just another lure into the Elliott zone, one that was too much right then, especially with Liz’s warning against him. “No, I haven’t given you much thought since the mixer.”

Elliott’s mouth turned up in a smile. “You’re lying. I can take just about anything but liars. I was there—I know better.”

My cheeks burned. Was I that transparent?

He leaned close to me. “If you want me to stroke your pussy again, Gia, I’ll let Dane know, since you’re interested in him. I’ll ask him not to make you beg before you come, but I can’t promise you that.”

My brain didn’t intend for any of it to happen. My body, on the other hand, was pulsing at just the thought. Still, his assumption that Dane would dictate what I did or didn’t do bothered me. We had agreed to only do business, and that was how this meeting was going to go.

I squared my shoulders. “I contacted Westbrook Designs for a consultation for remodeling my home. I didn’t realize he would send you.”

“I handle initial consultations for clients planning a complete remodel,” he replied. “I admit I flirted, but WB Designs can do your job. If you need to see samples of our work, I have our portfolio in my car. Our most recent designs were featured in the November issue of Architectural Digest. If you don’t think you can work with me, I can call Dane to send someone else over?”

I crossed my arms. To be honest, I was uncomfortable. “I was caught off guard by you being here, but I’d still like to continue with the consultation.” I stressed the last word to make it clear I may or may not use Dane and Elliott’s company.

We walked a few paces and he frowned. “Your hair is dripping down the back of your jacket—do you realize it’s below freezing out today?”

“I went to the gym and now I’m going from the car inside. It’s hardly anything to worry about,” I tried to explain, but oddly my excuse still concerned him.

“That’s what people think, and then they get sick,” he argued. “Get inside and dry your hair now, and I’ll do the walkthrough of your place.”

I was both surprised and annoyed by his orders, but strangely I walked with him with plans to do just as he asked. We were about to go inside when I heard the sound of a car door closing. I looked down the driveway and saw Liz. Inwardly, I cringed at the twist of her mouth as her gaze shifted between the two of us.

Elliott smirked. “Well that explains your less than warm greeting,” he said to me. “Hello Liz—”

“It’s Ms. Crenshaw to you,” Liz interjected, her tone curt as she corrected him.

Great. I’d figured she disliked him, but I hadn’t realized the extent. They had some sort of history, and I thought it would be better to stop them now before any more conflict arose between the two of them.

“Elliott is here to look at the place. You left before I had the chance to tell you about the consultation for a remodel. I didn’t expect you to stop by,” I babbled.

Liz relaxed some. “I know. I was wondering if I could borrow your shawl for an event I’m going to in San Francisco tomorrow.”

I smiled. “Of course. I just have to find it.” I motioned for them to follow me up the steps, despite the tension.

Once inside, Elliott wrinkled his nose as he circled the living room. “I feel like we’ve taken a time machine to the seventies, and not in a good way. Did the furniture come with it?”

“No, smarty-pants,” I said, trying hard to suppress my smile. He wasn’t far off in his criticism. The place looked like a dump. I’d chosen this house because the asking price was well below market, it was in a great neighborhood, and it was available to move into quickly. In hindsight, it was impulsive and unwise. As a single woman, this large house didn’t suit me at all, nor did the green and brown multicolored shag carpet or the faded gold and plaid paisley wallpaper that clashed with the knotted cherry wood and stucco paneling. Perhaps the previous owner hadn’t been able to decide what they wanted to do.

“If you need me to stay with you, Gia,” Liz said, glaring at Elliott, “I don’t need to be anywhere for the next couple of hours.”

“I could come back, or do you have the hours after that free too, Liz?” he mused, smiling over at her. Liz wasn’t laughing or moving from her spot.

“Thanks for the offer, but I do need a remodel, and having their expertise in design isn’t something I’d like to pass up,” I explained. “I’ll go get your shawl. I’ll just be a minute.”

She folded her arms. “All right. I’ll wait for you here.”

I kicked off my shoes then took the stairs two at a time and threw things around in my closet to find the shawl Liz wanted to borrow. I was in a rush to separate them. However, the sound of their raised voices on my way back to where they waited for me had me slowing down to listen to what they were arguing about.

“It was a mistake sending Gia to The Agency,” she said. “She doesn’t need to get mixed up in this. She’s not going back. If you and Dane had any decency, you’d turn down this job.”

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