Page 86 of Bayside Heat
She focused on her new clients, who wanted to be involved every step of the way, from the space design right down to the colors of the trash cans, and they were giving her complete freedom of design. Seth had been featured as one of Forbes’s most eligible bachelors a couple years ago, and it wasn’t just for his wavy brown hair, killer blue eyes, or the whole hot-nerd thing he had going on with black-rimmed glasses, a plaid shirt, and a patterned sweater that looked like it had been knitted by his ninety-year-old aunt. He was a brilliant investor, and based on the last hour, he was about as laid-back as someone who did nothing but lounge on beaches all day. While his tattoo-sleeved, jeans-clad, Adam-Levine-lookalike partner, Jared, hadn’t stopped moving since he sat down. If his jaw wasn’t jumping, his knee was. A chef by trade, Jared owned several restaurants as well as clothing stores. They were an unlikely partnership, which made them that much more interesting. They’d come together and formed Nova Initiatives, a line of retail operations and restaurants.
“We want something new, fresh.” Seth scratched his scruffy jaw. “As you know, my brand is a bit more elegant than Jared’s edgy, eclectic vibe. Do you think you can combine the two without seeming over the top with either?”
“Or being too trendy?” Jared added. “I hate trendy.”
“I’m confident that my team and I can come up with unique options to combine your brands in a way that speaks from your heart.”
Seth sipped his coffee, watching her intently. “I work with a lot of designers, and you’re the first to mention an organ.”
She stifled a laugh, remembering Drake’s earlier text—I’m thinking about adding organs to the store, to which she’d replied, Really? I’ve been thinking about a skin flute.
She cleared her throat to get her head back in the game and said, “You’re both clearly passionate about what you do, and passion comes from the heart. It would be a mistake for me to ignore that vital organ when coming up with the concepts for your business.”
The two men exchanged an appreciative look.
“Let’s talk schedule,” Seth suggested.
They scheduled a brief meeting via Skype for Monday, so she could introduce them to Laura and Spencer, followed by a presentation meeting the following week to discuss concepts. They also set aside a tentative time to visit the Boston Design Center a few days later, assuming they approved the presentation.
She called Drake the minute she left the building and gushed about them as she walked along the sidewalk. “Freedom tastes so good! I can’t wait to fill in Laura and Spence and get started. Things are looking up. We’re making headway with Muriel Younger’s office and our other projects, too.”
“That’s great, babe. You sound excited.”
“I am, but part of that excitement is that it’s Friday, and after stopping by the office to get my stuff, I get to come home and see you! I cannot wait to get my lips on you.”
“Your bed or mine?”
“Mine this time, so we don’t have to worry about being seen if we decide to go au natural under the stars.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll bring over a change of clothes. I have a little something for you when you get here.”
She lowered her voice as a woman walked by and asked, “Does it involve nakedness?”
A deep, growly sound came through the phone, heating her up like an inferno. God, she loved his dirty side, and his noises, and his…everything.
“Now I’m going to be hard all evening thinking about you naked.”
“I like knowing I can get you all hot and bothered. Did I tell you I’m wearing the white lace panties and matching bra that you love? The one with the bows on my hips.”
He made another sexy sound.
“Or that I bought thigh-high stockings to wear home tonight just for you? There might be garters involved.”
“Jesus, Serena. How fast can you get home?”
“Traffic’s going to suck.” She lowered her voice as a group of men walked past and said, “I’m going to be starved by the time I get there because I’m too excited to eat.”
“I’ll be your feast, baby.”
