Page 75 of Mr. Red

“You’re supposed to be staying focused, Matt. Should I be worried?”

“The deal is going through next week. We should be able to start the project soon after, as long as the permits come through,” I tell him.

“Yeah, I got your e-mail. Sounds like you made a lot of progress. How long until you can start renovations?”

“By the end of next week. I’ve been ordering everything we’ll need. The project shouldn’t take too long.”

“Perfect. Who did you bring on your fuck fest this time?”

My fists clench, wanting to punch him through the phone.

“This is different,” I manage, through gritted teeth.

“Oh, shit. You have your bride-to-be with you?”

“Your mom was busy.”

He starts laughing. I’m beginning to forget why this douchebag is my friend.

But he’s also my only friend and I need advice. “How would you make someone fall in love with you?”

Once the question leaves my mouth, I’m asperplexed as Grant is, I imagine. Why am I thinking about love? She just needs to move out to Texas with me. When didlovecome into play?

After a pause, Grant responds. “You can’t make someone fall in love with you. And who am I talking to? Have you been in an accident? The aliens finally got to you and changed out your body?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Matt, you’re a great catch. You’re usually a jackass, but I know you have a soft spot you’ll show to the right person. Anyone would fall for you. I wouldn’t worry about love. You can’t control everything, you know. What you should be worrying about is this project making a profit or we’re going to be down a lot of money.”

He may be right about the aliens. They’ve abducted my mind.

“I’ve got the project under control.” It’s my little vixen I don’t know what to do with. I add, “Iampretty spectacular.”

“And that’s my cue to end this call. Let me know if you need anything to help with the project.”

“Okay, bye.”

I continue to work on a bench outside the spa. I wasn’t looking to fall for someone, but Scarlett is worth it. I wouldn’t do it for anyone else. She has more of a hold on me than she probably knows. I just have to make her see how perfect her life could be in Texas with me.

If I don’t, we’re not going to be able to stay together.

Chapter 41

Scarlett

Not only did Matt make an appointment for a massage, but he also made an appointment for a manicure, pedicure, and hair treatment. I’m a girl who likes some pampering, but it’s weird he didn’t come along. It’s not like this was a couple’s activity. I need to get on equal ground with this guy, and quick.

A few ideas came to mind while I was sitting in the salon chair. I’ll have to wait until we get back to Washington to carry them out. I’m doing things my way once we get back to Lakebrook. I want to show him Washington has cool things too. Maybe get him to consider moving there permanently. It’s been nice to be carefree, but it’s also nice being the girl I am—Type A with an attitude.

~

I’ve had about a week in Lakebrook to get back to reality. Now we’re attheday. Today we take over the gym. Along with leading classes and training clients, I’m finding the right equipment to bring the gym into this century. Paige has the colors picked out for painting and we’ll be starting that project once the gym closes for the night, keeping to my color-coded schedule. Lana has completed the logo and website, but the app is going to take her a lot longer than shewas anticipating. She’s working on other side projects, so the app will come along when it can.

Tonight will also be the first night I’ll be going toMatt’s place and hanging out with his sister. I’m wondering if it’s going to bring us closer than we already are. He’s good at hiding his emotions. The most I get from him is he feels relaxed around familiar places and people. It’s not helping me with what he’s thinking.

I get up and find Matt in my living room working on his laptop. Although he’s in the middle of a project, he looks at new real estate options every day. What he looks for is still a mystery, but he filled me in on some of his daily tasks. He’s in his workout gear, so he has probably done something productive before the sun was up.

“Good morning,” I go straight to the coffee.

---