Page 19 of Art of Love
What I needed now was to stay focused and keep my eye on the prize.
***
Easier said than done.
I got to the gallery at nine. Jia was already there waiting in the training room the receptionist had instructed me to go in.
It was more like a meeting room, a small one that contained four chairs, an overhead projector set up at the front of the room near a whiteboard, and a flipchart stand for the trainer.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw her. She immediately gave me daggers.
Yesterday, I thought she looked beautiful, and I loved what she wore. Today was pretty much the same, except that the little summer dress she wore looked sexy as hell. Yesterday was more of a professional suit day, suited to the first meeting we had with John. Today was smart casual, playful, and the soft blue color stood out against her bronze skin and complimented her eyes.
Her cheeks flushed when she saw me looking at her, and she looked more annoyed.
To annoy her further, I went and sat right next to her.
“There are three other chairs to choose from. Why would you sit next to me?”
She zeroed in on me and frowned with a look of displeasure like I’d just spit in her tea.
“Good morning to you too.” I smirked.
She shuffled, and my eyes dropped to the healthy amount of cleavage she showed off in that dress. Today, she had some sort of shimmering on her chest that made her skin sparkle. Looked nice, but it was the kind of thing that could get a man in trouble.
“Don’t expect pleasantries from me.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t. I take it you still can’t remember?” I smiled.
She straightened and pursed her lips together. “I do not.”
“Maybe you should go to the doctor’s.” I chuckled.
“I don’t need a doctor, thank you. I’m certain I’ll remember eventually.”
“I hope you do.”
“Why, so you can continue to embarrass me?” Her lips twitched.
“Nah. Great sex is only great if we both remember. Not just me.” I knew I shouldn’t fan the flames, but I couldn’t resist. It was the look she was giving me. That look of horror mixed with shock and anger.In for a penny, in for a pound.“Especially when it was lots of great sex.”
“You are despicable.”
“And you’re kind of a bitch.” She kind of was.
Her jaw dropped. “If you think I’m a bitch because I think what you did was wrong, then you can go fuck—”
The door opened before she could finish that. Carla came in with a bright smile on her face and two foolscap folders.
“Morning, you two.” She beamed. She reminded me of one of those airy, fairy people. Like someone who would be at one with nature.
She looked to be in her mid- to late thirties, very beautiful with her striking Latina features, but she had that look of someone who would tell you, you could solve your worries with a cup of chamomile tea.
“Carla, so great to see you. We didn’t get to catch up yesterday.” Jia beamed back. It was like she’d switched personalities.
“No, but we should absolutely do lunch. Shopping trip?” Carla nodded.
“Oh my gosh, yes.” Jia giggled.
