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In the back of my mind there’s an image of Ben Black. I really think he and Tessa would hit it off. Of course, I’ve met him for all of a couple hours, so what do I know?
Maybe I’ll ask Braden tonight. He was the one who brought up the idea of Ben and Tessa in the first place, after all.
I’m ready early, in an army-green mini-dress that lingers between casual and dressy. I style my brown hair and wear it down, its waves flouncing over my shoulders. A little Susie Girl tinted moisturizer, mascara, and lip tint, and I’m ready for whatever awaits me.
Topping it off! Susie Girl mascara gives me just the touch I need. #sponsored #susieglow #susiegirl #sexyeyes #simplyskye
I’m tempted to name drop, to tell my readers that I’m getting ready for my date with @BradenBlackInc, but I don’t.
Tonight is special.
I don’t want anyone there except the two of us. No followers wanting to know all about our evening.
Like I’d tell them anyway.
My phone buzzes.
Eugenie Blake.
Why is Eugenie calling me on a Saturday afternoon?
I pick up the call. “This is Skye.”
“Skye, it’s Eugenie. I’m sorry to bother you on the weekend, but I just read your email and I’m thrilled that you and Braden worked things out!”
“Oh.” Of course she is. “Thank you. I’m happy about it, too.”
“I’m sure you’re both ecstatic. And since you’re back together, we’d like to talk to you again about some additions to the campaign. Your hashtags #susieglow and #simplyskye are proving to be very popular with our customers, so we’re going to create another campaign around them.”
“That’s…really generous of you, but we just did the pink campaign.”
“That’s not a campaign so much as a brand-new product. We’d like to cash in on the fact that you’re the girl next door. Simplyskye is perfect for that. I’ve got Brian looking into the paperwork to file for a trademark. Same for susieglow.”
“You mean you’d hold the trademark for susieglow and simplyskye, even though I made them up?”
“Well…yes. We’re willing to put up some serious money, so of course we want to hold the trademarks.”
I’m not sure what to say. I wish Braden were here. “I’ll need to think about all of this.”
“Of course! I just wanted to let you know how excited we are about this new step. And also how happy we are that you and Braden are back together.”
Right. That’s why the Saturday call. This is something they were thinking about, but they didn’t want to push it while I wasn’t with Braden. Just in case that hindered my influencing career.
Again, Braden is the reason I’m getting anywhere.
Oddly, it doesn’t bother me as much as it used to. As I told Tessa, opportunity is opportunity. But Susanne holding trademarks for hashtags I came up with disturbs me a little.
Okay…a lot. It disturbs me a lot.
I’m no creative genius. These are two-word hashtags, after all. But still, they’re my two-word hashtags. Shouldn’t I get some kind of credit for that?
Braden will know what to do. I’ll ask him first.
“Thank you for calling, Eugenie,” I finally say. “As always, I appreciate your confidence in me, and I’ll give all of this some serious thought.”
“Wonderful! When will you and Braden be in New York again?”
“I’m…not sure.” But soon, I hope.
“We’ll have to do dinner again. We’re getting the sample nail colors in late next week, and we’d love for you to be here for the unveiling.”
“I’d like that, too. I’ll talk to Braden about making the trip.”
“We’ll be happy to send you both tickets.”
“I’m sure that’s not necessary.” She also knows this.
“Well, you let me know. Have a wonderful evening, Skye. And we’re so happy about the good news!”
A knock sounds on the door as I end the call. Christopher is prompt, as usual. I shove my phone in my purse. “Coming, Christopher.”
“How are you this evening, Ms. Manning?” he asks.
I swat him on the arm. “It’s Skye. How many times will we have this discussion?”
He smiles.
I never realized how handsome Christopher actually is. He’s tall, nearly as tall as Braden, with sandy blond hair and hazel eyes. Nice full lips, and a muscular build.
Another perfect candidate for Tessa.
Although, I’m sure she’d go for the billionaire over the chauffeur.
But maybe not. Tessa surprises me more often than not.
I follow Christopher down to the street, where he helps me into the Mercedes.
And that’s my last thought of Tessa.
Only Braden is on my mind now.
Braden…and what awaits.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
“You look beautiful,” Braden says, once Christopher and the rest of his staff have made themselves scarce.
“Thank you. So do you.”
God, he does. He’s wearing faded jeans—I didn’t even know Braden owned a pair of faded jeans—and a light blue button-down. No shoes, his feet are bare. Easier to get his pants off. I smile to myself.
His hair is still slightly damp, as if he just got out of the shower. I smile again.
