Page 30 of Fore-Ever Yours

I show him one where we’re laughing together, his arm slung around my shoulder. It’s a good photo. A great one, actually. So great it almost makes me forget about boundaries and professionalism.

He studies the picture. “That looks…really good.” His hand brushes mine as he takes the phone from me to get a closer look, sending electricity up my arm.

“Good.” I snatch the phone back. “Time for some trends.”

“Desiii,” I whine into my phone, flopping onto the hotel bed. “I think I’m in trouble.”

Desi’s laugh crackles through the speaker. “Tell me what happened.”

“Matthew happened,” I groan, running a hand through my hair.

“Girl, you gotta give me more than that.”

I sigh, clutching the pillow to my chest. “We were taking photos, you know, for his social media content.” I pause, replaying today’s events. “And things got…intense.”

“Oh? Do tell,” she responds, her voice brimming with intrigue.

“Like, there was chemistry. Real chemistry. And we looked like a real…”

“Real what?” Desi asks, pushing me to continue.

“A real couple.” The words hang in the air, thick and heavy.

Desi lets out a low whistle. “Well, well, well.”

“I mean, it’s not like anything happened, but when he looked at me…” My voice trails off. “But he’s my client, and the most we can be is friends.”

“Friends, nor clients, don’t look at each other like starving people eye a double cheeseburger, Beth,” she says matter-of-factly.

“I know,” I groan, dropping my face into my hands. “But we have a contract—professionally and personally. One specifically states ‘no feelings.’ And even if we didn’t, we work together.”

“Coworkers-to-lovers is my favorite romance trope. And sometimes rules are meant to be broken,” Desi suggests, a hint of mischief in her voice.

“Desi!”

“Just saying.” She chuckles, her laugh a soothing salve to my spinning thoughts. “He might be worth the risk, though.”

“You know I’m not one to take a risk.”

“Look at what you’ve done over the last few months. You left your hometown, which you had just gotten back to, to travel with some guy you just met to pursue your dream job. I’d say that’s a risk-taker.” She pauses, and when I don’t respond she continues, “But you don’t have to decide anything right now. Give it some time, let it simmer, and see where things go.”

A knock at my door interrupts our conversation. “Hold on, I think it’s room service,” I tell Desi before clambering off the bed and rushing to answer the door.

A fiery red-haired woman is standing there with a clothing rack full of garment bags and fancy boxes.

“Hello! I’m Nina, your personal stylist. You must be Beth?”

“I am, but—”

“I was sent by Matthew Wilkes to find you the perfect attire for the gala. I have dresses and accessories for you to try on.”

“Matthew did this?” I mutter as she breezes past me into the room.

“Did what?” Desi’s voice rings through my phone.

“Um, Desi, Matthew sent a stylist over for tomorrow’s gala.”

She lets out a high pitched squeal on the other end. “No way! What? Send me pictures! Have fun!”

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