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“Not for dating. And besides, it’s not about the money. You know that’s not it.”
“I know. But I think you sell yourself short. Is it so crazy to think a man would fall in love with you, Sage? You’re beautiful and smart, but you’re also fun and loving. You’ve got all these amazing characteristics. I think it’s sort of a cop-out that you just assume a man would only be with you for your money.”
I shake my head. “Well, if the past has taught me anything—"
“Okay, so there are some assholes out there. But trust me, they’re not all assholes.”
“Well, Cash Creed had enough swagger to tell me he’s probably one of them.”
“And how do you know this?” she asks.
“I don’t know. He just seemed too cocky.”
“Because he had sex with you? Um, double standards much?”
“Okay, fair enough. But I don’t know.”
“You’re right. You don’t know. You were with him one night. But he didn’t seem so bad from the little I saw of him. He actually seems like he could be a good match for you. And I’ve looked him up. He’s from a family of lawyers back in Texas. Seems pretty legit. And that brother of his runs Wild Hearts, so there’s some business sense in the family.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter. I’m not going to see him again.”
“I hope you do. I think you should give him a chance.”
“Please. No thanks. That’s not how I operate. Business and work first. Love is a side dish, you know?”
“Sage Everling, I love you, but you’re a jerk when it comes to love. If I was a lesbian, I’d marry you just so you could see that long-term commitment isn’t the enemy. Don’t you ever want to just, I don’t know, share all of this amazing life with someone? Don’t you get lonely?”
“I don’t have time to get lonely,” I say, but even as I’m spewing out the words, I know their validity isn’t sold.
“You’re not fooling anyone, least of all yourself.”
I exhale. “I’ve got marketing reports to get back to. Are you going to work on designs here or your usual spot?” I ask, dodging the statement like I do so well. Work’s always been there for me, especially when I don’t feel like dealing with the emotions of something.
“I’m heading to my spot. Want to come with? It’s half-price latte day.”
“No, I think I’ll stay here and get my work done. Love you,” I say, meaning it. Even when Harper’s shoving some not-so-easy truths in my face, I know she means well.
“Love you back. Now get to work. Geez, am I the only one around here who cares about your business?” she teases as I shake my head and walk her to the door.
“Let me know when you’ve got the finishing touches completed,” I say.
“And let me know when you decide to give Cash Creed another try,” she mutters before waving and shutting the door.
I lean against the door as Monticello meows at my feet. I look down, smiling at him. “Of course, we’re not lonely, right buddy?”
Even the cat looks at me like I’m nothing but a lie.
