Page 12 of Tempting Me

“I’d steal it every night just so they’d have to replace it, and eventually they’d run out and take it as a sign that they can’t sell.”

We all turn to Grace, who has never looked more serious.

“Damn, Richford. Really?”

She nods.

I grin proudly at my friend's secret rebel side.

“I just think, you know, he does good work. He’s efficient. He could probably still get everything done on your timeline, too.”

“Brooke,” I groan. “I can’t.”

“Okay, okay, watching him work would be a plus, too. Those hot summer days. Does he ever work shirtless?”

“Why are you looking at me?” Sadie asks with a laugh.

“He helped build the bookstore.”

“That you own a business right next to. Have you ever seen him work shirtless?”

“No. But it wasn’t summer either.”

Grace laughs. “He is pretty fit.”

“Fit,” I repeat and then gag, sticking a finger in my mouth for emphasis.

“Girl, you can hate the man all you want, but you have to admit that he’s nice to look at.” Grace drinks her mimosa.

I roll my eyes, but I'm smiling and nodding.

He really is.

I’ll admit it.

That might be what I dislike most about him.

That and the fact that these girls are right, he really would be the perfect person for this job. I’ve seen his work all over town. I know how quickly he works while still delivering high-quality results.

I take another sip, listening to the girls start to talk about our latest book.

None of it changes the fact that I can’t hire Luca, even if my mind keeps straying to how it could work.

My parents would flip if they found out.

I reach for the salami.

If.

If they found out.

If.

The word repeats itself all night long.

In fact, two mimosas later, I’m starting to believe I can still make my dreams come true.

If I can convince Luca to agree to it.