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“I think King is still on a call, but I was just about to make a coffee, if you’d like one?”
“That’d be great, thank you.”
I admire her nice manners as I admire her walking before me.
This lady struts like the plus-size runway models I follow online.
What I would give to be able to walk like that in heels that high.
I follow her to the kitchen, proving that this isn’t her first time here.
When I circle around the large island to remove the fresh espresso, I notice the little clutch purse she sets down on the counter, and suddenly I have my first doubt.
On the surface, a clutch purse is normal. Even one that looks like a real Prada. But would you really only bring a clutch to a business meeting?
I mean, I know I’m from the art world, not corporate whatnot, but even I would bring a notebook with me when I’d meet with a potential new gallery.
The woman––and I realize now we never exchanged names––pulls her phone out of the clutch and starts tapping on the screen. Clearly planning to entertain herself while I make her a coffee.
A knot forms in my stomach.
I shouldn’t have let her into my house.
There’s a loud clatter when I drop the metal espresso thing on the marble counter, spilling ground coffee everywhere.
My house?
Did I really just think of this place as my house?
“Oh, dear, are you okay?”
“Yep!” Embarrassment floods my cheeks.
I don’t really know what’s going on, but it’s nothing good.
And now I look clumsy, on top of looking like a clueless slob.
I’m brushing the espresso grinds off the counter into my palm when I sense movement at the entrance to the kitchen.
“Everything okay in here?” King’s eyes are on me, and there’s a soft smile on his lips I don’t know what to do with.
But before I have time to overthink his expression, it changes.
I don’t think I’ve seen King surprised before, but I’m seeing it now.
His steps slow and his eyes widen slightly as his gaze snaps over to the movement on the other side of the island. On the side nearest him.
“Hey, Baby,” the bombshell greets him.
My fist closes around the grinds.Baby?
King is still frozen. “Andrea, how did you get in here?”
Andrealets out a throaty chuckle, like he’s being playful.
But I can hear the warning in his tone, even if she can’t.
“I wanted to stop in to surprise you.” She waves one manicured hand in my direction as she closes the distance to him, “Your new housekeeper let me in.”