“Everyone does, Harlan,” Jones deadpans.
“Exactly. Marketing gold. I’ll make millions. This idea is going to fund my retirement someday,” I tease.
Jillian narrows her eyes and shakes a warning finger. “You better not retire anytime soon. You’re only twenty-nine.”
“You never know. That’s why I’m always thinking ahead,” I say, tapping my temple. “Plan for the unexpected.”
Like how, a minute later, the car pulls over a few blocks from Jillian’s place.
“We’re just picking up my friend Katie,” she explains.
I turn my head, glancing toward the sidewalk and—whoa.
Wait a hot, sexy, beautiful second.
I stare at the vision in pink heading straight for this car—a knockout with a smile that has me waving a white flag. Her dress clings to her curves in all the right places and swishes around her knees. Silver heels complete thattake me away to cloud ninelook she has going on.
Her lush blond hair falls in waves over her bare shoulders, which shimmer enticingly.
I whip around to glare accusingly at Jones, then Jillian. “Excuse me. Why did no one tell me that Jillian’s friend is an angel dressed in pink, and the answer to my prayers?”
Jillian laughs. “Presumptuous much, Harlan?”
“Presumptuous a lot.”
I hit the intercom. “Darien. I’ll get the door.”
“As you wish.”
I push open the door, step onto the street, and sweep out an arm for the bombshell. “Your chariot,” I say, gesturing to the car.
The stunning blond, with eyes as blue as the sea, flashes me a grin, with just a hint of naughty on her lips.
Mmm. Yes.
“What do you know? I was hoping for a chariot, and here you are.” Her confident voice holds a touch of sarcasm as she slides into the car. I follow, sitting next to our newest passenger.
Jillian clears her throat and makes the introductions. “Jones, Harlan. This is my friend Katie.”
Let’s see if I can pave a path to her dance card tonight. “You’re a goddess, Jillian, for inviting your beautiful friend.”
“You know, shealsohas a good personality,” Jillian says drily.
I narrow my eyes at the publicist. “Oh, hush. I already figured that no friend of yours would be a wet blanket.” I turn to the blond, shooting her a big grin. “I bet you’re a firecracker, Katie.”
Her blue eyes go all kinds of flirty. “I’m the aerial fireworks, Harlan—the finale at the end of the show.”
And I do believe I am officially in love.
“See? I knew that your sparkly personality would be perfect.But let me give you a proper greeting.” I reach for Katie’s hand, clasping it to press a kiss to her knuckles. “How do you do tonight?” I ask, all refined, a hint of my Atlanta roots coming through.
“I do very well,” she says. “And aren’t you quite the gentleman?”
“Once a Southern gentleman, always a Southern gentleman. Especially in the presence of such a lovely, brilliant lady.” Yes, I’m all manners on the outside, while on the inside I’m thinking,holy hell, I’ve already met my dream wedding hookup.
She rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling, too, as she tosses a glance at Jillian. “I can’t believe you didn’t warn me about this one and his oodles of flirt.”
Jillian shrugs. “I didn’t realize Harlan would be in such rare form tonight.”
