Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
“I have some new things, but I’m pretty sure you’ll be wearing designer labels for that trip.”
“Some.” We sit back as our meals are delivered. Once we’ve been offered fresh pepper and grated cheese, we return to our conversation. “I’ll have plenty of designer labels to wear, but sometimes I just want a beautiful piece to layer, or to add, and you always fit the bill for that.”
That any woman would want to wear something I carry in my store to freaking fashion week is incredible to me.
“Well, I’d love to have you come in. When is it this year?”
“Next weekend,” she replies and scoops some pasta into her mouth.
“Please video call me again while you’re there,” I reply. “You know I live vicariously through you every time you’re in Paris.”
“Of course, I will. I just wish you’d come. The shopping we could do, Polly!”
“Paris is on my bucket list,” I admit, and realize that Ryan is listening in. He reaches over and takes my hand in his. “Someday, I’ll go and do some serious shopping.”
Like when I win the lottery. My business may be doing well, but I’m no luxury fashion house. That’s in a stratosphere that I can’t even imagine.
London turns to Ryan with a grin. “Tell me you’ll talk her into it. Please.”
“Seriously, I can’t go,” I say with a laugh and squeeze Ryan’s hand. “But I can’t wait to hear all about it. Are you staying at the Ritz again?”
“There is nowhere else to stay in Paris,” she replies. “I’m telling you, I’m going to get you there, come hell or high water.”
I just smile over at her and eat my dinner. I won’t argue, but I know that it’s highly unlikely because I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of letting London pay for me to go, and I certainly can’t afford something so extravagant myself.
The rest of the meal is delicious, and the conversation is even better. London’s phone pings with a text, and she frowns down at the screen.
“Caleb wants pizza,” she tells Drew. “At least he has good timing. I’ll put an order in before we leave.”
“Jake usually asks for the same,” Ryan says, also checking his phone. “But no requests so far tonight.”
“How are things with Jake?” Drew asks.
“He’s the smartest, best-looking, most well-behaved kid on the planet,” Ryan replies with a smug grin.
“And that’s exactly what every parent is supposed to think about their child,” London says. “I’m glad it’s been a good experience for all of you. Do you get along with him well, Polly?”
“I have to admit, I’m kind of in love with that boy.” I shrug and then can’t hide that my eyes are filling. “He’s just the best kid. He’s smart and funny, and he’s really gentle. When Ryan was out of town for a long stretch, Jake asked me if I needed anything. So, yeah, I get along with him well.”
Ryan reaches over and rubs his hand over my back in big circles, and London grins in delight.
Just then, Ryan’s phone signals a text.
“And there he is. No pizza tonight; he’s hanging at Russ’s house.” Ryan wiggles his eyebrows at me. “Good timing.”
“That is convenient. I wonder if Grace got the shop closed up okay.” I open my bag to fetch my own phone and then frown when it’s not there. “Shit. I forgot my phone at the shop.”
“We’ll stop and get it on our way home,” Ryan assures me.
Once the bill is paid, the four of us are on the sidewalk, saying goodbye.
“I’ll pop in tomorrow,” London promises me as she pulls me in for a hug. “And I’ll talk you into coming up to the condo to have a look around. Have a good night, friend.”
“You, too. Bye, Drew.”
“See you,” Drew says as he takes his wife’s hand, and they walk away, a hot pizza in hand for Caleb and Quinn.
“I really like them,” I say as Ryan and I walk down the block toward my store. “I’m glad they come to visit so often. Sorry that I forgot my phone.”
“It’s not a problem.” He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “I can wait an extra fifteen minutes to get you to your place and fuck you senseless.”
I let out a surprised laugh. “What brought that on?”
“I never stop wanting to fuck you senseless,” he says, his voice as calm as if he’s talking about the weather. “But when you wear little numbers like the one you have on? Game over.”
I look down at the black tank dress and frown. “It’s just a dress.”
“That’s not just anything.” His gaze flicks down the length of me as he licks his lips and then stares straight ahead. “How do you feel about having sex in your store?”
I laugh as I unlock the door, and then every hair on my body stands on end.