Page 73 of Strictly Business : A Lesbian Romance

was, what they liked, how they dressed, where they worked or lived, or

what their sexual preference was. Here in Austin, it was quite a different

world. People weren’t so open about things, but their conversation wasn’t

awkward.

Christina pasted on a smile to cover up the strange elation that she felt

at finding out that she might stand a chance with Taylor. That was a crazy

instinct because she didn’t want to stand a chance. It wasn’t appropriate to

let emotions get involved. Even if it were, which it never would be, it was

pretty clear that Taylor wasn’t interested.

She proved her point by turning her attention back to the fence post. “I

went shopping that first day, for that interview. I dressed as nicely as I

could. I was so worried about making an impression. I don’t think it would

kill you to go out and buy a pair of jeans and learn what hard work means.

Actually, it might. I doubt you’ve ever done manual labour in your life.”

She wasn’t exactly wrong, since running and yoga didn’t exactly count,

but Christina wasn’t going to rise to the bait. The challenge, yes. The biting

tone? Nope.

“I own a few pairs already. No need to go shopping.”

“You’ll get them dirty. I doubt you’re familiar with that concept either.”

“I think I can sacrifice a pair. It might be pretty obvious that I don’t

work in construction, but I’m willing to learn. Mainly, I’d be here to help

you out with whatever you need.”

“Oh really?” Taylor shifted the fence post just a little in the hole she’d

made. “Here I thought you were supposed to be in charge.”

“I’m just in charge on my end,” Christina said sweetly, refusing to fight

with Taylor. She wouldn’t stand up for herself because that’s what Taylor

wanted. “On my firm’s end. I made that pretty clear. This is your business.

The decisions are ultimately still yours. So. Where do we stand with the

shelter? The marketing? I can make some calls if you like.”

“Of course. Wouldn’t want you to break a nail on a shovel.” Taylor

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