“Would you be available? I know it’s really last minute.”
His brow furrows. “I have plans,” he explains. “Birthday dinner with the in-laws.” He pauses before adding, “Would you mind going alone?”
“I mean, as long as you’re okay with it,” I tell him after a thoughtful pause. “I do prefer to have my clients join for input, but I understand if you’re unavailable.”
“I’d appreciate it. You’ve done a great job with the color schematics, I’m sure whatever you choose will fit perfectly for the space.” An echo of footsteps, ones that sound sure and confident, interrupt us. “Oh, perfect. Everett’s here.”
Curiosity getting the better of me, I turn to look in the direction of Eric’s gaze only to find Everett walking toward us. And, of course, he looks like he’s stepped out of a freakingGQmagazine. He’s dressed in a gray suit tailored to fit his body perfectly. He’s in the middle of shrugging his jacket on, making the entire look that much more effortless. His hair is perfectly coiffed without a single strand out of place with a light smattering of stubble lining his jawline.
When I was sixteen, I knew he was the cutest boy in school. The girls in my class expressing their keen interest in my boyfriend never let me forget it. Always eyeing him like he was fresh meat and throwing jealous sneers in my direction. And now, twenty years later, he’s aged parallel with every single thing I would find attractive in a man.
“I hope I didn’t miss too much,” Everett announces as he takes the empty seat between myself and Eric.
“I just made some final decisions on the wallpaper and paint, and Christine was just telling me about the furnishings.” Eric gestures to me, silently letting me fill Everett in on our latest developments.
“Oh, uh, yes,” I stammer. “I was just explaining to Eric that I have a meeting with the carpenter this afternoon.”
“Where’s this carpenter?” Everett asks, his tone businesslike.
“Her showroom’s in LA.”
“Everett,” Eric cuts in. “If you’re free, maybe you can tag along. Christine asked me to go, but I have that dinner with Connie and her parents.”
“That’s really not necessary,” I start to argue at the same time Everett says, “I’m free.”
“Perfect,” Eric responds, satisfied that our plans have deviated into a productive afternoon of furniture shopping.
I have nothing. Nothing other than the fact that I don’t want Everett with me for longer than necessary. Especially not for a three-hour drive.
“Great,” Everett responds with a smile that almost seems taunting. “I’ll drive.”
“No, no. You—that’s okay. I don’t have to be there until three.”
“But with traffic and all.” Everett flicks at his wrist, looking at the face of his watch wrapped in solid titanium. “We should leave now.”
I start to panic. “I really don’t want to keep you from anything. I’m sure you’re plenty busy.”
“Nope. Free as a bird.” He stands from his seat, buttoning up his jacket once his chair is neatly tucked under the table.
Eric clasps his hands together and grins. “Great! I’ll catch up with you tomorrow then,” he tells Everett. He then turns to me and adds, “Thank you for your time, Christine. Let me know if you need anything from me, but in the meantime, you’re in good hands with Everett here.”
I silently watch Eric stand and walk away, leaving me alone with Everett. How did this happen? In one swoop, I’m spending my afternoon with the last person I planned to.
“You need help with those?” Everett asks, gesturing to the mess on the table.
“No,” I blurt out curtly. “I got it.”
I stand and smooth my skirt out. It’s curve hugging, stopping at my knees with a slit running up the back, and I’ve paired it with a silk blouse that’s light and airy to withstand the glaring summer heat. I’m hovering over the table, gathering everything and tucking things back into my large binder and bag. My hands move with unease, unsure of where I’m putting things and just shoving them so I can get out of this situation sooner than later. When I’m done, I take a step back to push my chair in only to stumble my back right into Everett’s chest.
“Umph,” he groans. His hand grips my waist to stop me, and the familiarity of his touch has my entire body buzzing.
A soft gasp slips through my lips, and my hand instinctively covers his. “Sorry,” I whisper, nervously stepping away from him.
He accepts my apology with a polite smile and a dismissive shake of his head. “Ready?”
“Everett, it’s really not necessary that you come with me.”
“I want to be involved in this,” he explains. “Eric’s been great, but he’s done plenty, and I’d like to help him out when I can. Plus, now that he’s gone over the color schematics with you, I think this is a good place for me to step in. Have a fresh pair of eyes.”
