Chapter Eight
“So…if I hire you,” I said, glancing at Lauren from across her office. “We’d get to spend a lot of time together.”
I was liking the sound of this. I liked the idea of spending more time withma tigresse.I liked it very much.
“Not necessarily,” she hedged. “Most of our business can be conducted via email. Though sometimes it is easier to meet in person.”
“I prefer to meet in person.” I grinned. “And you’re hired.”
She narrowed her eyes at me. She was so fucking sexy, perched on the edge of her desk. And I had visions of laying her back and fucking her on it, of driving her as crazy as she was me. But I also wanted to take my time with her. I wanted to get to know her.
“I wouldn’t normally ask this, but have you interviewed anyone else? Choosing an interior designer is a big decision. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together, and you’re going to be spending a lot of money. I want to make sure you’re hiring me for the right reasons.”
I appreciated that she’d asked because it showed that she respected my time and money. Which only confirmed that this was the right decision. I knew that designing and furnishing my home wasn’t an inexpensive prospect, but I trusted her to do a good job.
It had taken weeks to track her down. Ironically, I’d only come across her when her business card had fallen out of some closing materials from Alexis. I’d looked up LCLA Interior Design on a whim, knowing I needed some help to get my house in shape for my father’s fundraising party. As soon as I’d clicked on her website, her picture popped up, and I’d stared at the screen in shock.
After that, I’d spent hours scanning the internet for information about her. I’d scoured her website, blog articles she’d written, anything I could find, really. I couldn’t explain my obsession with this woman, but it was becoming an issue.
I knew when and where she’d graduated high school. I knew that she’d never been married. And I’d read enough to know that she wasn’t likely to skip off with my Cartier watch.
I crossed my ankle at the knee, speaking with absolute certainty. “You’re the only designer I want to work with.”
“Hunter.”
God, how I loved it when she said my name. So much better than the moniker “Target Guy” she’d given me. Though I was pleased that she remembered me. I certainly couldn’t forget her.
But I knew she wanted me to justify my decision. I knew she wanted confirmation that I was hiring her for the “right” reasons. And as a businessman, I could appreciate that.
“I like your style. It’s nothing like the cold formality of the home I grew up in. It’s vibrant and colorful and warm.”Like you,I thought.
She smiled, her shoulders relaxing. I was only being honest. I didn’t want a home that was anything like the stuffy, formal ones I’d grown up in. Though maybe that had more to do with my parents than the houses. But still, I wanted something inviting, livable. Somewhere I could breathe. Relax.
“Thank you.” She seemed to exhale a sigh of relief. “What are you doing the rest of the afternoon?”
You, I thought, inwardly groaning. When it came to this woman, I had absolutely no game. But she made it difficult to concentrate on anything but her glossy pink lips and her eyes that sparkled with mischief, flaring with the promise of some secret I wanted to discover.
I shook my head to clear it. “I, um, I have a call I have to jump on at four. But otherwise, I’m all yours.”
“Great. I have a few design quizzes you can take online, or we could hit up a few shops to get a sense of what you like. The next step would be scheduling a time for me to tour your house.”
“Quizzes?” I scrunched my nose. “Not really my style.”
She laughed. “Okay, then I hope you enjoy shopping.”
“With you, I’m sure I’d enjoy anything.”
“Oh my god.” She rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth tilted upward. “Are you always this…?”
“This—what? Charming?” I grinned.
She covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Um. No.”
“Are you free tonight?” I blurted.
“Tonight?” She frowned. “Hunter, I don’t think…”
“I have some busy days coming up. And considering the timeline, don’t you think you should see the house sooner rather than later?”
