Page 31 of She's Like the Wind
“Only when they’re gorgeous and flustered,” he replied, still smiling at me.
I stared at him, unsure whether to grin or hide under the register.
He went on, “I figured I’d ask. If it’s a no, I’ll still leave with a bag of lace for Alia and my sister and a bruised ego. I can take it.”
“I—” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. “Are you always this forward?”
“Only when the window display looks like someone with taste and a wicked imagination designed it. And when the owner looks like she deserves to be flirted with properly.”
I felt my cheeks warm. “You’re lucky I didn’t just mace you on instinct.”
“I accept that. So…is it a no?”
I looked over at Alia, who came out of the fitting room holding up a dramatic black-and-pink robe with glee.
I looked back at Jonah, and to my absolute shock, the words came easily. “No. It’s not a no.”
His grin widened. “Good. I’ll text you.”
“You don’t have my number.”
“I will in a second.” He handed me his phone, and I typed it in.
What the hell are you doing, Naomi? Jonah Lamarre is out of your league. He’s high society, and you are…well, you have a mannequin on display that’s about to play with her pussy for the world to see.
“Do I need to put a note in case you forget who I am?” I was only half-teasing. “Naomi – Local Lingerie Witch?”
“Got it memorized.” There was something warm in his eyes—not possessive, not performative. Genuine.
I felt something loosen in my chest.
After they left—with three silk robes, two bralettes, and a matching pearl thong—I locked the door, leanedagainst it, and laughed. A soft, breathy sound I hadn’t made in what felt like forever.
If Gage could date, so could I.
AndI was going to go out withJonah Lamarre.
I was definitely trading up!
CHAPTER 11
Gage
Iwas bored out of my fucking mind.
The candlelight flickered against the exposed brick walls of Acamaya, all moody and perfect and designed for seduction. There was a jazz duo playing in the corner—upright bass and trumpet, smooth as velvet—and the woman across from me was stunning, sharp, and precisely the kind of woman I usually liked to fuck.
And I couldn’t give less of a shit.
“I clerked for a federal judge before I even graduated.” She swirled her wine, a bottle of skin contact that she’d ordered. “And I made partner in seven years. That’s almost unheard of.”
“Impressive.” I forced a tight smile.
She didn’t notice the strain. Or maybe she didn’t care. This woman was interested in herself.
“I’m heading up litigation for two Fortune 500clients right now. Honestly, I don’t have the time to date. It’s just nice to get out and remind myself that there are still men with…potential.” Her eyes trailed down my arms, lingering on the tattoos.
It wasn’t the first time I’d seen that look.
