“Thank you, Miss Jackman, but they’re a little big for our desk.”
“A little big?”
“Huge.”
“Oh.” I giggle, glancing down at my dress as Reed knocks on my door. “I’ll send Mr. Coombs back down. He’ll be there soon.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” I smile, skipping over to the door to greet Reed, thinking about his catchphrase, and as I reach for the handle, my expression turns giddy. I bet he looks gorgeous. I’m smiling wide when I open the door, but the second I see him, the smile is replaced with God knows what, as my brain turns to mush.
Reed swallows and his jaw goes rigid, making it harder for me to focus, especially when no words come out of his mouth.
“Christ.” I fill the silence. “I… I… God, you’re beautiful.”
Reed barks out an awkward laugh before stepping inside and moving me out of the way so he can close the door. “Beautiful isn'texactlywhat I was going for.”
He relaxes when we’re alone and it snaps me out of my stupor. “What were you going for? I’ve got options. Hot, dashing, sex on legs, bangable, delicious, drool worthy, panty melting—”
“I get it. I look good.”
“Good is not the word I would use.” If he wasn’t Reed, I’d be dragging him into my bedroom and screwing before our car arrived. But since he is, I’ll settle for perving all night. “Anyway, sorry about that. How are you?”
“I’m pissed, if I’m honest. You stole my moment.”
“Your moment?” I stare at him confused. “What—”
He steps forward, securing his hands on my waist, the little gesture setting my skin on fire. “You are beyond breathtaking, Hayls. You…this dress… I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more striking. But you never gave me a chance to tell you that.”
Emotion catches in my throat, and I ignore the way my heart flutters. “Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?” My voice cracks before I subtly clear it. “I told you. This will only work if we’re friends.”
Reed rolls his eyes before stepping back, hitting me with a genuine grin. “If you’re falling in love with me, that’s on you. I’m just being honest.”
“Thank you.” I give a little shrug and gaze over him from head to toe again. “We make an attractive couple, don’t we?”
Reed’s laughter fills the air before he grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug. “We sure do, Hayls.” He kisses my hair. “How long before we have to leave?”
“Oh.” I remember the flowers. “We have a few minutes. Any chance you want to take your gorgeous tux-clad body back down to the lobby? Someone sent me flowers.”
“Flowers?” His eyes widen and I giggle when he curses under his breath. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“You’re already coming as my date. You don’t have to do anything else.”
“So you don’t want the congratulatory gift I got you?”
“What?” My eyes flash to his empty hands, and then his bag on the floor. “Of course I freaking do. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.”
“You’ll have to wait until I get back.” He turns to walk away but I dart forward, curling my fingers around his wrist.
“Reed. You know I hate—”
He turns back with a smirk, simultaneously pulling a small box from his pocket, cutting me off as he holds it out. “Open it now if you must. I’ll be back with your flowers.” Placing the box in my hand, he winks before he disappears, leaving me staring in shock until the door clicks shut.
“Dammit, Reed,” I yell, hoping he’ll hear me. “I’ll wait.”
And wait I do.
He’s barely been gone for five minutes but it feels like a lifetime as the box burns a hole in my hand.Is it jewellery? Or something else?And what does it mean?
