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As if my brain needed to show me evidence, the image emerges in vivid detail. My thighs clench together.
I didn’t do my due diligence with this stupid plan, and I almost killed the guy. This whole situation is completely on me.
Taking a deep breath, I reach for the first button on my blouse.
“Oh my God, you were actually going to do it?” Remi busts out laughing. His face is red, and he won’t stop cackling.
I jerk up. “Looks like you just lost your chance to see my rack. It’s pretty magnificent, if you ask me, but too bad you’ll never know.”
“Mmm,” Remi hums, placing a finger on his chin. “I bet I will…” His eyes twinkle a wicked dance. “Eventually.”
“I bet you won’t,” I say, snapping my neck. I’m so bratty at this point I’m surprised I don’t stick my tongue out.
“Do you know how adorable you are when you’re annoyed?”
“You chauvinistic, patronizing…” Shaking my head, I smack his chest, but he grabs my wrist when I go to pull back. His warm hand is strong while gentle fingers brush against my knuckles.
All humor washes away as his face settles in sincerity. He murmurs, “Stay.”
“Do I have to show you the girls?”
“Nah.” His thumb continues to brush small circles against the back of my hand. “Not unless you want to.”
What I want to do is lick that smirk right off his face, but I divert the topic instead because this conversation has gotten way out of hand. I need to rein in this sexual tension and lock it away forever.
“Listen, one of our clients is having an event this Saturday, and I have to go and represent Ever Heart.”
“Do you need me to stay with Isabel?”
No matter how many times I’ve accidentally tried to maim him, he’s still so willing to be there for us. “Yes and no.” I bite my lip as if I’m about to ask him to prom. “Do you want to come?”
“I’m not upset, Mae. I don’t need a pity invite.”
“It’s not a pity invite.” Okay, I am totally asking him to prom, but my version—a work outing. It’s important. He’s important. I’m happier when he’s around. “I want you to come.”
The side of his mouth lifts. “Yeah?”
“Yes. And if Isabel has a meltdown, I’ll need your calming skills.” It’s a joke, but I instantly want to shove the words back into my mouth as the light in his eyes dims a little. “I’m— Seriously, I want you there.”
“It’s okay, Mae. I get it. I’d do anything for Isa-bea.” The stare he’s burning me with tells a different story.
I gulp. “Great.”
What am I doing? The exact opposite of what you should be.
Another Saturday, another outing with Isabel, and this time we’ll have one hot manny in tow.
I went with a 50s pin-up look: high-waisted sailor shorts, red polka-dot halter top, and matching lipstick. The look is classic and shows my curves off beautifully. As I style my hair into victory rolls, I tell myself it’s just because I’m representing Ever Heart, but I know deep down that’s only partly true.
I dress Isabel in a little sailor jumper and pull her hair into pigtails. She looks adorable. We’re playing with playdough when Remi comes in.
My mouth drops open. I’m a teething baby with drool dripping from my mouth.
Remi is wearing plaid golf pants and a white linen button-down. His wavy hair is styled perfectly, so unlike the sexy mess he wears every day. While golf pants easily make a woman gag, the hot manny pulls them off flawlessly. He could wear a trash bag full of dog poo and still be edible.
“Well, well, what do we have here? Two of the prettiest girls in the land.”
“Emmie!” Isabel shouts, holding up her latest masterpiece—something resembling a pink dinosaur.
