Page 10 of And Then Came You

“He does, and he’s constantly begging me to move back and take it over. Give him a well-earned retirement.”

“Not something you’re interested in doing?”

“Not now. I’m still living the high life. You know the one, the shallow yet glamorous life of a model.”

“You said it,” she remarks with a smirk, but instead of feeling aggravated, she puts me at ease. “I think it must be very exciting and glamorous.”

“You’d be wrong. The travel is interesting, but I spend most days in a makeup chair, in front of a lens or the gym.”

“Don’t forget the bookstore.”

“That’s the highlight of my trips.” Until now, anyway. This tiny woman has become the highlight of this weekend, despite our unusual introduction.

The hotel comes into view as we turn the corner, and I feel a sinking sensation in my stomach. With Lexi by my side, the evening flew by. She kept the loneliness at bay. I’m not quite ready for it to return. “The hotel bar is still open. Want to grab a drink?”

Lexi shakes her head, nodding toward the pack of women eyeballing me from their seats in the lobby bar. “A lovely offer, but I’ve usurped enough of your evening. I’ll leave you to the beautiful people to finish the night.”

Once again, I bristle at her self-deprecating intimation about her looks. Lexi doesn’t look like a model. She’s half their size with a bevy of curves, but she’s a highly attractive woman. Unfortunately, the myriad of assholes she has dated has pummeled her self-esteem, and she plays it off as a joke.

I know that routine. I do it, too.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Lexi nods. “I have a short day, so I’m taking advantage of the beautiful weather promised by our local meteorologist and heading to the botanical gardens. You’re welcome to join me if you like. Fair warning, however. I plan on wearing a big, floppy hat and taking photos of everything. Total dork moment.”

My face splits in a grin. “I’d expect no less.”

“I think it will be fun.”

“Likely will, but I have a photo shoot tomorrow for a few custom covers. You’re on your own, Lexi.”

“Ah, the trials and tribulations of an in-demand cover model. I can’t imagine the pay is as good for book covers as, say, the catwalk.”

“Actually, the best money is through advertising. I work with Givenchy, and one spread pays my bills.”

“Must be nice.”

Okay, I sounded like a conceited ass just now. Not my intention. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

She jabs me in the arm, sending me a smirk. “Yes, you did. You meant every name drop. Have a good night, Sam. I had a lot of fun this evening.”

“Me, too.” I watch her stroll to the elevator, acutely aware of the group of women to my right, just waiting for me to turn around so they can initiate their fawning.

Instead, I spy a small reprieve from the gaggle of women awaiting my arrival. Sliding onto a barstool next to the willowy redhead, I motion to the bartender for a drink. “How’s your evening?”

“Where were you all night?” My assistant and grudging friend, Caroline, peers at me through her glasses, a curious look on her face. “I tried calling you, but your phone went to voicemail. Who were you fucking?”

“No one. I spent the evening at the bookstore with Lexi.”

“Lexi McMillan? Change of pace.”

Her words irk me. Crossing my arms across my chest, I shoot her a scowl. “What’s wrong with Lexi?”

“Nothing at all,” she retorts, breaking into a grin. “She’s lovely, but she has a brain and personality. She also doesn’t parade around on a catwalk. Not your usual type.”

“She isn’t my type, which is why we’re just friends.”

Caroline nods, but her smirk remains. “Noted. Do you need me to save you from your fans, or are you in the mood for some late-night frolicking?”

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