Page 23 of Friends With Benefits

“Same deal?” She grinned and he nodded.

“Yup. We’ll meet you at Amigo’s around five-thirty.”

“Okay. I can do that. I’m meeting Hailey, Laurel and Melissa later that night. We’re celebrating Hailey’s last days of being single.”

“Great. Now, to repay me, you need to come help me pick out a wedding present for Miguel and Hailey.”

“Oh.” She glanced at her watch. “Right now?”

“If you can. I’m taking a late lunch.”

This was the first time they’d seen each other since he’d apologized for kissing her. They’d agreed to pretend it never happened, but it wasn’t that easy. She kept looking at his mouth for some reason, then uncomfortably looking away. Such a nice mouth…no! She shouldn’t go with him.

“Okay, I guess I can do that. I’ll just let Sela I’m going out for a while.”

She grabbed her purse from behind her desk and they walked out front. She saw the glances of appreciation Mitch received from both customers and staff as they passed by the spa, and scowled. He was such a pain in the ass sometimes, but he was gorgeous and, of course, that’s all they saw.

She went over to Sela, standing behind the reception counter with Belinda, while she showed her how to use the new computer.

“Just going out for a bit with Mitch,” she said to her sister.

Sela frowned. “You’re going out? There are a million things to do to get ready for the big grand opening party Saturday night.”

Kerri sighed. “I know, but every time I ask what I can do to help, you won’t let me.”

“Well, you have some things in your studio to do, don’t you?”

You’re not my boss,the voice inside Kerri’s head said, sounding childish. “I won’t be long,” she said aloud, quietly, and led the way out of the building, with Mitch following behind.

“What was that?” he asked, amusement shading his voice.

“What? Sela?”

“Yeah. Jeez. She cracking the whip over you now that you two are in the same building?”

She sighed. “Well, she is a bit of a Type A. She has lists and schedules and spreadsheets. I don’t have that much to do, not as much as she does, but when I offer to help she just says no. Has to do it all herself.”

He grinned. “Where to?” he asked. She shook her head.

“They’re registered at Dinardo’s. Didn’t you know that?”

“I have no clue.” He started his vehicle. “That’s in Montecito, isn’t it?”

“Yup.”

They drove out Coast Village Road beneath a cloudless California-summer sky, palm fronds tossing in a gentle off-shore breeze. At the store where their friends had registered, it was easy enough to check the registry and make a decision.

“What did you get them?” Mitch asked.

“I got them the big pottery bowl. I know Hailey really wanted that for the kitchen. It’s gorgeous.”

“I can’t believe the prices of some of those things.”

“They’re designed by some artist Hailey likes.”

He nodded. “So those sushi dishes will be okay?”

“Oh yeah, they’ll love them. Don’t worry.”

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