“I shared the reason for my last breakup,” he said.
“Yes, what was the reason again? She thought you talked too much?”
His grin broadened. “Ladies adore my chattiness. Now back to you. Tell me why you and this guy called it quits.”
“We wanted different things.”
Lachlan nodded gravely. “You didn’t respect his choice of day planners?”
If only it had been that simple. Thinking I was in love, I’d stupidly given up so much for Taylor. I’d sacrificed my principles, a promotion, and my heart. And for what? So he could stomp on all of it and go find someone else? He’d said my intensity and ‘lack of chill’ had stressed him out.
Though I had not scheduled marriage in my Life Plan until at least age thirty, I’d ridiculously thought Taylor should be an exception.
Normally my instincts were flawless, but I’d been so wrong.
“You’re seriously not going to tell me what happened in your last relationship?” Lachlan asked.
I could only hope Lachlan would be this persistent with our media training lessons. “I’m not, no.”
He leaned closer, almost pressing his forehead to mine. “Is there a secret love child out there somewhere?”
“Definitely not.” My goodness, he smelled divine. It was like testosterone dipped in sandalwood. “Though sometimes I feel like I’m now married to a child.”
Lachlan chuckled. “You know I’m not torching my t-shirt collection, right?”
“I like a good stretch goal.” My phone buzzed with a text from Celeste, and I quickly responded. “But do give them a well-earned break.”
Lachlan meandered away once again and held up a polka-dotted poncho. “Do guys really wear this? It seems…busy.”
I lifted my focus from my phone. “You could pull that off.”
“I’m afraid the pattern would make my hips look big.” He returned it to the rack and continued to browse. “Does your boss ever leave you alone?” he asked after my phone pinged three more times.
I fired off a response to Celeste, then three to my connection atGood Morning America. “It’s a very busy time right now. You’re not my only client.”
“Is that right?”
“I have other big projects.”
“Is that your pet name for me?” he asked. “Big Project?”
I turned toward a display of ties so Lachlan wouldn’t see my grin.
Lachlan appeared at my side, standing too close for comfort. “Do these other projects also involve shopping for a man’s silk unmentionables?”
“Attenzione, Lachlan!” Paolo reappeared, his cheeks flushed and his eyes alight with pure, unadulterated joy. “I’m ready for you.” He waved his hands toward the back fitting room. “Third door on the right. Try on quickly, then step out and work the three-way mirror like a supermodel.”
Lachlan sent me a saucy wink, then lumbered away to do as he was bidden.
“Thank you for squeezing us in,” I told Paolo.
“In exchange for membership into the exclusive Sexy Book Club? How could I say no? I’ve been begging for that golden ticket for two years.” He inclined his dark head toward the dressing room as we sat down before the wall of mirrors. “Your Lachlan. I like him.”
“He’s not your type.” I checked my phone again, inwardly groaning at Celeste’s latest demand.
“Lachlan might not be for me.” Paolo gave me a pointed look. “But he pairs with you nicely.”
I hit send on a text. “Don’t get too attached.”
