Page 9 of Mr. Red

Lana hasn’t been the same since her boyfriend decided to up and leave with no explanation. He moved to New York for his dream job without an invitation to her. She has been broken hearted ever since.

Paige and I have offered to hunt him down. It’s a wonder we haven’t, after what he did to her.

“I have to feel it, and how can I do that when I don’t feel like myself?” Lana explains, making me regret bringing up the issue.

I give her a hug around one shoulder, looking at her with a sympathetic look. “We’re here for you, La La. Anything you need, just let us know.”

She responds with a half-smile. “Screw guys. We came here for a reason—to have fun and dance.”

I look around at the several people filling the club. “You’re right.” I tap her glass with mine. “Let’s go!”

We make our way to the center of the dance floor, swaying to the beat. The dancing helps me stay focused on tonight. Mr. Red is just a client I have to deal with—tomorrow.

Chapter 7

Matt

I found a place near the gym to grab something to eat. This day keeps playing over in my mind. First, the upsetting phone call and then losing my temper with a complete stranger this morning. Then trying to apologize to the stranger and her rejecting me. Understandable after my rude reaction. I’m usually a perfect gentleman. Of course, this wasn’t a usual morning.

The call from my mom had me so angry, it put me in a different temperament. One I never let myself be in—it’s too similar tohim. I was in the zone, pedaling, trying to get some frustration out when this woman appeared in the middle of the road throwing me off track. Turned out to be a woman with deep, blue eyes, silky, long hair, and a fierce attitude. My big idea was deciding to be a total ass to her.

Good move.

That’s not like me—I’m always in control. She didn’t think once about taking any shit from me, though. I needed something to get me back to the calm, polite guy I am.

So I went to relax at a yoga class. It’s not a form of exercise I would usually pick, but I needed something to help soothe the bitterness consuming me. My momsuggested it, and I’d listen to her about anything. So I went to the closest gym, and thereshewas, teaching. Those big, blue eyes staring right at me like they could see through me, which is basically what happened.

The cherry on top of today was my dick broadcasting my feelings for me at the end of the class. I haven’t gotten a boner in public since middle school. I had to rush out before anyone saw—beforeshesaw. So much for relaxing and being in control. Not to mention blue balls the size of boulders.

We ran into each other a total of three times today. I was almost expecting to find her at this restaurant I decided to venture out to. Wouldn’t that be some shit?

I thought having a little chat with her at the end of the yoga class would let me see the dazed eyes most girls give to me. Instead, a feisty vixen came out to play, which made me want to get to know her even more. A woman not trying to hit on me is odd. I’m hot, successful, and usually a noble kind of guy. The desk clerk from the bookshop gave me her number after two minutes. I don’t plan on calling her. Scarlett has left an impression.

I had to book some sessions with her. Figured it could be a perfect chance to show her I’m not always an asshole.Wanting to get to know a woman is fucking weird, but there’s some kind of pull towards her. I almost ran her over for fuck’s sake. It feels like an invisible string is pulling us together. Great. Now I’m talking like I took acid or some shit.

I’m not sure why I care about what she thinks so much. Normally I couldn’t give two fucks—there are lots of women to meet. But how often can two people run into each other in one day?

When Jason told me her name, I almost fell throughthe floor. Jason was cool until I saw him smack her ass. I don’t know why I’m becoming jealous over a woman I don’t know a thing about right now, but it pissed me off.

I’m only in Washington for a renovation project, and it’ll be about six months before I head back to Texas. I really need to stay focused. It took me over a year to get Grant, my business partner, to agree to going out of state. Our company has an amazing reputation, but only in Texas. This expansion could take us to another level. Washington has some benefits—no income tax, cool weather, mountains.

I shouldn’t be trying with this girl. I need to stay focused. There’s a lot riding on this trip.

And yet, running into the same person over and over again makes me think I was supposed to meet Miss Scarlett. Let’s find out why.

Chapter 8

Scarlett

I’ve checked my phone itinerary a hundred times this morning in hopes a certain appointment has disappeared. I don’t want to work with Matthew Reding. The girls were no help. They basically said, “you’ll be fine.”

I finish my mascara and put on a subtle mauve lipstick, smooching my lips together in the mirror. I smooth over my outfit of yoga workout pants, a black gym polo, and some black sneakers. Then, I let out a deep breath and turn away from the mirror to grab my bag and keys.

Once I enter the gym, Jason waves at me near the front desk.

“Hey, hey!” I hug him. “How did it go last night? I was going to text you, but I thought I might be interrupting.”

“Youwouldhave been interrupting. The guy was an absolute dream. I think we’re meeting up tomorrow for round two, or in this case, round five.”

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