LITMIR.BIZ

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Vaughn changed the subject. “Oh, you mean the new Museum of Sustainable Art? I won the bid.”

      Vaughn moved closer, gave Chris a slap on the back. “You snagged it? Hey, congratulations, man.”

      “Thanks, V.”

      “So, what’s this museum going to be all about?”

      Chris scratched his chin as he recalled the description given to him by the developer. “They plan to showcase modern art and sculpture that was created using only green supplies, tools and methods. Should be a pretty interesting place once it’s open.”

      “Sounds like it.” Vaughn stood then and grabbed his mug. “You done? I’m taking mine to the sink.”

      Chris handed off his mug and watched as Vaughn strode off, disappearing into the small kitchen to deposit the two cups.

      When Vaughn returned, he asked, “When are the final blueprints due for this one?”

      “I’ve got a couple of months. They want to break ground in September.”

      “I see. Well, I’m sure you’ll live up to your world renown and blow them away with your design.” The loud buzzing of Vaughn’s phone sounded then. He checked the screen, then said, “Excuse me, man. I’ve gotta take this.”

      Chris nodded, settling back into his seat while Vaughn stepped around the corner to answer the call. He let his mind wander then, away from the stress of his daily life and back to the beautiful face of the only woman who’d ever really had his heart. He could still picture her clearly, despite the years that had passed since he’d last seen her. He felt the smile tilt his lips at the memory of her soft bronze skin, full lips and expressive brown eyes. She’d brought so much joy into his life, yet somehow, he’d been fool enough to let his fears come between them. He’d walked away from her, driven away by the threats of what would happen to his career if he stayed. To this day, he still regretted that decision.

      Vaughn returned then, his face creased with worry. “Something’s going down at Elite, Chris. I gotta go.” Vaughn owned an exclusive surf wear company, and he was as passionate about his business as he was about surfing.

      Chris balked. “Is it serious? Does it involve PG?”

      “I don’t know. Maybe.”

      “What about lunch?”

      Vaughn shrugged as he headed for the door. “I’m not sure, but I hope I’ll be back by then. I’ll let you know.” On the heels of his words, he left.

      Alone in the office, Chris wondered what was going on at Elite.

      He also wondered what Vaughn would think had he known Chris was fantasizing about Vaughn’s baby sister.

      * * *

      As Eliza Ellicott walked through the glass door, entering the Prescott George office, she glanced around the familiar surroundings. The interior was quiet, and she wondered again what exactly the guys did here. Where’s Vaughn? Knowing her older brother, he’d probably gotten caught up in something and forgotten their plans for the day.

      She went down the hall, encountering no one. She knew that since the door was open, somebody had to be there. When she stepped into the main lobby area, her gaze landed on the black leather sofa.

      She jumped when she saw Christopher Marland reclining there, reading a newspaper. He wore a dark suit, crisp white shirt and emerald green tie.

      He looked up, a smile crossing his handsome face when he saw her. “Eliza. It’s been ages. How are you?”

      Seeing him had her so out of sorts, all she could manage was to squeak out a hello.

      His smile broadened. “Come on in. What brings you to Prescott George?”

      She couldn’t help staring at his dark gorgeousness. The smile highlighted his full lips and chiseled jawline and put a sparkle in his coffee-hued eyes. Realizing she couldn’t continue to stand there like a deer in the high beams, she shook herself free of his spell as best she could. “I...uh... Where’s Vaughn? I was supposed to meet him for lunch.”

      His expression changed. “Oh, sorry. You just missed him.”

      She sighed. “Crap.”

      “He got a call from Elite and rushed over there.” He folded the newspaper and set it aside. “I’m guessing there was some emergency that needed his attention.”

      Her stomach rumbled. She’d been at the counter at her boutique, Ellicott’s, for four solid hours, and now her body demanded sustenance. “I guess that means I’m on my own for lunch, then.” She turned, intent on leaving the same way she’d come.

      “Wait.” Chris’s deep voice gave her pause.

      She turned back his way. “What is it?”

      “Listen, why don’t you stay and have lunch with me? I mean, you already drove all the way over here.” He stood then, his height towering over her.

      She pulled her fallen purse strap back up on her shoulder and swallowed. Christopher Marland, the man who’d broken her heart fourteen years ago, was inviting her to have lunch with him. Alone. She doubted he even knew how crushed she’d been by his leaving. Logic told her to get the hell out of there as fast as her black pumps would carry her. “I don’t know, Chris.”

      He moved closer then, entering her personal bubble. “I ordered from the Lotus Flower, that new Asian fusion sushi place. At the time, I thought Vaughn would be here, so I ordered enough for two.”

      “I, well...” She looked away from his penetrating gaze, feeling herself taken in by his charm. He had a way about him, something that seemed to melt her resistance. His scent, clean and masculine, threatened to overwhelm her. Her inner voice reminded her of good sense, while her stomach reminded her of how much she loved sushi.

      “I know you’re probably really busy, so you don’t have to stay long. But I’d hate for the food to go to waste.”

      Her stomach growled again, louder this time. She looked his way, hoping he hadn’t heard it.

      His grin told her he had.

      Hunger won out over logic, in more ways than one. She drew a deep breath. “I’ll stay.”

      “Great. Food should be here soon.” He gestured to the circular table and four chairs occupying a corner of the room. “Care to sit down?”

      She watched him slide out a chair and stand behind it. When she sat down, he pushed her chair up to the table before taking the seat across from her.

      “Still a gentleman, I see.” The remark slipped out before she could stop it.

      “Always.” He fixed her with a knowing gaze.

      The sound of the glass door opening stopped any further chatter. He stood. “Must be the delivery guy. I’ll get it.”

      She sat alone, trying to get her mind right. A few moments later, he returned with the plastic bag. The scent of the food made her stomach grumble again, but she was grateful to have something to distract her from Chris’s distinctive aroma.

      As he set the large paper bag of food on the table, she pulled out her travel-sized hand sanitizer. After doing her hands, she offered it to him.

      “Thanks.” He used it, then passed the bottle back to her and started setting the food out.

      At first, they ate in silence, and she devoured three California rolls. Swallowing a bite, she looked up and saw his gaze resting on her face. “Um, sorry. I was pretty hungry.”

      He shrugged. “No biggie. Tell me, how are things at Ellicott’s?”

      That brought a smile to her face. “Great. I’ve recently started to carry some clothes and accessories by a new designer. Her name is Bea Phillips, and her items are selling as soon as I can get them in.”

      Taking

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