“And here I thought all you fancy New York City ladies were supposed to be graceful,” he says playfully, letting go of my hand and leaning down to collect my phone and bag. Viv’s voice rings loud and clear through the receiver. She’s clearly confused. Coffee Shop Hottie lifts it to his ear and says, “Hello? Easy, easy, easy. She’s right here. She took a bit of a tumble, but—” Pause. His eyes dart toward me, and then he lets loose a breathy laugh. “I mean, sure, I suppose that could be me.”
What the hell does he think he’s doing talking onmyphone? My hand shoots out, stealing the phone from his oversized grip.
“Excuseme,sir!That is mine!” I scoff. “The audacity.”
I try not to notice the way his devious smile nearly disarms my frustration. “Viv, let me call you back.” I end the call, not waiting for her reply.
I look up to find him admiring the inside of my purse. “I gotta tell ya, Trip, this is oneveryorganized bag. Are these oyster crackers?” He brings the bag closer to his face.
“They make a great snack!” I snap. “Hasn’t anyone told you never to go through a woman’s purse?” I glare at him, attempting to shoot daggers with my eyes as I yank the bag from his hands.
“To be fair”—he grins, holding up his hands, palms facing me—“I didn’t actually go through it. It was wide open.Iwas just trying to be a gentleman and pick it up for you. Most people would say, ‘Thank you.’”
This man is as infuriating as he is attractive.
“Oh, please.” I drop the phone into my purse with an eye roll and hike it up on my shoulder, only just now realizing the entire coffee shop is watching this exchange. He seems completely unfazed. I, however, am mortified.
Claire comes into view and appears as shocked as I am at the events of the last several moments.
“Are you okay?” she asks, wide-eyed. Her gaze darts between Coffee Shop Hottie and me as she holds out my order.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m great. Thank you.” I reach for my coffee.
“So…” he clears his throat. With his hands in his pockets, amusement plays across his face. “Hot guy from the coffee shop?” He has the nerve to flash a panty-dropping grin with those unbelievably kissable lips.
Hm.His teeth aren’t perfect. In fact, he has one slightly crooked tooth, and it’s so much more appealing than a perfect, straight-tooth smile.
No! It is not appealing. He’s obnoxious, and you are leaving.
His question sinks in, and at that moment, I’m reasonably sure I’m going to murder my best friend. With eyes as wide as saucers and my mouth gaping like a dying fish, there is nothing ladylike about me right now. Any attempt at keeping my composure flies out the window in front of this gorgeously antagonistic man.
“What?! No, absolutely not. I… I have to go. I have to go.” I turn away, bee-lining for the door, needing to escape this situation as quickly as possible.
“Hang on a second, Trip.” He follows me toward the door.
I spin around. “Why do you keep calling me that?!”
It hits me like a freight train.
“OH.Hilarious. You’re making fun of me because I tripped?” Shaking my head, I reiterate, “Really, I need to go.” I push through the door before he can say anything else.
“Vivian Marie, I am going tomurderyou!” I yell as I walk into her office. She’s sitting, hands clasped under her chin, a broad smile on her face. I level her with a glare.
“Okay, but before you do… Liv—hisvoice—you were right!”she squeals, completely ignoring my anger. “You look stunning, by the way!”
“Thank you. I can’t believe you asked him if he was the hot guy from the coffee shop!” I push her latte toward her, then plop onto the loveseat along the windows, dropping my head onto the back of the couch with a loud sigh.
Viv rounds the side of her desk and joins me on the couch, sitting sideways with one foot tucked under her leg.
“Tell meeverything,” she says, as if I didn’t just have the most humiliating experience of my life.
Three
THIS IS THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR?
Liv
“Hey, Pop.” I place the phone against my ear, stifling a yawn. It’s nearing dinnertime, but the late spring sun is still shining full force through the office windows.
