Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
His broad shoulder rubbed against Jade’s arm, and her nipples puckered in reaction.
“I don’t think it’s necessary for me to be in the photo,” Knox said, his voice gruffer than before. Had their touch affected him too?
She didn’t want him to duck out so she touched his shoulder. “Stay. You’ll be good PR for the hotel.”
Holly nodded. “See? Now step back.”
“I can take the picture,” Layla offered, placing her book on a stool.
Holly smiled. “That would be great. I want to put it on my Instagram.” She handed Jade’s sister her cell phone.
“As long as we’re doing this, can you make sure to get the hotel and business logo in the photo?” Jade gestured to the Meridian Hotel Events sign.
A few minutes and several photo attempts later, they had the money shot, and everyone was happy with the end result. Holly immediately posted the picture and tagged them all. Lauren walked across the booth to talk to a woman who’d been waiting patiently to ask a question, and Layla settled back onto her chair to read.
“Before we go, I want to enter the giveaway,” Holly said. She stepped over to the table with the forms and filled out her entry.
Jade stood with Knox, and he looked away from Holly to meet her gaze. “How have you been?” he asked.
She assumed he was referring to getting past the heartbreak they’d both experienced. “I survived Theo, if that’s what you’re asking.”
He shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. How are you?” Those gorgeous hazel eyes studied her intently.
“I have work, friends, close family. I’m good,” she answered honestly.
His smile warmed her. “I’m glad.”
“All set.” Holly joined them before she could ask how he’d been. “I’ll be calling you to book when you’re free… and to see if something opens up.”
Jade nodded. “Sounds good. I’ve missed you,” she said.
“Me, too.” Holly tipped her head to the side. “Do you have dinner plans when the expo is over? We should all go out, right?” she asked, nudging Knox not too subtly with her elbow.
Jade bit the inside of her cheek. At this point, she was certain Holly was trying to push her together with Knox. Which would be as awkward as it sounded, and she assumed he felt the same way.
“Why not?” Knox surprised her by saying. “I’m free.”
Holly’s eyes lit up. “Jade?”
She hesitated but saw the sincerity and hope in Holly’s eyes. Since Knox also wanted to see her again, she decided one dinner couldn’t hurt. “Sure. I should be able to make it around seven thirty, if that’s okay? Somewhere mid to uptown would be easiest.”
“Not a problem. Holly will make a reservation since it was her idea.” His sexy lips turned up in a grin.
“How many people are we? Lauren, can you make it?” Holly asked.
“Sorry,” Lauren said, as she joined them. “I have plans.”
Jade wished her friend could be there to act as a buffer against Knox. The man’s sex appeal was potent, and Jade would have appreciated Lauren’s support in her battle against Holly’s obvious matchmaking intentions. Then again, Lauren might hop on the set-Jade-and-Knox-up bandwagon.
“How about your sister?” Holly tipped her head toward Jade’s quiet younger sibling.
Jade shook her head. “My parents are picking her up later this afternoon.”
“So that makes three of us then. Great! We can all catch up. See you later!” Then Holly walked off, her attention on her phone, probably looking for reservations.
Knox tipped his head. “Later, Jade.” He winked and strode off after his sister.
Jade tried not to drool as she watched him walk away. Then she turned to her booth and got back to business. But even as she talked with prospective customers and handed out brochures, she looked forward to spending an evening with Knox and couldn’t help wondering what she’d gotten herself into.
* * *
Knox was in a surprisingly good mood as he pulled out of the parking lot at the expo for the drive back into the city. Sure, Holly had manipulated him and Jade into dinner, but since it gave him an excuse to spend time with a pretty woman who intrigued him, he figured why the hell not go?
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at his sister. “You’re looking pretty smug.”
She turned to him. “About dinner? I am. About having to wait a year for the wedding? Not so much.”
“If you want to get married sooner, pick a different venue. I know the upscale places book out early, but I’m sure we can find you somewhere you’ll be happy.”
She frowned. “That’s my dream location.”
“Then we’ll just have to wait.”
Her cell phone rang and she answered the call. “Theo! Guess where I just went?”
Knox shook his head. She’d never stop trying to get her brother interested in her life.
“Oh! You saw the picture I posted?” She listened to the asshole’s answer. “Yes, I’m still with Knox.” She narrowed her gaze and glanced his way.