Page 101 of Lavish

I narrowed my eyes. “Fluff? You mean style. Aesthetics. Charm. The things people remember.”

“No one remembers a backsplash. They remember if there was nowhere to put their wine.” He rolled his eyes.

“Shows what kind of parties you throw.”

“Shows what kind of kitchens you build.”

We leaned in at the same time, reaching for the same section of the layout. My fingers brushed his. I didn’t move them.

He didn’t either.

“Okay,” I murmured, “we compromise. We open up the space, but we do custom cabinetry—white oak, something elegant. And the wine station stays.”

He arched a brow. “You need a whole station for that?”

“It’s Lush. People drink like it’s a competitive sport.”

His gaze dropped to my lips. Briefly. Barely. But I saw it.

I swallowed. “We also move the powder room. Right now, it’s too close to the dining room. No one wants to hear someone pee while they’re eating.”

He smirked. “Speak for yourself. I love ambiance.”

I elbowed him. “You play too damn much.”

His hand slid forward on the table, palm brushing mine.

“I still think you’re wrong about the backsplash,” I murmured, because I had to saysomethingor I was going to lose the last of my resolve.

The sudden, insistent ringing of my phone jolted me, and my body froze. I dug my phone out of my purse.

Unknown Number

I stepped away from the table, turning away from Miles as I pressed the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“I need you at the cigar lounge,” Jenese’s voice snapped, cold and sharp as ever. “Thirty minutes. Don’t be late.”

The line went dead.

When I turned back around, Miles was watching me.

“I’ve got to go,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“You heading back to the office?”

“Yes,” I lied, already grabbing my purse. “I’ll be home late.”

CHAPTER 23

Serena

I snuckinto the booth opposite Jenese, hoping nobody would notice me in the dim light. It worked out well that she chose the darkest corner. I rummaged through my purse until I found the USB drive and flung it onto the metal table.

“It’s done. Now give me the manuscript.”

She let out a sigh, gently putting her drink down. A half-smoked cigar dangled from her lips, the scent of rich tobacco filling the air. “Whoa, whoa, now. Tell me, how was it? Like getting back onto a bike…or a dick after a long time?”

“Cut the bullshit, Jenese. We had a deal.” I set my purse on the table, the charm attached to it jingling.