Page 43 of The Sexy Part
“Yup. There’s some on your computer, some on mine, and in that file cabinet behind you.”
I turn to a tall wooden file cabinet behind me and rifle through two drawers full of ads, photos, and documents. Whoa. “Do you use all this stuff?”
“We rotate. I like to keep the files so we can go through and pick out the season.”
“But there’s no labels by season.”
“It’s in the order of which type of ad I use the most. A relevancy system.” She presses her headset. “Hello, Hailey Campbell, Love Junkies, how can I help you?”
I should be answering the phone for new clients, right? She must be constantly interrupted. On the other hand, I didn’t do so well dealing directly with clients. I’ll stick to being the best damn behind-the-scenes helper she could ever want.
* * *
Cooper
I walk into Ludbury House with a Cobb salad for Rowan as requested. Mom says she’s working out great, and she’s a wonderful woman. I think that last part was for my benefit. As always, Mom’s hoping for a love connection. I’m thinking more casual.
I walk up the steps to Ludbury House and press the bell. I can see through the glass panel next to the door the moment Rowan appears in the foyer. She smooths her brown hair back and adjusts her skirt like she’s nervous. I wonder if she’s thought about that kiss as much as I have.
She opens the door. “Hi! You really didn’t have to take time off work to bring me lunch.”
I hand her the bag. “You’re welcome.”
“Sorry! Thank you! I just feel bad your mom made you bring me lunch.”
“Mom hasn’t made me do anything in a long time.”
“Right. Ha! Of course. You’re a grown man.”
“She told me your order, and I volunteered to bring it. There’s a sandwich in there for me too. Mind if I join you?”
She backs up a step. “Sure. It’s just me here.”
“I know. Mom’s having lunch with my aunt Madison. They’re like oil and water but best friends.”
“Cool.”
I step inside and shut the door behind me. She heads toward the kitchen. She’s dressed nice in a V-neck sweater and skirt that hugs her curves. So sexy.
We get to the kitchen, and she unpacks the bag. I go for glasses of water, napkins, and a fork for her.
Once we’re settled at the table, she opens her takeout container. “Oh, Cobb salad. That’s nice.”
I take out my roast beef sandwich. “Isn’t that what you ordered?”
“Actually, your mom ordered it for me. I thought maybe she was matchmaking.”
“She’s just thoughtful.”Definitely matchmaking. I’m going to have to have a talk with her. I don’t want Mom getting her hopes up that Rowan’s the One. Mom’s big on meeting the One. If I knew Rowan was going to stick around, if Rowan hadn’t just been dumped at her wedding, and if I hadn’t been burned by Brianna before, then maybe I could be open to something more. But all of those things did happen, so here we are. Friends who kissed once.
We dig into lunch.
She gives me a small smile. “It’s good.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Can I have some of your chips?”
I push my container closer to her. “So you’re not the health nut Mom is.”
