Page 3 of Dr. Stone

Being out here with the stunning views and salty breezes, surrounded by opulent beauty, made me feel like the clouds were clearing. My depression was lifting with each breath and sip I took of my second lovely cosmopolitan.

I felt great. I felt beautiful, and most of all, I felt grateful to enjoy the company of all these amazing women.

“I’m telling you,” Natalia, the super-hot and very successful real estate broker, started with a snarky grin, “these doctors really know how to work my husband and Jim, and I couldn’t be happier about that.”

“Which one is your husband again?” I questioned.

“That tall drink of water next to Jim,” Nat pointed toward five men in deep conversation, “is Jim’s VP—which remindsme…” She paused, looking at me. “He was very eager when he urged Jim to hire you for Mitchell and Associates’ sales team.”

“Spencer was the one who wanted Andie?” Avery asked.

“Yeah,” Ash said. “I thought it was only Jim.”

“Jim, by way of Spencer,” Nat replied with a smile. “Do you remember the day I stopped by the gallery?”

I frowned. “So many people come in and out, I’m sorry—I don’t remember. Which is crazy, because I’m positive I’d remember you,” I added, loving her energy.

“Well, I remembered you, honey,” she said, amused. “You were dealing with this nightmare of a woman who was tearing apart every piece in sight—including Dusty Shores. No offense, Ash.”

“None taken,” Ash chuckled. “That piece was a disaster. I was going to throw it out, but Jake dared me to hang it. We bet on whether it would sell in a month—if not, he owed me dinner at Ruby’s.”

My memory clicked. “Oh, that wretched woman. She insulted everything in the gallery.”

“Exactly,” Nat said. “I was ready to bite her head off, but before I could, this doll—” she gestured to me “—handled it like a pro. It was a masterclass in sales. I knew right then Jim and Spence needed you.”

“What did you do?” Elena asked with a smirk.

“I decided to sell her Dusty Shores because it reminded me of her personality—like sand stuck in your swimsuit. Irritating.”

Ash laughed. “And she bought it?”

“Oh, she bought it. I spun it as a highly sought-after piece—mysterious, opulent, perfect for the most exclusive homes. Told her there was a bidding war and we were already at three million.”

Avery leaned in. “And?”

“She offered five million on the spot. Couldn’t risk being left out.”

“Goddamn diabolical,” Nat said, grinning.

“It was the worst piece I’ve ever painted,” Ash laughed, “and the most expensive I ever sold.”

“It wasn’t horrible,” I said. “Maybe she’ll even find a little self-respect in it.”

Nat lifted her glass. “Do you see what I mean? They need you on their team.”

Her words faded as a perfect male specimen walked toward us, blue eyes locked on mine. My breath caught. A shiver raced down my spine, and butterflies I thought were long dead came alive again. He smiled, and for the first time in years, I felt bashful—light, alive, and ready to breathe again.

“Of all the men on theplanet,” Ash said when the man looked back at two men standing by the railing of the boat, “that man is not one I can recommend you date or even?—”

“Too late,” Nat said with a chuckle. “She’s already spellbound by that sexy-ass doctor. Who is he?”

“Jace Stone,” Elena said with a laugh. “He’s the king of the players, Andie. He’s not a serious guy. That man has an ability to hurt you.”

Their voices became muted as the man approached closer. “Don’t worry, ladies. If I can sell paintings of sand for five million dollars, I can protect myself from a man who I can see wants nothing but sex from a mile away.”

“Be careful,” Ash’s hushed whisper was the last thing I heard as this man approached with prowling wolf eyes.

“I would’ve regretted the entire night if I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to introduce myself to one of the most stunning women I’ve ever seen.”