Page 31 of Quinlan

Subject:Your website is updated!

Dear Paulina,

Your website has been updated to your specifications. You can now look over the unpublished version and get back to me with your input.

On another note, and I do apologize for sounding like a parrot, but the new section is truly stunning. I love how it’s an extension of the hair salon yet it still has its own flare. The thin gold light fixtures are a brilliant touch.

Congratulations!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Quinlan Palmer

Quinlan’s Designs

I always make sure to hype my clients. Sprinkle that extra personal touch to my emails. Find a positive angle—anything at all—to add to my emails or over our online conferences.

It’s not a hardship to be nice to them, not at all. They’re great people and thanks to my clients, I get to put food on my table. Help support my parents.

I don’t just appreciate them. I love my clients. I truly do.

As soon as I finish that thought, an email pops up on my screen.

From:[email protected]

To:[email protected]

Subject:Re: Your website is updated!

Quinlan,

You’ve outdone yourself with this one! It’s exactly how I imagined it would be.

Once again, you’ve brought my vision to life.

Since you like what I’ve done with the place, consider yourself invited. Maybe now you’ll finally agree to visit me and get that hair—and now nails—appointment on the house.

Say yes!

Paulina Keller

Paulina’s Salon

A week ago, I might’ve taken her up on her offer. Would’ve packed my laptop and dared to work on the beach. Maybe I would’ve gotten blonde highlights for the first time in my life. It’s been a long winter. I could’ve spared a little cash for the trip. I could.

Then again, a week ago, I didn’t have a life-altering job waiting for me. A job I’m excited to start.

Also, I didn’t have two hot, mysterious men lurking around my apartment. A tiny part—fine, a big part—wishes I could see them again. That can’t happen when I’m down in Florida.

My heart beats a little faster as memories of last night and this morning flash before my eyes. An unfamiliar yet not unwanted heat spreads through me. Starts in my neck and goes lower, lower, lower.

My thighs clench.

Abort. Abort. No rubbing one out in the middle of a workday. No matter how painful the pressure is becoming, I won’t do it.

Instead, I shoot a quick email back to Paulina, thanking her for the offer and telling her I’ll take a rain check. I’m about to shut down laptop, when another email comes through.

BLF Capital.

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