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She swipes through a few more images, showing me the portfolio of work she did for the brand. I remember seeing some of these cans at the airport yesterday. They stood out among the monotony of every other beverage in the fridge section, even causing me to pause for a second. Her talent is undeniable.

“Those are amazing, Verity.”

“Thanks. It was really fun to be able to create something like that. I love being able to have something tangible, you know?”

“I get that. It’s like when I’m part of a real estate project and am working with architects to create a new building. There’s something special about seeing the final creation and knowing you had a hand in it.”

“Exactly! It’s leaving your mark on society.” She grins, and it lights up her whole face. Her passion bleeds through her features, and it just makes her all the more attractive.

“You’re stunning when you smile.” The compliment leaves me before I can think otherwise.

Her eyes widen and her lips press together in a smaller, more reserved smile as she reaches up and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. The motion draws my attention to her neck, and I get this urge to lean forward and plant a kiss right there.

“Thank you. You know, I used to hate my smile. I had messed-up teeth as a kid and people made fun of me for it. I wasn’t able to afford braces until basically the end of high school, which meant I stuck out like a sore thumb having braces in college, which is so not ideal when your Spanish partner is a hot football player who—oh my God, I’m rambling when I should’ve just left it at ‘thank you.’ I am so sorry.”

“I think it’s cute.”

She lets out a small huff. “I swear I’m not normally like this. I just tend to word vomit when I’m nervous.”

“Now, why would I make you nervous?” I tease, giving her a playful smirk.

Her flustered state returns as she attempts to walk back her remark. “I didn’t—I mean—It was the tequila. Three shots, you know. I—”

Her response is cut off as two plates of fried chicken are plopped onto the table between us, and a royal pain in my ass completely shatters the mood by sliding onto the arm of my chair and nudging his shoulder into me.

“You come here on a date but don’t even bother to tell me you’re in town? I’m hurt, dude.” Sonny grins down at me before turning his attention to Verity and reaching over me to hold his hand out to her. “Seon-jae, but people call me Sonny.”

CHAPTER THREE

CULLEN

“Oh, the owner!”

Verity’s eyes light up as she leans forward and grasps his hand with her own. My jaw ticks slightly at their contact, and I find myself analyzing the way she looks at him.

“The one and only.”

“Verity. This place is amazing.”

“Why, thank you. We just had our one-year anniversary.” He slides his gaze down to me. “Someone didn’t show up to celebrate. Claimed he was too busy.”

“Iwasbusy, and in Naples.”

“Naples, Florida. You could’ve made the trip up.”

“On what? My nonexistent private jet?”

“Rafe showed up.”

“Rafe lives in the city, and he has a private helicopteranda private jet. He’s not like us.”

“Excuses, excuses.” He points a finger at Verity. “If he ever misses a date, come tell me.”

“Oh. Oh, we’re not dating.” Verity curls her hand against her chest awkwardly. “This isn’t a date.”

“Really? Didn’t look that way from the bar.”

“Please leave,” I grind out, glaring up at him.