Page 3 of Paradise in Progress
Using my compact mirror, I swipe a layer of blush on before pulling out my go-to Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick. With a fluff of my curled copper red hair, I’m ready to hit the town.
“I’m so jealous of your hair, Ken,” Zoe compliments as I lock up my desk for the night.
“Thanks, girl. It’s all fun until someone calls you ‘Red’ or —”
“Firecracker!” Tristan calls out, just as Zoe and I pass his office. My blood heats instantly with annoyance.
“OrFirecracker,” I mutter under my breath, and Zoe lets out a chuckle.
Turning my attention to his office, I watch as Tristan rounds his desk and flicks off his light. “Heading out already?”
I glance at my watch to check the time, then scan the room, realizing we are one of the last ones left in the office. “As a matter of fact, I am.”
He tsks, freakingtsks. “I thought for sure you’d be pulling the midnight oil for your big presentation next week.”
He’s just getting under your skin, Kennedy. Ignore the pest and go have drinks.
Deciding he’s not worth my time, I resume my walk to the elevator, with Zoe in line beside me. Only that doesn’t stop Tristan, as he steps up right behind us. Pushing the button to call the elevator, I choose immaturity and give him the silent treatment.
“So where are you two off to?”
“We’re heading to Rumors.” Zoe’s reply is out of her mouth in the next second. My head whips in her direction as my eyes narrow, shooting daggers at her for telling the enemy where we’re going.
“Of course you’re going there.” His arrogant tone drips with disdain as we step into the elevator.
“What’s the matter, Tristan? Rumors not good enough for you?” I stare at my rival and watch as Zoe’s eyes ping-pong back and forth between us.
How am I supposed to work here with him? Is this really the type of workplace atmosphere I want to have?
“It’s not beneath me.” He shrugs. “I assumed you’d be going to Whiskey Barrel.”
My mouth flounders at his attempt at an insult. “Are you making fun of me because I’m a country girl from the Midwest?”
Raising his hands in defense, he eyes me with a quirked eyebrow. “Hey, you said it.”
I fight the growl that is so desperate to escape. He’s infuriating. Absolutely impossible. But somehow his charm has women eating out of the palm of his hand. Hell, Zoe is happily married, and her eyes are doing that whole googly, dreamlike stare.
Saved by the bell, the elevator doors open. This man is insufferable with his constant need to torment me. Rushing ahead of him, I tug Zoe’s arm so we can haul ass away from the insufferable man as the security guard wishes us a good evening.
“It’ll be a good evening once he’s gone,” I mutter under my breath, but not quietly enough as a chuckle comes from the gnat in front of me.
We exit the spinning doors, and I stop dead in my tracks when I see the black town car waiting there. Tristan brushes past me, our shoulders making contact, and a slight shock stings my shoulder from where our bodies connect.
“Would you ladies like a ride?” Tristan interrupts my thoughts before I have a chance to dwell on what just happened.
“No,” I blurt, turning on my heel and guiding Zoe down the sidewalk.
He leaves us with a wave and a laugh.
“Oh my god, will you two please have sex already?” Zoe asks as she hails a cab.
I can’t help gagging at her question. “Are you for real right now? You know I can’t stand the man.”
A yellow cab pulls over, interrupting our conversation. Climbing in, I politely instruct the driver to take us to Rumors. The ride is fairly quick, but it allows both of us time to check our notifications. There’s an alert notifying me of a new money transfer from my share payment app. Assuming it’s from my parents, I don’t think too much of it. Not until I open it and find a hundred dollars from @Just-TrisNelson with a note that says,drinks on me ;)
How am I going to survive this man?
Chapter two
