Page 58 of Baker

“With those sticky things. Command Hooks, or whatever they’re called.”

He tilted his head toward my artwork. “Those pictures will be on the floor before the sun sets.”

I wasn’t an idiot, and I didn’t like being treated like one. “They’re designed for thirty pounds,” I said matter-of-factly. “I weighed the pictures. Twenty-four.”

“Thirty pounds on a clean surface. A brick is basically compacted dirt. I’m surprised they’ve lasted this long.”

“Oh.” I blushed heavily. I felt like a fool.

“Give me five minutes,” he said. “I’ll be right back with some tools.”

I wanted to object, but I didn’t. Seeing a man with power tools in his hand was a huge turn-on for me.

“We’ll be here when you get back.” I looked at Holly. “At least I will be.”

“I’ll be here,” Holly blurted. “Until we’re done.”

Baker flashed a smile. “Be right back.”

I assembled my best laser sharp glare and shot it at Holly.

She gave me an innocent look. “What?”

“Surprised you didn’t offer to show him your tits or something.”

“He looks a lot better in person than he did from your window,” she said dreamily. “I love his hair.”

“He’s. Off. Limits,” I said through my teeth.

“You said you were just--”

My face went hot as my temper flared. “Off limits. Off limits. He’s off. Fucking. Limits.”

Her gaze dropped to my feet. “Ohhh Kaaay.”

“I mean it,” I seethed.

“Okay.”

She fidgeted with my rolodex for a minute and then looked up. “Does he have any friends?”

I gave her a look. “Does he have any friends that would want to fuck you is the question.”

“That was rude.”

“I’m mad at you right now,” I snapped back.

“Why?”

“Really? You were drooling.”

“He’s cute.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. Off limits. He’s yours.”

“That’s right,” I said. “He’s mine.”

As the words came out of my mouth, it dawned on me what I’d said. It was a false claim. Baker wasn’t mine. Not at all.

Nor was I his.