Page 77 of Blindly Yours

I cross around to the front of my desk and extend my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Windsor.”

He chuckles as he takes it. “Please, call me Everett.”

His hand is soft and fair, and while that’s never bothered me before, it’s triggering aversion in me today. He’s probably never held a tool in his life. Malcolm’s hands were just as unworked, and I never noticed. But now I’m the girl who goes for the guy who fells trees and lays drywall. Nate’s not a rich boy afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s a man’s man. And he kisses like one too.

“Your father said you are a financial advisor here at the firm?” Everett pulls his baby-soft fingers away and lifts his chin with a gentle smile.

I press my lips together and nod. “Yes.”

That’s it. That’s all I say because frankly, I’m thinking about Nate’s strong calloused hands and can’t be persuaded to direct my attention elsewhere.

“I’d love to hear more about that,” Everett suggests while my father stands silently watching the exchange.

Look, I’m sure Everett is a perfect gentleman, and maybe I would have given him a chance two weeks ago, but this is just not happening right now.

I open my mouth to make an equally simple reply, but my phone buzzes on my desk and I snatch it up quickly.

Nate

Hi :)

“Sorry!” I send Everett my best apologetic smile and shift past him toward the door. “I have to take this. It was nice meeting you, though!”

I don’t wait for his response. My dad will probably scold me for being rude, but frankly, I don’t care.

Rose

Hi :)

Nate

How’s your day going?

Rose

Dull. I kinda wish the ceiling would open up again.

Nate

But then you’d have to deal with the grumpy repairman

Rose

He’s not all that bad

Nate

Careful, or you might start to miss that grump

Rose

I’m sure you’ll let him out again eventually

Nate

Do you have plans for lunch?

Rose

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