“Fine, dinner it is.” She nodded, licking her lips. That gesture spurred a primal need inside me. I just wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her inside. Instead, I took a step back.
Being in close quarters with her and not kissing her was going to be impossible.
Chapter Eight
Skye
I had no idea where the day had gone. It felt as if I’d barely come into the city, and then I was out again, on my way home.
My brother Cole called as I waited for the train. He was at the store today, together with Mom and Ryker’s fiancée, Heather. We’d agreed that the boys would always do tasks that required them to be in the back, because some customers might be intimidated by guys in a lingerie shop.
“Hello, brother,” I greeted. “How’s it going?”
“So far, so good. I’m staying in the back, as promised, but damn, I like your customers. They’re hot.”
I laughed. “How do you know they’re hot if you’re staying in the back?”
“I might break the rules from time to time and go in the front. How was your meeting?”
“It went well. They’ve got great fabrics, and I’ve negotiated a great price. You were right, leading with competitor prices was smart.”
“Glad it worked out.”
I loved that he checked on me, that we bounced ideas around. My brother was very good in negotiations and overall a brilliant businessman. Before we’d opened the store, Tess and I had spent a lot of evenings at Hunter and Cole’s office. We’d wanted a place to work from in our spare time that wasn’t our couch, and the boys had offered. They’d also hung around with us, offering advice on our business plan, which we’d appreciated.
“Do you need anything?” he asked.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m good. Heading home, where I think I’m in for a delicious dinner.”
“What do you mean, you think?”
“Well, I—” Holy shit. I almost told him about the hot neighbor. I was in no way ready to talk about him, but if I didn’t come up with an answer fast, my brother would sniff out that I was holding back.
“I just have to see,” I said vaguely.
“Want me to take you to dinner?” he offered. Awww, my brother was adorable.
“Thanks, but I’m good. What, no date tonight?”
“Not yet, but the evening’s not over yet. Could ask out one of your customers.”
“Cole!” I admonished in a teasing tone.
“Have to go. Heather needs me in the front. Anyway, just wanted to check on you.”
“Thanks, brother. For the call and taking care of the store.”
“No problem.”
After
hanging up, I drummed my fingers on the phone, sighing. My family was amazing for helping, but hopefully they wouldn’t have to do it much longer. Tess and I were close to convincing Jane to take charge of things on Sunday.
My stomach rumbled, and my thoughts circled to Rob again. In an instant, I became all jittery and nervous. I was afraid to admit to myself how much I looked forward to our evening together.