Page 26 of The Sexy Part
“You own the place?”
He glances over at me. “I’m not partner yet, but I will be when Dad thinks I’m ready. I’ve worked my way up since high school. I’ve been a busboy, waiter, host, kitchen assistant, and now I’m bartender and manager.”
He’s more put together than most guys in their twenties. Maybe because he’s grounded with deep roots in town, a job he loves and can keep for the rest of his life, and close family. I’d love to have the same, especially a close family. Just not in the cards for me.
“What about Finn and Mackenzie?” I ask. “Do they get to be partners too?”
“Finn could join us if he wants, but I doubt it. He’s real creative. He might do something with writing. He won some contests for poetry in high school.”
“A sensitive soul. That’s nice. Though you don’t hear about many poet jobs nowadays.”
“Yeah, we’ll see. He’s always welcome. Mackenzie has her own company. Mom secretly hopes that Mackenzie will one day take over her wedding planning business. Don’t mention it to Mackenzie. She’s not big on love at the moment.”
“Totally understand.” I shift toward him, admiring his profile, the sharp lines of his cheekbones and jaw. I face front, warmth rushing through my body. He’s gorgeous. My body seems to be on board, even if my head and heart know better. We’re close enough for me to breathe in his delicious woodsy scent.
This is not good.
I try to focus on our conversation. “So being manager means you can have as much food and drink as you want on the house?”
“Being the owner’s son means I can have all the free food and drink I want. If it makes you feel better, I’ll pay for your stuff, but then it sounds more like a date. You okay with that?”
He glances over at me.
Adrenaline surges through me.Danger! Danger!No dating, no men. Not even sweet, sexy, gorgeous men who’re there for you at every turn. Oh no. I’m way too into this guy.
I break into a cold sweat. I’d bolt, but we’re stuck in the confines of a truck cab together. Not a great idea to jump out the door as we speed past the Bronx.
“You okay?” he asks.
I rub the side of my neck. “Dating is off the table. Nothing personal. Just, ya know, heartbroken and devastated. I thought I was going to be married a week ago.”
“No problem. I don’t know why I said that. Friends?”
“Yes, of course. Friends. Thank you for understanding.”
He reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze. A zing of sensation races up my arm.
I rub my arm. “In thirty days I’ll have my condo deposit back, and I’ll be moving back to the city. I want my old life back.”
“Sorry to say, your old life is gone. Didn’t you say all your clients went to Dave’s cousin’s agency?”
“Yes, and I can’t afford to lure them back, but I can get new clients. Eventually.” I exhale sharply. “To tell you the truth, I went into advertising following in my mom’s footsteps. Somehow I thought it would make me feel closer to her, understand the life she led before she died. But it’s a different world now than when she worked in it.”
“Do you like that kind of work?”
“Parts of it.” I rub my temple. “The thought of starting from scratch just makes me tired. Maybe advertising isn’t what I’m meant to do.”
“If there was ever a time for a fresh start, this is it. Give it time and think about what you want. Whatever you decide, I’ll be here.”
I cross my arms, hugging myself. Did I meet the perfect guy? Is the universe making up for the devastation Dave wrought? This can’t be real. Cooper’s just too good to be true.
* * *
The next day, I stand with Mackenzie on the front porch of her parents’ house, a two-story colonial-style home with natural-colored wood siding and brown shutters. She rings the bell. Mackenzie’s holding a bottle of wine, which she says is mandatory to deal with her mom’s constant matchmaking.
“Welcome, come in,” Hailey says, answering the door in a pink jumpsuit and heels. She looks like a fashion model. “So glad you could come too, Rowan.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
