Page 9 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

“Oh, stop!” Gia said, blushing. “I wouldn’t call him ahottie.”

Kira raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Gia glanced down at the table and spoke quietly. “Because he’s too sophisticated for that word.”

Kira swooned and Courtney’s eyes went wide. “So what’s his name?”

“You guys!” Gia protested.

Kira ate a piece of cantaloupe from the fruit salad on her plate and Courtney set down her fork. “His name, please,” Courtney persisted.

Nick sat back, chuckling. “Is this how these conversations usually go?”

“All signs point to yes.” Tom looked at Kira and Courtney. “Come on, ladies, give the girl a break.”

Nick shook his head and went back to his burger.

Gia rested a hand on Tom’s arm. “Thank you, Tom.” She looked at the girls. “I’m glad someone’s on my side.”

Courtney was undeterred. “Seriously, we’re waiting, Gia. All you’ve told us this summer is how you’re determinednotto meet any more soon-to-be ex-boyfriends.” Courtney crossed her hands on the table. “So you can imagine our surprise when you finally exhibit an ounce of interest in someone. When’s the last time you even looked twice at a cute guy?”

“Sitting right here, guys,” Tom said, making a small circle in the air with his pointer finger.

“I’ve looked twice at cute guys plenty of times,” she said defensively. “And you don’t count, Tom. You don’t treat women like most guys do.” She touched his arm gently.

Courtney was right. Gia had had so many bad experiences with men in the past that she’d all but given up on them—most of them, at least. In all of her past relationships, she’d just been toonice, and they’d usually rewarded her by treating her like a walking doormat. Lately, she turned down more dates than she accepted.

“How would you know?” asked Tom. “You haven’t even given me a chance.” He sounded sincere but she saw the teasing look in his eyes.

Gia laughed. Tom was a nice guy. They were all hoping to introduce him to some equally nice girl who would steal his heart and bring him the kind of never-ending bliss he deserved. Until then, he seemed to want to spend his time flirting with Gia.

“No really, Gia. What’s his name?” Kira was all business. “Drop the act. We want details.”

“Oh my gosh. Okay, fine! His name is Seth. He’s super sweet. He moved back from California a few months ago after his father had a heart attack, and he’s taken over the family business. Seems like a great businessman, but really down-to-earth, too. We talked a while. You guys would like him.”

“I wouldn’t,” Tom said, not missing a beat.

Gia laughed. “Yes, you would.”

“Seth,” Tom repeated with a disdainful smirk. “Sounds like some sort of nickname for a drug problem.” Tom took another bite of his sandwich, sighing loudly. It was no secret he had a thing for Gia.

“I believe you mean—” Courtney began.

“—I know what I mean.” Tom scolded Courtney with a good-natured grin.

Courtney laughed and ignored him. “Well, that’s what I was waiting to hear, Gia.” She took a sip of her lemonade. “I’m so glad, honey. It’s about time you met a nice guy. The summer’s going to fly by. I want you to find yoursomeone.”

“Still sitting right here,” Tom said.

They ignored him. “Aw, honey, you made a rhyme.” Kira shot a cheesy grin at Courtney.

“Fly by—nice guy.” Courtney said. “You’re right!”

Gia made an exaggerated sweet face and took a bite of her sandwich. Seth was more interesting than any guy who’d chatted her up this summer. But that wasn’t the type of relationship they were going to have. She’d be working with him. It was strictly professional. She could not afford to screw this up. She’d better put a lid on it before her mind wandered too far.

“Well, even so, he’s still a business associate. I really shouldn’t even be considering what he looks like.”

“Why not?” Courtney protested. “That’s how Nick and I met. Right, honey?”

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