Page 2 of Designs on You

“Then let’s join the party.” Hazel took her hand and dragged her outside. The weather was perfect—a little humid, like Orlando always was. But it was still spring, and the oppressive summer heat hadn’t yet hit, plus Natalie wore a sundress and sandals, so she felt fine. Since her divorce, she’d changed a lot—including her wardrobe. Gone were the smart, crisp slacks and buttoned-up blouses and painful shoes that Sean always preferred, because, after all, one must always be dressed for the country club. To him, appearances were everything.

Ugh. Now she wore sundresses and shorts and capris, and she even let her hair grow out and wound it up in a bun on occasion. Anything and everything that was the opposite of her ex’s expectations of her. She’d never felt more free. More herself. More like her old self, the person she’d been before her ex had tried to mold her into who he’d wanted her to be.

But that part of her life was over.

There was a crowd outside. She recognized a few of Hazel’s friends, including Sandy, who ran the foster animal organization. She also saw some of Linc’s friends that he’d made since he officially moved in.

Her lip curled in a sneer as Hazel led her over to the group. Linc’s brother Eugene Kennedy was here, too. He was telling some story, or, knowing him, probably a joke since he seemed to find everything funny. A couple of younger women were hanging on his every word as if he were some kind of…prophet or rock star or something.

Whatever. Sure, he was pretty and all. Ridiculously tall, with lean muscle, glorious black hair, and piercing blue eyes. Any woman would be instantly attracted.

Any woman but her, of course. She was older than he was, and she didn’t do that instalust thing. Plus, he liked to joke around and act like a kid, and she had way too many responsibilities to fall for that nonsense.

“Is everyone having a good time?” Hazel asked as they stepped outside. “For those who don’t already know her, I want to introduce you to my sister, Natalie.”

Eugene’s head jerked up at the mention of her name. Their gazes met, and his lips curved into a sexy smile that shot right to all her feminine parts. Damn her betraying body, anyway. Why was he holding eye contact with her? And why didn’t she just look away?

Finally focusing her attention elsewhere, she greeted the people she didn’t know, and Linc hugged her. “Glad you could make it,” he said. “Where are the kids?”

“Babysitter. I needed a free night.”

“Yeah, you did,” Hazel said.

Linc put his arm around Hazel. “Babe. I want you to meet some people.”

“Sure.” Hazel looked over at her. “You’ll be okay?”

Natalie nodded. “I’m fine. Go.”

Hazel wandered off, and she did as well, heading toward the kitchen, where there were several charcuteries set up. She grabbed a plate and some fruit, nuts, and cheese and took a seat in the eating area, watching the people wander in and out of the house.

“Hiding?”

She could have sworn she was sitting in a dark corner where no one could see her. Leave it to Eugene to find her. “Shouldn’t you be out there picking up women?”

He pulled up a chair next to her, stretching out his long legs. “Pretty sure you’re a woman.”

“So that’s your pickup line?”

He let out a low chuckle. “I wasn’t trying to pick you up. Unless you’d like me to, in which case I’ll give it my best shot.”

She took a swallow of wine. “Don’t bother. I’m not interested in boys.”

“So you like women, then?”

“That’s not at all what I meant and you know it.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“I like men just fine.” She gave him the once-over. “Not…boys.”

Not at all insulted, he picked an almond off her plate and popped it into his mouth. “Don’t knock me until you’ve tried me.”

Rolling her eyes, she got up. “You’re ridiculous.”

As she started to walk away, he said, “You’re only saying that because you want me.”

Every single time. Ever since Eugene moved here, there’d been this…back-and-forth thing between them. It had been instantaneous, like a constant buzzing around her. Antagonistic, electric, infuriating.

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