Page 9 of Dreaming of You

"I didn't know about your business when I made the decision to move. My current office was recently damaged by a water leak. This is the only place available that fits my needs. So, for the next several months, this will be my new home."

She shook her head. "This is not going to work. I don't want my brides exposed to the senseless bickering of divorce clients."

His lips twisted in an ironic smile. "I feel the same way, only in reverse. No one wants to be reminded of their wedding day when they're getting a divorce. I think the best thing we can do is to stay as separate as possible, and the common areas should be decorated in neutral colors."

"The wallpaper that's up is very subtle."

"Not subtle enough. We have to coexist. We have to compromise."

"I seem to be the one doing all the compromising," she said.

"Well, my family's company does own the building."

"So, you keep reminding me."

"It will be fine. In fact, we may both increase our business. You'll get them on the way in, and I'll get them on the way out."

She didn't find his cynical humor at all amusing. "That's not funny."

"It's true."

"Not everyone gets divorced."

"And not everyone lives happily ever after. In fact, most people don't. The statistics would agree with me."

"I'm not interested in statistics."

"Why would you be? You make your money on foolishly-in-love brides and grooms," he pointed out.

"It's not just about making money. I'm trying to make people happy, to kick off their marriage in the best way possible, to give them a day to remember."

"That day might be the only thing they want to remember."

"I'm not taking down the wallpaper."

"Then I'll have it done," he returned.

"You're extremely…" She couldn't find the appropriate word.

He gave her a mocking smile. "I was thinking the same thing about you."

"I was hoping we could be good neighbors, maybe even friends, but you're making that impossible."

"There are a lot of things we might be, but I don't think friends is one of them," he returned, giving her a look that sent an odd shiver down her spine.

She wished she had a snappy comeback, but she couldn't seem to find her voice. There was so much tension between them, and it wasn't all about their jobs or their opposing views. It was about an unexpected, unwelcome attraction. She could not possibly desire someone she didn't even like, could she?

"I should go," she said.

"You should," he agreed. "I have a lot to do."

"So do I."

"Then…"

Wondering why it was so difficult to walk away from him, she finally forced her feet to move, taking a little delight in slamming the door to his office behind her. But she didn't think a closed door was going to stop Barrett from continuing to turn her life upside down, and she wasn't just talking about wallpaper.

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