Page 9 of Flirt Like A Pin-Up

“Westview High.” Her tongue flicks out of her cherry-painted lips to the rim of sugar Daniel put on her martini glass. I should tip him for the brilliant, if abnormal, garnish.

I shift in my seat and lean back—my cock always at least half hard in her presence—throwing my arm over the top of the booth. “Ah, a west side girl. I should have known.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She stiffens, revealing an insecurity or two about herself.

“You’re unique. The artistic creativity brimming within you is obvious in everything you do. The west side is also known for being unique, with its old Victorian houses and ornate gardens and artsy sculptures.”

“And you’re from the north end, where money and arrogance flow like champagne.”

I shrug, unable to deny her claim, and learning even more about her in that one sentence. “That’s somewhat true.”

“Yet somehow, you’re not so bad.” She takes a sip of her drink and licks the sugar crystals off her lips.

“Thanks?” I chuckle, taking a sip of my old fashioned at the same time the front door opens, Tyson and Blaine from my sales team walking through the door. Behind them walk in Derrick and Brett Grayson with a third person I don’t know.

“Who is that?” I murmur as I stand.

Margot stands with me, lowering her voice. “That’s the additional person, Stephen Lancaster. I got the distinct impression they’re hoping for some of your time after the luncheon because they asked me about your schedule this afternoon.”

Time with the Graysons can only mean good things for Manning Industries.

Derrick Grayson is quickly becoming one of the most powerful men in Spring City, spearheading multiple changes with local government backing that will affect the socio-economic power of our once-small town. He comes from a close-knit family and was raised as part of a mom and pop business as old as Manning Industries—his grandfather starting Grayson Custom Hardwood around the same time my grandfather started Manning Manufacturing. His brother Brett is his right-hand man.

While Coulter and Derrick know each other through Ivy League networking, I feel more of a kinship with Brett because he too was pulled out of the shadows by the big picture guy. If it wasn’t for Coulter wanting to take over and revamp Manning Manufacturing into Manning Industries, I don’t know what I’d be doing today.

Probably working for some marketing firm up in Denver.

I offer my hand and a smile. “Derrick, Brett. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules.”

Derrick shakes my hand and then slaps his palm on the shoulder of the tall, lean guy with salt and pepper streaks in his beard and hair standing next to him. “Thanks for inviting us and accommodating our guest. This is Stephen Lancaster, Dean of the Science and Technology department at SCCU.”

I search my memory, but I don’t have to dig far. “You’re the guy behind the new presentation center that’s part of the Grayson Business Park.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m behind it, but I’m definitely part of it.” He shakes my hand.

“We’re looking forward to your presentation, although considering the press release this morning, I think we know what you’re going to say.”

“You saw that, huh?”

Derrick smiles. “I have Google alerts set up. What’s your afternoon look like?”

I pull my phone out of my pocket, but Margot steps forward before I can look at my calendar. “I can clear your afternoon, Mr. Manning.”

Damn, I kind of like giving up control to Margot. She makes it feel safe and effortless. “Thank you, Ms. Talbot.”

“No problem.” She throws me a coy smile and turns to Derrick, Brett, and Stephen, directing them to the bar. “Gentlemen, would you like to grab a drink before sitting down for lunch?”

Brett flashes me a big smile, his gaze bouncing between me and Margot.

Shit. I guess we aren’t hiding our desire for each other at all.

5

MARGOT

I’ve never seen Camden in action before, and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed. He delivered the company’s vision and plans for the future with charisma. Keeping him at a distance over the last nine months meant I didn’t have to get to know him and could maintain the delusion that all he wants from me is sex. After spending time with him this week, I now know better. Camden isn’t a hit it-and-quit it kind of guy. I can tell by the way he carries himself, and the passion with which he attacks his temporary role and this project—the way he looked at me before taking on a new meaning.

Now I miss him looking at me more than ever.

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