Page 21 of Imperfections Seduced

“I understand. How long are you planning to stay at home?”

“Hopefully not too long. I’m used to having my own space. It’s a little of an adjustment telling my parents where I’m going and when I’ll be back.”

“You’re busy tomorrow, and what about the rest of the week?”

“I have a lot of things to do; people to see, old friends to catch up with.”

“When will you have time for this friend?”

“I’ll let you know.”

“Don’t avoid me, Cat. If you don’t come to me, you know I’m going to come to you. Go to sleep, it’s late.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

I put the phone on the night stand, roll on to my side, and dream of Nicholas Alexander, full lips and all.

Cat

“Where’s my phone? I needa smaller bag.” I’m mumbling to myself and trying to find my phone in my ginormous purse that I love and hate. At the same time, I’m trying to open my front door. I finally get a hold of my phone and see that it’s Ava.

“Hello,” I say as I push open the front door.

“Why didn’t you answer your phone? I called you about ten times.”

“I turned my phone volume down so I could concentrate on finding a job, and then I had to run a few errands. It was lost in my bag and I didn’t hear it ring.”

“Find anything good?”

“Hmm, it’s okay. I put a few résumés and applications in. A few people are interested in interviewing me for a couple of positions over the next two weeks. I’ll let youknow how it goes.”

“That’s great.”

“So how are things going with you and the search for your new boutique?”

“Really good. I think I’ve found the perfect place. It’s in the right location, it’s newly renovated, and it was a clothing store before the owner decided to move into a larger building.”

“That was fast. I thought it would take you at least a couple of weeks or months to find a place that was right for you.”

“I know, me too, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. I still have a couple more places to look at before I make a final decision.”

“I’m glad things are working out for at least one of us.”

“Oh, honey, what’s wrong? Job hunt got you down?”

“Something like that.”

“I think I know exactly what has you feeling blue.”

“And what would that be?”

I know no one’s home. I drop my bag on the couch and flop down next to it. I’m waiting for her to say the name of the person who has been in my dreams the past two nights, doing the most amazing things to me with his tongue from head to toe.

“A certain cousin of mine with black hair and intense gray eyes.”

“Ava, I wasn’t even thinking about him.”