Page 4 of Fashionista's Playbook

When he cut his eyes in my direction like he knew what I’d been thinking, my skin heated so quickly I’m sure I turned three separate shades of red.

I focused my energy on the things I should be thinking about—the things I knew. The better watches were in the case. They were higher quality if someone were going to invest that much in a piece.

“This one is four hundred thousand—”

I choked on a cough. Great Ass turned to me, his eyebrows disappearing beneath the bill of his hat.

The jewelry guy pursed his lips with obvious annoyance.

“I’m not an expert, but…those diamonds probably aren’t graded as high as some of these.” I pointed to the men’s watches in the case near me. “Clearer, higher rated diamonds will increase in value.”

“Those are from our pre-owned collection, ma’am.” The salesguy seemed flabbergasted that I’d even suggest this Mr. Madera buy a used watch.

“And they are higher quality on better pieces which is why you have them out front for everyone to see.” I closed my eyes and held up my hands for peace as the clerk glared. “I’m not trying to cut in on your commission.”

“These diamonds are pristine—” Ignoring me, the clerk held a viewing glass out for Madera.

Who turned those sexy dark eyes back to me. “Nah, tell me what you really think about it.” He had one of those silky, smooth voices with that sort of southern Florida accentthat could be from anywhere—but was easily distinguishable. Something a little Latin American, mixed with that southern drawl.

I only knew the accent because of Miami fashion week.

“My honest opinion is if you’re going to drop half a million dollars on a watch—you can have one custom designed. The jewelry equivalent of shopping local. Better quality, fit to match your personality, and not cheaply made with an up-and-coming designer’s name stamped on it for temporary clout.”

I blew out a breath.There goes selling mine.

“Or I’d go for this one.” My fingernail made a gentle tapping sound on the glass above a gold watch that glimmered. “It’s flashy enough to show against the ink.” I encircled my fingers around his wrist, surprised at the warmth that rocketed up my arm at contact. “And you’re big enough to pull it off.”

The innuendo flashed in his eyes and my entire chest heated anew. Guys built like that, ones who could afford half a million-dollar watches, they didn’t give me sexy once overs. Much less a second time.

He jerked his chin toward the watch in question. “Box it up, I’ll take it.”

When he glanced back at me, his lips twisted in a knowing grin, and I jerked my hand away from the wrist I’d held onto a little too long.

“Ma’am, can I help you?” Another salesperson gestured me over.

****

My next few minutes were spent haggling and too distracted to think about Great Ass, other than a sudden wave of disappointment when the bell on the door announced his exit.

The clerk who had sold the watch to Great Ass stared laser beams into my back as I left. Several thousand bucks in my pocket didn’t quite take the sting from selling my grandfather’s watch for less than it was worth.

But the cash would satisfy the warning of eviction tucked in my purse.

Might even catch up on my car payment. The plan had been to get a job in New York, work in design, make beautiful clothes, and be successful. I would never be like my sister Elise, with the husband and kids and white picket fence, and that was okay.

Failing was not. And in the past year I’d burned through all my savings, limped back to San Antonio and barely made ends meet. But this was a fresh start, had to be. My only other option was going home to my parents and the thought turned the contents of my stomach sour.

I glanced to where my pre-owned silver sedan was parked and my chest squeezed so tight, I almost couldn’t breathe. My car was being winched onto the back of a flatbed tow truck by a bored looking man.

“Wait, please…” I rushed forward on trembling legs. “Don’t do this, I have cash…I can pay the payments right now.”

“Sorry, lady.” Though his eyes were sympathetic, his headshake was firm. “It’s been turned in.”

“Seriously? Look, I can pay.” It was fruitless, but I wasn’t beyond begging. No shame at this point. Tears burned my eyes.

Great Ass from the jewelry store had noticed my dilemma and was crossing the parking lot. I ducked my head.

The repo guy caught sight of him and did a double take before dropping the remote that ran the truck. My car lurched to a halt, then rolled back a few inches with an awful crunching sound.

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