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“Wow, I had no idea,” I say, stunned. “Sheridan isn’t exactly known for its manufacturing capabilities. Who would have guessed?”
Ryder grins. “Well, everything changes with time. Our hometown isn’t just about cowboys and honky-tonks. There’s a lot of good stuff here.”
I nod, giggling.
“Like women’s lingerie.”
“Exactly,” Rick says with a grin. “But seeing that you’re an aspiring designer, Chrissy, would you like to see the pieces we brought? It would be nice to have a woman’s opinion.”
I nearly choke on my drink. “My opinion? Really?” A quick glance between the two men tells me that the brothers are serious. “I’d be flattered,” I manage to gush out. “But I’m not an expert on athleisure, I have to tell you. My specialty is lingerie.”
“But there are similarities, right?” Rick smiles, and my heart pounds excitedly in response.
“Yes, definitely,” I nod. “Both tend to be form-fitting, and customers can be demanding. These days, women want the highest-quality goods, in both their lingerie and their apparel.”
“Exactly,” Ryder nods. “So how about it? Come take a look at our samples so we can get a woman’s opinion before showing up at the factory. You’d be doing us a favor.”
Part of me longs to know if the invitation is purely business or if there may be some underlying proposition beneath their words. But does it really matter? After all, I’m currently hobnobbing with two CEOs who know their stuff. I’d be a fool not to gain some business experience.
“Sure, I’d be thrilled to see the new line,” I smile.
Before I can get out my wallet, Rick’s put the bill on his tab and both men are standing, their huge forms towering over me.
“Shall we?” Ryder asks, gallantly offering me a hand.
I take a deep breath and place my palm in his. It’s swallowed up by his huge one, and a shiver runs down my spine, but that’s to be expected because the twins have always had this effect on me. My knees go weak and my soft parts moisten, even though it was nothing more than a fleeting touch. Get a hold of yourself, I scold myself. Don’t lose your mind just from this!
But as we make our way to the elevator, I steal another glance at the twins and my resolution falters. After all, Ryder and Rick are the stuff of dreams. Their black hair seems to absorb light, and the strong line of their jaws is only emphasized by the shadows. As we stand in the marble lobby waiting for the lift, I feel myself losing it all over again. What would it be like to be with Rick and Ryder for real? It’s a bit sad that I’m still fantasizing after ten years, but then, the Walsh brothers have always had complete control over me.
4
Rick
As Ryder and I stroll into the sumptuous hotel suite with our unexpected guest, I can’t help but cast a sidelong glance at Chrissy.
The woman is stunningly attractive, after all. Her fitted, deep blue cocktail dress hugs her curves in all the right places. Her mischievous eyes sparkle every time she speaks, and her voice is intoxicating. It’s low, melodious, and utterly feminine.
The curvy girl gasps as we enter the decadent space. I don’t blame her because this isn’t just any hotel suite; this is the Presidential Suite at the Marlton Hotel. It’s got triple height ceilings, marble floors, as well as a fancy living room and chef’s kitchen off to the side.
“Do you cook?” she asks, looking at the big silver refrigerator appreciatively.
I laugh.
“No, although Ryder here sometimes likes to bake brownies.”
“Brownies?” she squeals with mirth. “I never would have guessed.”
My brother grins too.
“Be nice to me and maybe I’ll make a batch for you while I’m here.”
Chrissy merely laughs again while taking in the sumptuous leather furniture. She runs one hand down the arm of a beige couch and stares wide eyed at a crystal chandelier overhead. Then she says, “Mind if I use the ladies?”
I gesture to an ornate door on one side.
“Sure honey. I think that’s the powder room.”
She sashays in, and when she comes out, there’s a naughty grin on her face.
“Can I just move into that bathroom, please? I’m pretty sure it’s bigger than my apartment.”
The three of us laugh easily at this statement, and I marvel at the relaxed air in the suite. I’ve always been good with women, but something about Chrissy is utterly alluring and magnetic. She doesn’t put on airs, although clearly, the curvy girl is quick-witted and ambitious. I wish I’d known her during high school because our lives would have been a lot more fun if we’d been acquainted.
But there’s no point in dwelling on what can’t be changed.
“Here, let me get you the samples,” I say. Then, I stroll into the master bedroom and rummage around in my suitcase for a bit. Ah ha, here they are. Returning to the living room, I drape the leggings, a few sports bras, and some fitted tank tops over the back of a large couch. Chrissy immediately comes over and begins oohing and ahing.
