Page 35 of The Sexy Part
7
Rowan
I took the job. And, no, this has nothing to do with Cooper or that kiss, which can never happen again. It has to do with not being a fool. I need money, and I’ve had a flexible job handed to me by a woman I admire. And I’m not the kind of person who can just sit around waiting for things to happen. I’m always go, go, go.
Okay, and Cooper’s family sort of sucked me in. They’re just so lovely and close. I want to feel part of that for a little longer. I’ve never had that.
“You can go at noon,” Hailey says to me. “I know I threw a lot at you today.” We’re in her office, where she just explained her organizational software and how she tracks invoices. Her office is just as beautiful and put together as she is. Her organization is immaculate in built-in bookcases and storage cubbies. Antique pieces, landscape paintings, and a vase of fresh flowers make it feel homey.
I’m sitting at Ally’s old desk. “Actually, I’d like to work full time. You can pay me for part-time, no problem. I’m not good with just sitting around.”
“Don’t you want to work on getting your own business back in order?”
“Welp, I lost my clients, so it’ll take a while to find new clients. And the truth is, I’m not sure if I want to open another ad agency. It was a career I jumped into because it’s what my mom did. Maybe this is a good time to reassess, you know?”
“Absolutely. I’d love to have you, though I would of course pay you for your hours.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Ally was full time until a month ago. I just thought you’d want time for your own thing. We’ll play it by ear, okay? Any time you need off, just let me know.”
“Great, thank you.”
“Sure. I usually have lunch here I’ve packed from home. There’s some leftover chicken francaise and salad in the refrigerator from our last wedding, which you’re welcome to. Or if you want to pick up something across the street at Happy Endings, just tell Josh I sent you. Oh, wait, it’s Cooper on Mondays. Tell him I sent you, and he’ll give you a meal on the house.”
I flush just hearing his name. Cooper kissed me last night. Or I kissed him. I’m not sure who moved first but wow. That kiss was nothing like I’ve felt before. It was a shock to the system and at the same time warm and languid, like I could just fall into it over and over.
What was I thinking?
You weren’t thinking. That was all feeling.
I put a hand to my warm cheek.
“Rowan, are you okay?”
I drop my hand, embarrassed. “Yes, sorry. Wedding leftovers sound good for lunch. I don’t want to keep mooching free food off your family’s restaurant.”
“We’re happy to help.”
I nod. “I need to stand on my own two feet as soon as possible.”
“Would you like an advance on your paycheck?”
I hold up a palm. “You’re far too generous. I’ll earn my keep. You can pay me after I do the work. Besides, you don’t even know if I’m a good fit yet.”
She smiles, her blue eyes sparkling like she has a secret. “I already know you’re a great fit. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s go grab lunch in the back.”
I follow her to the kitchen, and I’m instantly reminded of being here with Cooper, eating delicious leftover cake with a champagne chaser, all the while being enthralled by his warmth and charm. By all rights I should’ve been a complete mess at the time, yet I was comfortable enough to open up to him and share about my complicated family situation.
Being back at Ludbury House hasn’t been as difficult as I feared because it’s colored by memories of being here with Cooper. It’s like his presence made my disaster of a wedding fade into the background. Not completely, but enough for me to cope.
While we eat lunch, Hailey tells me the schedule for the rest of the day. There’s two new client consultations, and then she wants to show me the accounting system so I can start adding invoices to it. She’s gotten behind on that.
She finishes her lunch before me, peeks in the refrigerator, and turns to me. “I thought I had two bottles of champagne in here, but there’s only one. Would you mind running across the street and asking Cooper for another bottle? It needs to be chilled. I always offer new clients champagne to get off on the right foot. We’ve got two new clients coming this afternoon.”
I choke on my lunch, coughing profusely. I grab my water and take a quick drink.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
