Page 94 of Manhattan State of Mind

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The treadmill roars beneath me, my legs hammering out a relentless rhythm, sweat flinging off me in waves. I dial it back to a leisurely stroll, my lungs gulping in sweet relief when a text lights up my phone.

Damn it.

A big-shot airline tycoon’s charity event is tonight. This guy fills up our hotels across the country with his crew, so I’ve got to show face. A night of mindless babbling, forcing grins, and women making passes at me.

Regrettably, I said yes. A grunt of annoyance slips out as I jab the treadmill’s stop button, slinging a towel around my neck.

It’s Thursday, the team leaves tomorrow. Tensions with Lucy are running high, like a wire stretched thin. I can’t afford to waste a whole night at this charity gig, not when every ticking minute seems to rile up Lucy’s impression of me.

Stripping off my soaked shorts, I trudge into the shower, the cold water a rough remedy on my fired-up skin.

All right then. Two problems, one fix.

???

Leaning against the wall, I watch as the team lays out its strategies. They’re on point, hitting every mark.

Lucy’s changed into a snug blue T-shirt, probably because of the heat. The fabric hugs her figure perfectly, my gaze lingering just a touch too long. Her hair’s swept up into a messy ponytail, bangs hanging over her eyes.

When it’s her turn to present, her nerves are palpable.

Alongside Matty, they present their design concepts on the whiteboard. Their ideas are robust, though the delivery could use some finesse.

Watching Lucy, I remember what drew me to her in the first place—her quick wit, and the way her eyes lit up when talking about her work. Being around her made me realize how little I laughed.

Her striking blue eyes are clouded with uncertainty, feet shuffling. She’s never been a fan of public speaking, but she’s holding her own. I can’t pry my gaze off her, a fact she seems acutely aware of. But I’ll be damned if I look away.

As she wraps up her presentation, her voice wavers. “Is this… okay? Is it what you want?” She glances in my direction, the question lingering in the air.

I meet her gaze. “It’s exactly what I want.”

Her cheeks flush a vivid scarlet, my words working like unseen kisses. I’ve never seen anything so fucking hot in my life.

I allow the moment to simmer, building the tension until it thrums, before eventually breaking eye contact.

Pushing away from the wall, I address the crew. “Impressive work, guys. These ideas are solid.”

A communal sigh of relief follows; Taylor leads the pack with a relieved, “Thank you, Matty and Lucy.”

Lucy visibly recoils from the praise, her issues with Taylor are no secret to me. But she needs to work on that.

I swear, sometimes this team could give a kindergarten class a run for their money. The sales and marketing crew understand the dynamics of healthy competition. But the IT team? They’d snicker at the sight of a well-pressed shirt. A year ago, I nearly gave them all the boot.

“There’s a charity event I need to attend tonight in New York,” I begin. “It’s hosted by a big client, an airline tycoon. With that in mind, I want one of you to attend with me.”

Lucy’s gaze dives toward the safety of her notepad.

“I’m happy to represent the team, JP,” Taylor chimes in, all smiles.

But I have other plans. “Actually, I’ve got Lucy in mind for this one.”

Taylor’s smile slams into a brick wall.

Lucy’s head jerks up, eyes wide. She looks like I just asked her to attend a satanic ritual.

“What?” she blurts. “I can’t go. I have designs to finalize.”