“They’re harmless because of your boyfriends and Gianna’s and Louisa’s boyfriends. Darius showed up here several times in his trooper uniform and scared the crap out of them. Then the other day they saw Rylan drop me off and Rylan got out of his Porsche with his gun on his hip and this expression that was pretty damn intimidating.”
“I still can’t believe what happened to you and how Rylan intervened and drove you home. I think you caught the James men’s eyes.”
“No, not me. I am not their type at all. Besides, you and the others have spoken about them over the past several months and mentioned how private and secretive they are. They’re established and non-committal types. I’m struggling to survive, and in the last week I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do for money.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell us? We all can help you if you need money.”
“No. I would never accept that from you guys. I’m fine. Things are looking up.”
“You did one job for this guy. How much did he pay you, anyway?”
“It was fifty an hour.”
“Well, two hundred and fifty bucks is not going to pay rent, utilities, and food for that long.”
“He gave me a bonus because I sold so much of the jewelry.”
“What did you get?”
“A thousand.”
“What?” Pina asked, raising her voice and stopping a little too short at the red light.
“I know. I nearly fainted. And then this Friday I’m doing a private modeling thing for him at LaTargere.”
“How much is that paying?”
“I’m not supposed to talk about it or what I’ll be wearing, but I can tell you it’s the most expensive piece of jewelry I will ever put on in my life.”
“My God, it sounds amazing. Are you nervous?”
“Incredibly nervous, but if it helps to get my artwork into the right hands where I can focus on painting again, and maybe getting into a better place, then I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I wouldn’t tell anyone ‘whatever’ it takes. You already had that one buyer give you a problem.”
“You know what I mean. I’ll work hard, socialize with people, and sell the man’s jewelry, but someone better be there Friday night who is going to turn my world around and truly appreciate my work for real and not just be looking for a piece of ass.”
Pina chuckled. “Just keep that attitude and don’t trust everything you hear or some rich guy says. Make them prove it to you,” Pina said and Rose chuckled.
“Let’s hope for the best.”
* * * *
Falco sat at a table on the outside deck of Miguel’s restaurant with Knox and Dane. It was located in the marina on the water not too far from the pier. His brothers Remo, Rylan, and Slade joined them as they waited for Pina and Rose to arrive. They were all dressed casually, still in military attire from doing an ultimate obstacle course an hour from town.
“Your ass was sucking today,” Knox teased Remo.
They all chuckled.
“Too many hours hopping flights from here to New York and sipping martinis at the clubs and doing the ladies,” Falco added.
Remo laughed. “I thought I did pretty good, and Falco, at least I didn’t slip on the hill. How’s your ass feeling, I mean your pride?” Remo shot back and they laughed.
Dane looked at his cell phone.
“They’re right down the street picking up a painting at the gallery,” Dane told them.
“Rose has some things on display there?” Rylan asked.
“No, she’s been trying to get her work out there. We have too but people aren’t biting. They’re caught up in antiques and things. She does incredible work though,” Knox stated.
“There they are,” Knox said.
Knox looked at Pina in her short skirt and tight top. Falco could see his buddy’s facial expression change and his eyes narrowed on Pina. Was he upset with her outfit? She looked good. Falco lost his thought as Rose came into view. He swept his eyes over her body. The long brown hair and gorgeous green eyes stood out immediately. Rose looked a bit intimidated as all the men stood up to greet them. She was dressed nicely too, wearing a short tennis skirt in black and white and a matching top along with tennis shoes. She was carrying a painting in a bag.