Page 47
AUSTIN
How many timescan Jenn Walker save my ass? First, she takes the reins as marketing manager, then fixes the permit office hold-up, and finds a way to calm me down at the batting cages when I’m spinning out. And now? She’s unearthed a surprising—but maybe business-saving—new investor for the spa.
After she calls and babbles on about this reality TV show star, I wrangle Hakeem’s contacts into a meeting with Mac McClintock. Apparently, he has the cash, time, and a genuine passion for spa culture. All I need now is to knock his socks off with my pitch, and maybe I can keep this launch on-track. And my focus, too. Because somehow, despite staring down the barrel of total business failure, there’s only one thing I can think about.
Jenn.
And not just in a professional capacity—as a great-idea-haver—either. No, these thoughts are way out of bounds. And all because of that kiss.
That mother-freaking, star-shaking, unexpected kiss.
I sigh, finally stepping off the treadmill in a hard sweat. I figured five miles this morning before would wear me out enough to keep my hormones in check, but clearly, it’ll take a whole lot more to get Jenn out of my system.
The problem is that my body won’t forget. It’s one thing to imagine kissing a woman. My chemistry and conversation with Jenn have a kind of warm, sparkling heat, so I figured that was what kissing her would be like.
Boy, was I wrong.
The reality is something else entirely.Wild. Sensual.Illegally hot. Sure, Jenn gives off a whole girl-next-door vibe on first impression, with the way her nose wrinkles when she laughs, and a friendly smile that lights up the room. But the way her mouth hungrily explored mine, and those soft curves pressing closer against my body?
The one-two punch of adorable and sexy is enough to knock a man down.
… Especially today, when I finish meeting with the therapy team and head up to the office to find her chatting in the snack area, wearing a belted shirtdress that makes me think of nothing but slowly popping every single one of those buttons until she’s begging me for more.
“Good morning!” she greets me with a cheerful smile, and immediately, I try to get my mind out of the bedroom. I thought I was pretty clear the other night that I was open to something more going down between us.
And Jenn was equally clear, it’s not on the cards.
“Morning,” I blurt, making a beeline for the coffee even though it’s basically lunchtime.
“Any more thoughts on the Mac McClintock idea?” she asks. “I know reality TV isn’t your thing, but they get a ton of viewers, he’s a real name, and he’s looking to be more than just Lanie’s househusband. At least, that’s what the editing makes out,” she adds with a grin.
“No. I mean, yes,” I mumble, staring at her lips.
Her pink, kissable lips.
Get it together, Banks.
I clear my throat. “We’ve already reached out to his people, and he’s coming in this afternoon to hear the pitch.”
She lights up. “That’s great! See, I said you’d find another investor.”
“It’s not a done deal yet,” I warn her. “I still have to convince the guy to pour a whole lot of money into this venture.”
“No problem,” Jenn says immediately. “In case nobody’s mentioned it, you are blessed with a little charm.”
I smile, touched by her confidence. “Just a little?” I tease.
She grins back. “A teeny-tiny amount.”
“Then it’s a good thing they say size doesn’t matter.” I quip back.
Jenn laughs. “Now probably isn’t the moment to tell you, but that’s a lie.”
“What? No!” I pretend to clutch my chest, like I’ve been wounded. “Don’t tell a guy that.”
“Something tells me, you don’t have to worry,” she giggles, and just like that, the mood shifts from light teasing to something hotter.
Damn right, I don’t. And what I wouldn’t give to show her…
