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“I told you and our moms that I was okay being single.”

“But you were so cute when he was on his way. All blushes and giggles. And it’s not technically a date; it's anetworking opportunitythat could lead to something more, romantically or professionally.”

“Are you calling me a hooker?” I groused.

“No!” she laughed. “This is exactly how Gage does it. He gets contacts, meets with new people. You never know when someone you meet could be your next business partner or connect you with someone really important.”

“And Pascale is going to do that?” I asked, still not convinced. “I already have a job.”

“If you stay at Griffen Industries after this project, you might be able to pass some more work his way. Or if you are on the hunt for another position, you'll have his contact. He’s worked with tons of businesspeople who might need an interior designer.”

My stomach nosedived with the realization that I hadn't asked Gage what my career would look like after this project. Would I not have a job anymore? I had just assumed that he would find another place to use me, but Mia was right. I needed a plan for the future.

“Fine, I’ll go. But only for work purposes. Nothing more.”

Mia smirked. “Whatever you say.”

26

Gage

Around seven on Thursday night, my phone pinged with a text message from Farrah. I looked away from my office computer to my phone resting face up on the desk.

Farrah: I just got a very large, very embarrassing delivery.

My lips spread into a grin.

Gage: Is that so?

Farrah: When you said you could order me a truckload of new underwear, I didn’t think you meant a literal truckload.

My smile grew even wider, thinking of Farrah walking out her front door to find the pop-up lingerie store I’d ordered for her. Since I knew intimately the brand and size she wore, I hired a company to set up the back of an unmarked box truck with a store holding all the colors and styles that brand made in her size. They were to drive to her house, knock on the door and let her know they’d wait until she had some time to make her selections.

Gage: Did you see anything you liked?

Farrah: Just about everything. And the purse to carry everything in was a nice touch. Until Andrew snuck into my room and came out with a thong looped over his shoulders like some kind of inappropriate Nacho Libre.

I snickered at the mental image.

Gage: You made me laugh.

Farrah: I’m glad one of us is laughing.

Gage: It’s a total boy thing to do. Rhett and Tyler used to put on Mom’s water bras and walk around squeezing each other... Actually, now that I think about it, that explains a lot about Rhett’s personality.

Farrah: As long as Drew doesn’t put this in his memoir, I think we’ll be okay.

Gage: But if he does write it, he has to title the chapter COMMANDO.

Farrah: So not funny.

Gage: You’re smiling.

Farrah: Maybe a little bit.

I turned away from my desk, facing the window and the glittering view of Dallas at night.

Gage: I’m sorry I was so busy this week. I missed touching you. Tasting you.