Page 44 of Tempting Me

“Your number. Come on.”

I don't know who I dislike more right now, but screw both of these men.

My lips part to tell the guy in front of me to bug off—fuck off might be a little harsh for a customer—but then a better idea forms.

“Let me write it down,” I tell him.

I scribble out a number I’ve known by heart for as long as I can remember and say, “It’s best if you text me. And to be honest, I need details. If you want to take me out, I need to know when, where, for how long, and what the ending kiss could be like. Everything. In a text, please.”

I hand him the number and wink.

His smile is so big, I almost feel bad.

“Easy,” he says with a smirk and then walks off.

Sure was.

Feeling slightly immature but also pretty damn good about the choice I just made, I turn for the dining area, which is blocked off by construction plastic.

I whip the plastic back and waste no time scowling at Luca as he follows me.

Quietly, I snap, “What are you doing here? Are you insane?”

He doesn’t even bother looking over his shoulder as he measures the longest wall.

“I wanted to double-check this measurement. I think we could put in another window here, and it would bring in more natural light, giving a nice view of the east side of the lake.”

“Maybe if you would have showed up last night, you could have gotten them hung. Now go. I told you I didn’t want you here during the day.”

“Hey, I’m sorry about last night, okay. I got caught up, then I fell asleep. Trust me. I’m not happy about it either.”

“Sure. Whatever. This is my job, Luca, and if you can’t hold up your end of the deal, then I won’t either.”

He huffs.

“What have you told Grace by now anyway? You know, when you’re at girls’ night.”

I yank the tape measure from his hand and point a hard finger at him. Ignoring his jab about girls' night, I say, “Up until last night, I said you were a hard worker. I’ll probably say something else now.”

“I am, and shit, Shay, really? No woman is going to fall for a man because of his hard-working traits. What if she portrays that as I’m too invested in my job to be in a relationship or something?”

I’m too stunned to even have a witty comeback.

Being a hard worker is a great trait. Having a partner who is motivated to do their best is sexy, but yeah, like hell I'm going to share that with him.

“Whatever. Like I said, if you don't hold up your end of the deal, I won't either.”

“I’ll work double time tonight to make up for it.” His head hangs low as he speaks. He appears remorseful, but I’m too angry to care right now.

“Nope.”

“What? You’re firing me?”

“Nope. It just so happens that you get two nights off now, because I have a new date tonight and won’t be here. Therefore, you do not need to be here.”

The words are out of my mouth before I can think. I can’t afford not to get things done two nights in a row.

Dammit, brain. Just let him win once in a while if it means you get this marina done.

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