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“Since when did you turn into a killjoy? Let a man have his fun, you know?” I reply as I ignore Levi and walk over toward the gorgeous woman.
“Hey,” I offer casually, hands in pockets so I don’t look too desperate.
“Hi. Are you the new landlord?” she asks, shoving the aviators back on her head to reveal green eyes that sparkle in the sunlight.
“I sure am. Cash Creed,” I announce, extending my hand to shake hers, mostly just because I want to see what it feels like to have her hand in mine. It feels damn good, her perfectly manicured hands lightly grasping mine.
“Nice to meet you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around.”
“I’m from Texas. I moved up after my grandad died.”
“I’m so sorry. I’ve only been here a few months, but he was such a nice man. Well, listen, I know what it’s like to be new in town, so if you need someone to show you the ropes, just let me know. I’ll give you my card.” She hands me a pink business card that says Layla Goodman, Personal Stylist. Her number is at the bottom.
“I’ll definitely take you up on this,” I say, holding the card up as she winks and then walks away, heading toward the beach.
“You know, I don’t think running this place will be so bad,” I say, smiling as I watch her leave.
“Haven’t you learned your lesson after yesterday’s debacle?” Levi asks. I hold up the card.
“I have. Go for the woman who isn’t afraid to tell you her name. And if you get played, the best thing you can do is just get back on the horse and all that.”
Levi rolls his eyes. “How do women stand you? Seriously.”
“It’s my Texan charm.”
“That’s my line,” Levi replies.
“Well, last I checked, you don’t need that line anymore because you’ve got yourself a woman.”
“You’ve got that right. Now come on, we’ve got some more people to meet if you’re going to run this place this summer.”
“Isn’t it time for lunch?”
“Jesus, Cash, do you do any work back home? We’ve only been ‘working’ for an hour.”
“Well, brother, if you worked the family business like the rest of us, you’d know there are some perks to it. But all right, kill my fun. It doesn’t matter. I’ve got her card, so I can catch up with her anytime I like.”
“Can you at least maintain some semblance of a professional appearance while acting as landlord? I don’t need you pissing off all the female renters.”
I follow him out of the building as we head for the next stop. I tuck the card in my wallet, thinking about how beautiful Layla Goodman is and how much I’d love for her to show me around town.
This is exactly what I need. A good time, just like at home, without any strings attached to forget all about that Sage Everling and her games.
