Page 20 of Everything I Need

“Okay sweet girl. I will butt out.” She hugs me tightly.

I know that look and she isn’t going to stop. Meanwhile I have until lunchtime tomorrow to put myself back into work mode with Preston.

I pull out my phone and start to work on my to-do list for tomorrow. I need to get to work on his website, and that means sprucing up the office a little for some new photos. The perfect thing to feel professional again is getting to work on our plan.

If I could only stop thinking about him kissing me, and how I wanted more, all of it. It would be too easy to just fall back into him.

In the morning, I head to the hardware store to meet Preston. We need to pick out paint colors. Thankfully, he seems to be on the same page about professionalism as I am, at least in public.

“Okay, how about a light gray with a warm green undertone. Maybe this one? It has a hint of sage green while still looking clean and fresh.”

“I don’t know. Do you really think this is a good color?” He rubs his hand over his jaw.

“Trust me. This is a great, warm color. That office needs a refresh. I’m guessing you still don’t like change. But paint is the first thing we’re doing. Then I’m bringing the chairs to my mom to put a fresh clean cover on them to match the walls. I promise people will love it.” I put the swatch in his hand and walk to the counter.

“Alright, fine. We can do that color. But only one room. And then I’ll make my final decision once I see it.” He demands while trying to look stern.

“Preston, are you questioning my work? The same work you just said was wonderful?” I place my hand on my hip trying my best to look offended but a smile plays at my lips.

“Absolutely not. I just want to make sure it’s the right color.” He smiles at me with that perfect mouth, and I was tempted to stand on my tiptoes and kiss him, right here in the hardware store.

“Mmm. Sure. Ok, deal. One room then the final decision.” I spin him around and gently push him toward the counter. “Now, let’s go get that paint!”

We buy the paint and brushes and head back to the office. I feel so energized to finally be back doing what I love, on my own terms. I certainly never helped a client paint their office in Boston, at least not on the clock. Niles would have fired me on the spot. I set off to a room in the back. It has some extra furniture in it for now, but I’m going to make this the most inviting room in the whole place.

“Did you know you hum 90’s songs while you paint?” He says leaning on the doorway with his arms crossed.

Startled, I jump about three feet in the air. “Jeez. Warn a girl would ya?”

“I’m sorry. Next time, I’ll stomp my way down here calling you as I go.” He’s laughing, standing with his arms across his chest, his muscles rippling under his t-shirt.

“Well, that would be wonderful. Thanks for being so considerate. I’m almost done. What do you think of the paint color?” I wave my hand at the room.

“I actually love it.” I could see the shock on his face. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help you paint. My brother is coming in around lunchtime and I had to move all my patients up. But the last one just left, and I have a few before Colton gets here. Want help?”

“No, it’s okay. I only have half a wall left anyway. I didn’t know you were leaving at lunchtime. I’ll hurry up and get out of your way.”

I bend over to run my roller through the paint when I am all of a sudden no longer bent over the paint. Preston’s hands are pulling me close to him.

“You know, you’ve been in here all day humming your songs. Bending over, in those tight as hell yoga pants, looking beautiful as ever, and especially cute with that paint smudge on your cheek.”

My hand immediately goes to my cheek. “I am trying really hard to be professional with you like you want me to be. But damn. The only thing I could think about today was kissing you, touching you.” His breath tickling the shell of my ear.

To hell with professionalism. It’s overrated anyway. “Okay.”

“That's it? Scarlett, I’m going to need more than okay, I’m trying to respect what you want here.”

“What I want right now is to not care about professionalism, or our past. With you looking at me like that, I can remember the feel of your hands on my body and your lips on mine. So screw professionalism.”

I can feel his fists clenching at my hips. He really is trying to respect me and wait for me to make the first move. I spin in his arms.

“I need more than okay Scarlett.” He says tensely on a breath.

We’re nose to nose at this point. “Okay Dr. West, I’m off the clock for the day.”

“Scarlett. Off the clock or not, this is your call.” He whispers.

Feeling a sudden sense of bravery, I lean in the last inch taking his mouth with mine. When he was hesitant, I added a little bite to his lower lip. That set him free. Suddenly his hands are on me. One hand on my hip pulling me in, and the other behind my neck guiding me deeper into the kiss.

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