Page 61 of Bayside Heat
She pulled out her cell phone and sent him a selfie of a pouty face. Back at the office without a Chocolate Orgasm. Maybe we can make up for that tonight, xox.
She returned her voicemail messages, scheduled appointments with the MacIntyres and the Wilkinsons, and then began working on the budget calculations for the law office.
Long after everyone else left for the evening, Suzanne poked her head into Serena’s office. “Burning the midnight oil? Have we overwhelmed you already?”
“No, not at all. I’m just putting together the budget for Muriel’s job. Tomorrow I’ll do the sourcing of materials and make sure nothing has been discontinued since the last time we ordered.”
Suzanne frowned. “That’s what you have a team for.”
“Oh, I don’t mind doing it. I actually love that part of the process. Since I’ll be out of the office most of Friday with Gavin and then I’m heading home for the weekend, I wanted to make sure I had everything in order.”
“Yes, but that’s what junior designers are for. They handle the legwork of checking availability and the like. Serena, you’ve set up entire companies from start to finish. Don’t demean yourself by doing lower-level work. You’ve risen above that. Wear your new crown with pride. People would kill for a senior-design position with KHB.”
Great. Now she sounded too small-minded for the job. “Of course, yes. I’m sorry. You’re right.”
“Don’t be sorry. Authority takes some getting used to. You’ll get the hang of it, and I promise you’ll learn to love the higher aspects of project management. Most of all, the luxurious lunches and dinners you’ll enjoy.” Suzanne checked her watch. “Speaking of dinner, I’ve got to run. It’s almost eight o’clock. See you tomorrow.”
Eight o’clock? Serena gathered her things and headed out a few minutes after Suzanne. But instead of heading home, she decided to get that doughnut after all.
“IS THAT MY sweatshirt?” Drake asked Serena on FaceTime later that night. She looked adorable with her hair all tousled and no makeup on.
“No. It was yours,” she said sassily. “You loaned it to me on Easter. Remember?”
He smiled with the memory. They’d set up an evening Easter egg hunt in the dunes for Hagen and his friends, and after all the kids left, they’d had a bonfire on the beach.
“Loaned?”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Want it back?” She pulled it over her head, revealing a black lace bra.
“Hell yeah. Now we’re talking.” He got excited—until he heard the sounds of cars honking and realized she was outside. “Where the hell are you?”
She pulled the sweatshirt back on and said, “On the rooftop deck. See?” She turned her phone, showing him the harbor in the distance. “And check this out.” She showed him the lights of the city and then an array of lounge chairs, tables, and gorgeous planters overflowing with colorful flowers. “We need something like this at the resort. Maybe on the roof of the community building? That would be awesome. And check out the decking.” She pointed the phone down at the cedar slats beneath her pretty bare feet.
“That’s a great idea,” he said as she came back into focus and sat down on one of the chairs. “Let’s talk about it when you’re here this weekend. I’d love a place like that to hang out with you. But, babe, let’s not strip in public, okay? I’d hate to have to drive to Boston to kick some guy’s ass for wandering up to the roof when you’re shirtless.”
“Have I told you lately that you’re hot when you’re jealous?” She blew him a kiss. “But you know I’d never whip my shirt off if a guy were around.”
He scoffed. “I’ve seen you do it on the beach.”
“Hey! Hush up about that. We said we’d never talk about it again.” She sipped a glass of wine. “In my defense, I was two sheets to the wind.”
“And how’s that wine coming along?”
She lifted the glass. “It’s my first glass, and probably my last. I just wanted to pretend I was home with all of you guys, sitting by the water and bitching about my day, knowing tomorrow would be better.”
