Gorgeous Consort (6 page)

“It’s online,” she explained.

“Oh, yeah sure.”

She pulled out her phone then pulled up the website. “Scroll left. It shows all the apartments and houses I’ve done.”

I sipped my soda while I browsed. I wasn’t visually creative, and I always wore t-shirts and jeans because that was the only level of style I had. But I was immensely impressed by her work. Each residence had a unique style like it was carefully crafted for the owner’s needs. “You have are a real talent, Harper.” I handed the phone back.

She smiled. “Thank you. And thank you for not calling me sweetheart.”

“It’s temporary,” I teased. “Don’t get used to it.”

She put her phone back in her purse. “It’s astounding what people will spend on an interior decorator. It’s so much fun and it’s something I would do for free. The fact people are willing to pay someone to go out and spend their money is beyond me.”

“At least it worked out in your favor,” I noted. “Do what you love and never work a day in your life.”

“Wise words, grasshopper,” she said in an Asian accent.

I smiled because she sounded so cute in the attempt. “I just bought a beach house in Connecticut. You want to decorate it?” I was the laziest person in the world when it came to decorating a house. Only the bare minimum was there now; the couches, TV, and bed.

Her jaw dropped and her eyes were wide. “Are you fucking serious?”

I tried not to laugh at the shocked expression on her face. “Yeah.”

“Like, oh my god, I would love to.”

Her excitement was infectious. For some reason, her happiness gave me happiness. “But I’ve got to be honest. I have no idea what I want so I’ll be difficult to work with.”

“I’ve had worse so don’t worry about it,” she said quickly. “This is so exciting! When do you want to start?”

I shrugged. “Whenever you want. You probably should see the house first, right?”

“I would love to!” She was a whole new person when it came to her passion. She was bright and bubbly, not sarcastic and moody. I liked both sides of her, but I particularly liked this side.

“Cool. You want to go tomorrow?”

“Yeah, that’ll be fun,” she said. “But I don’t have a car. I’m assuming you do?”

“Yep. It’s an essential for my job—showing up in a fancy car.”

“Awesome,” she said. “When do you want to pick me up?”

“I’m off tomorrow so it’s up to you.”

“How about noon?” she said. “I do most of my work in the morning.”

“That’s fine with me,” I said. “I sleep until eleven anyway.”

She didn’t make a jab at my laziness like I assumed she would. She took out a piece of paper and a pen. “What are the dimensions for your house?”

“You think I know that off the top of my head?”

“You know the square feet, right?”

“Seventeen hundred.”

She wrote it down. “That’s a good size. Why did you buy it, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Retirement. I’m going to rent it out as a vacation home. The days it’s not rented out, I can use it. It’s a win-win.”

“Smart idea,” she said with a nod.

“Thank you. I’m not as stupid as I look.”

“I never thought you were stupid,” she blurted. “A little annoying and cocky, sure. But never stupid.” She gave me a teasing smile then packed her things in her purse.

I liked seeing her smile. “I think you’re the first.”

“And I think I won’t be the last.”

***

I pulled up to the curb in front of her building and she got inside.

“You drive a Maserati?” Awe was in her voice. She felt the dashboard with her palm then stared at the shiny gizmos in the center console.

“Girls spend all their money on make up and clothes. Guys spend it on cars.”

“This is a sweet ride,” she said. “Very nice.”

“Thank you.” Her compliment made me feel warm. “I have to have a nice car so I can show up to parties and events in style. But it’s nice to have a regular person show some interest.”

“Regular person?” she asked in offense. “I’m anything but regular.”

I left the curb and joined the traffic. “True. My mistake.”

She pulled out a notebook and pen. “Tell me the kind of things you like.”

“Blondes, big boobies, tight pussies—”

“You know what I mean, Troy.”

I gave her that cocky smile that annoyed her. “Be more specific next time.”

“Tell me the kind of things you like for your home.”

“I could give the same answer…”

She swatted my arm playfully, making me laugh. “I’m being serious.”

“Okay, fine.” I finally stopped chuckling. “I like dark colors, like black and gray. I have a more sophisticated taste. I’m not a fan of the modern look, you know, with red couches and a purple rug.”

She made the notes. “Duly noted. Anything else?”

“I care more about comfort than looks.”

“Good. That’s important.”

“And I want the room to feel comfortable. You know when you walk into a room and you just feel at home?”

“I do.”

“Well, that’s what I want. More people will want to rent the vacation home if they love the way it makes them feel.”

“Excellent marketing skills.” She made a few more notes. “I guess I’ll have a better feel when we get there.”

“You packed a bikini, right?” I asked.

“This is work, not pleasure.”

“Come on, I want to see that perfect ten body in a skimpy fabric that barely covers anything.” I nudged her playfully in the side.

She rolled her eyes but she was smiling at the same time. “No, I didn’t pack anything.”

“That’s cool,” I said. “I’m good with skinny dipping.”

“We aren’t skinny dipping,” she argued.

“Be a little adventurous for once in your life.”

“How do you know I’m not adventurous?” she countered.

“I can just tell.”

She released a sarcastic laugh. “You obviously don’t know me very well.”

“Then skinny dip with me.”

“In the ocean?” she asked incredulously. “People will be around.”

“I have a pool.”

She shook her head. “No.”

“I’ll change your mind…”

***

We pulled into the driveway then headed to the front door.

Harper examined everything with a designer eye. She was particularly impressed with the white fence porch. “This is really nice.”

“Thanks.”

“If we got some patio furniture out here it would look great.”

“Well, since the beach is on the other side I don’t think anyone is ever going to sit here…”

“But it’s better than having nothing.” She walked around the patio and looked around. “And have some flowers to lighten up.”

“Which will die because I’ll never water them…”

“You’re awfully pessimistic, you know?” She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a look full of attitude.

“I’m just being honest. I think dead flowers will look worse than no flowers.”

“Who mows the lawn?” she asked.

“My landscape guy.”

“Have them water the plants too,” she said. “Problem solved.”

“Whatever you say, interior designer.” I unlocked the door and walked inside.

She walked across the hardwood floor and examined every crack. “Has this place been remodeled?”

“Right before I bought it.”

“The floors are really nice—practically brand new.”

“I got lucky,” I agreed.

She walked around then rested her fingers on her lips. She moved through the house, checking every bedroom and bathroom. Then she returned and looked at the granite countertops in the kitchen.

“So…?” I sat on the couch and put my feet up.

“Okay, this is what I’m thinking…” She was in her designer mode. “Gray walls with white trimming. A white rug with black leather recliners, and colorful art on the walls to lighten up the place. How about that for starters?”

I shrugged. “Sounds fine to me.”

“You weren’t kidding about not knowing what you want.”

“Nope.”

“At least you’re laid-back.”

“I trust you, Perfect Ten.”

She stopped in her tracks then her head snapped in my direction. “What did you just call me?”

I gave her a smirk. “I finally found a nickname for you.”

“That’s not a nickname,” she said. “That’s you objectifying me.”

“Hey, it fits,” I said with a shrug.

“Battleship is a real nickname. Perfect Ten is not.”

“But it suits you so well.” Before she could argue with me I walked outside to the back patio. The breeze moved through my hair, and the bright view of the beach was blinding to my eyes.

She followed behind me, and her argument dropped once she saw the white sand and blue waves. “Wow…this is beautiful.”

“I know.” I sat down in the chair and stared across the water.

When she looked away from the water she examined the patio and furniture. “This place looks perfect. I don’t need to do anything.”

“At least I got something right.” I stood up and headed to the pool. I stuck a few fingers into the water. “Perfect temperature.” I turned to her and gave her a smug look.

“Forget it.”

“Come on, loosen up.”

“I am loose,” she argued. “Just ask Aspen.”

“No, you’re totally uptight. You’re stressed about your family and your sister’s engagement, you’re depressed you haven’t found Prince Charming, and you’re pissed off no one gives you the credit you deserve. Do something crazy and let go.”

“And I’ll accomplish that by letting you see me naked?” Doubt was in her voice.

“Hey, this is a two-way street,” I said. “You’ll see me naked too. And don’t act like that’s not a treat.”

“You and I have different definitions of treats,” she said. “Getting a cranberry scone with my morning coffee from Starbucks is considered a treat.”

“Well, I’m about to change your definition.” I pulled off my shirt and tossed it on the chair.

Her eyes immediately went to my chest and she stared at my definition and hardness. The look on her face told me she liked what she saw, but she quickly looked away like she didn’t. “You’re wasting your time.”

“You’re going to make me skinny dip by myself?”

“I’m not making you do anything.”

I undid my jeans and shoes and slid them off. I stood in my boxers, my thick thighs available for her to see. My hips made a noticeable V that disappeared into my boxers. There was no way she didn’t like what she saw. “Come on.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Why do you want to see me naked so bad?”

“I call you Perfect Ten for a reason.” I stepped into the water. “I won’t even look. Just get in.”

“You’re such a liar,” she said with a laugh.

“Okay, I will. But get in anyway.”

“This is a really odd friendship.”

“It’s our thing.” I winked then stepped further into the water. “The water feels great...” When my shoulders submerged, I took off my boxers and tossed them on the concrete. “Are you as outgoing as you claim?”

She shifted her weight and looked at the sky. “I can’t believe I’m even considering this…”

I splashed her with water. “Don’t be a pussy.”

“I have a pussy so why would that be offensive?”

“Just get in. Or I’ll drag you in.”

She shifted her weight again while she debated her decision. Then she released a loud sigh. “Fine.”

“Yes!”

“But turn around.”

“What?” I asked. “That’s not fair.”

“You took off your boxers in the water but I don’t want to get my undergarments wet. They are really delicate.”

That made my dick come to life. “Whatever.” I turned around and didn’t look. I faintly heard the sound of clothes hitting the concrete. I really wanted to turn around and take a peek but I held myself back. Then I heard her enter the water.

“See?” she said. “I’m crazy and out of control.”

I turned around and swam toward her. “You’re finally getting out of your comfort zone.”

“Don’t you dare look.” She kept her shoulders below the water.

“I’m not.” I came closer to her, hoping I could sneak a peek.

“I can see you, Troy.”

“What?” My eyes moved back to her face.

She kicked me playfully under the water. “I have the same body parts all girls have. There’s nothing special down there.”

“I beg to differ. And don’t act like you aren’t trying to see my junk.”

“I’m really not,” she said seriously.

“You want to see my eight inches. I know you do.”

“The pool is pretty cold,” she said. “I doubt you’re at your best right now…”