Page 84 of Holiday Hire

I tear my gaze off her chest.

She stares at me in question.

I nod. "Yes. I thought you might want some color in your room."

She grins and takes them from me. "Thank you. They're beautiful."

I glance back at her tattoo, blurting out, "Are you ever going to tell me what that says?"

She stifles a laugh. "Nope. I told you there wouldn't be any mystery, then."

I shake my head but smile, half annoyed, half amused. I add, "Okay, I have to shower. We can leave a little early, if you're going to be ready?"

"Sure. I only need another five minutes. I just have to put my clothes on."

Or you can take that towel off.

Ugh! Why am I thinking these things?

"Sounds good. I won't take too long." I scoot past her and go into my bedroom. I take a shower, put on a spray of cologne, which I normally don't do when I'm working, and then freeze.

Why am I acting like I'm going on a date?

Thisisa date.

No, it's not.

I go into my closet and put on a pair of jeans I only wear when I go to nicer places. I tuck my T-shirt in and secure my belt buckle. When I finish, I step out into the family room and stop short.

Phoebe's on the phone. She states, "I'm not talking about this anymore."

I quietly step back into the hallway and press my back against the wall. I shouldn't eavesdrop on her conversation, but I can't help myself.

Her voice grows more frustrated. "I've gone over this with you. You're just not listening to me."

Mr. Douchebag.

What's it going to take for her to realize that boy isn't worth a second of her time? She's way out of his league.

My gut flips. I hate she's still talking to him.

Why is she still talking to him?

I cautiously peek past the wall.

She puts her hand on her neck as she stares out the window. She declares, "I'm busy. I'll talk to you later." She hangs up and sighs.

I pull my head back, my heart beating faster. I wait ten seconds, then call out, "All set?" as I step into the family room.

She spins to face me and forces a smile. "Yep."

"Is something wrong?" I ask, moving closer.

She smiles bigger and shakes her head. "No, everything's great. I can't wait to go, and I can't wait to beat you."

I chuckle. "Alrighty, then. Let's get out of here." I go to the door and open it. I motion for her to go through, stating, "Ladies first."

Her smile stays on her face as she walks outside. I put my hand on her lower back and lead her to the car, opening her door.

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