Page 85 of Bayside Heat
“That she is,” Drake said proudly. He would find it hard to keep up with the fashion of the city, but Serena had seamlessly made the transition.
“No, seriously. She comes up with ideas that blow everyone out of the water,” Spencer explained.
“Serena’s a great boss,” Laura said. She stood to shake his hand. She was pin thin and also fashionably dressed in a pair of taupe slacks and a ruffled white blouse.
“Teammate,” Serena corrected her.
“Boss who doesn’t mind bucking the system,” Laura said. “Serena took us on an initial client visit, which we never do. It’s amazing how much more we gleaned from hearing the client’s initial thoughts on the project.” She pointed to the designs and catalogs spread out on the table. “We’re only a couple hours into this project, and look. We’ve almost got it nailed down. She’s taken the collaboration process to a whole new level.”
Serena looked blissfully happy, fully alive, the way she had when she was in the design and coordination phase during their first year of business. The way she looked each time they opened a music store. No wonder she was sad when she didn’t get to help bring all of her ideas to fruition with him for the grand opening. He’d unknowingly stolen that joy from her.
“That’s awesome,” he finally said. “Serena’s a remarkable woman. Can I take you all to lunch?”
Serena winced. “I’m sorry. I wish we could, but we have to leave in twenty minutes to get over to the law office we’re designing. I wish I’d known you were coming. I could have rearranged our schedule.”
“Don’t be sorry,” he said, masking his disappointment. “I’m glad I got to see you and meet your team.”
“We had the best meeting this morning for a home-library renovation. And Laura’s right. We’re cruising right along with it.”
“I’ll get out of your hair.” He put a hand on her hip and bent to kiss her cheek.
“I’d rather you got tangled up in my hair,” she whispered in his ear.
He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it, holding her gaze and wishing he could pull her into his arms and kiss her properly.
“I’m just going to walk him to the elevator,” she said to the others.
“It was great meeting you both,” he said. “Good luck with your projects.”
“I still can’t believe you’re here,” Serena said on the way to the elevators. “My two worlds have collided, and I couldn’t be happier.”
The elevator arrived, and he said, “Wanna bet?” as he pulled her inside.
He hit the CLOSE DOOR button, and the second the doors closed, he captured her mouth, crushing her to him, and she was just as ravenous for him. Their hands moved over each other’s bodies as they made out like they’d never get enough.
“God, I miss you,” he said, kissing his way down her neck.
She ran her fingers over the short sides of his hair. “I need your hair to hold on to.”
He chuckled and kissed her lips again. “I’ll grow it back. The way you were talking about sharp-dressing, clean-cut guys, I figured you might be into the look.”
“I’m into you, Drake Savage. I am utterly and completely yours.”
The elevator doors opened, and they jerked apart. Two guys in suits gave them an amused look. Serena’s lips were pink and puffy from their urgent kisses. Thank Christ she didn’t wear lipstick.
Serena cleared her throat as the two men stepped into the elevator. “Hi, Joe, Kev. This is my boyfriend, Drake. He just stopped by to say hello.” She was beaming as she looked at Drake and said, “It was good to see you.” She stepped off the elevator, stifling a giggle.
“Shine on, Supergirl. Talk to you later.”
As soon as he was back on the street, he called Kane’s Donuts. “Hi, Abby? I met you the other day. Do you deliver?”
“We sure do.”
“Great. I’d like to order a dozen Chocolate Orgasms…”
LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON Serena sat across from Seth Braden, the president of BRI Enterprises, and his new partner, Jared Stone, feeling like she’d hit the jackpot, despite having her ass handed to her again earlier that morning when she’d told Suzanne she wanted to bring Laura and Spencer with her to another initial client meeting. There was no time to worry over Suzanne’s refusal. For now she heeded her request. At least long enough to figure out the best way to sell her on the idea.
