Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
As the woman turns and I get a look at her cateye makeup that’s subtle enough to still be businesslike and red lips that match her heels, I remember that feeling that used to flow through me. The one that said I could conquer anything.
Yeah, I used to be like her. I still have the heels and even the stylish clothes, although I lean toward professional these days with my wardrobe and those shorts sure as heck don’t lean that way.
“What can I get you?” the young man asks me from behind the counter. He’s got to be in his early twenties at most. I catch a glimpse of his sleeve tattoo and it reminds me of Evan’s tattoos for only a moment.
More thoughts of Evan. Everything reminds me of him.
“A chai and a blueberry muffin top,” I answer him with a tight voice and clear my throat as I reach for my card in my wallet. It’s a Kate Spade and the soft pink and white match the purse, but I’m only just now realizing that it looks a bit dingy. Not so much so that it’s noticeably dirty. Just enough where it doesn’t look so new anymore.
As I wait for my chai, I get a look at my reflection in the glass. I guess the same can be said about me. My fingers tease my hair at the roots, putting a little more volume there and I apply a coat of stain on my lips while I wait.
I wrap the belt around my shirt a little tighter, showing off my waist and lean to my right in the reflection.
I’m not done yet. There’s still life in me. There’s still that girl who wants more buried deep down inside. But what exactly she wants more of remains a question.
Evan, the silent answer, is obvious.
But instead the voice in my head whispers love.
Even if he can’t give me everything, I know what I’m desperate for: to love and be loved.
The bells to the door chime as I accept my chai and muffin top. I silently pray that it’s not Jacob so I can have a moment to try to shovel this down.
No such luck.
I smile broadly when I see him, hiding everything I was just thinking and focusing on my potential client and his career. I mentally tally up how much work we both need to do to get his branding both going in the right direction and noticed by the right market.
“Jacob,” I greet him and his deep green, hazel eyes focus on me.
“Katerina, it’s wonderful to finally have a one-on-one,” he says as he steps over the welcome mat and slips off his thin, black wool jacket. He has a downtown style that would pair well with the woman who was just here. From his gray shirt that hangs low but is fitted tight across his chest, to the boyish grin and messy dark hair. He’s sex on a stick for sure.
“It is wonderful to see you in person, thank you so much for meeting me here,” I say as I make my way to the front of the shop, making sure not to spill the hot drink in my hand.
“Finally meeting my maybe new agent,” he says with both an asymmetric smile and pride.
“I’m so happy you’re thinking of signing with us,” I answer sweetly.
“The rain this fall is ridiculous,” Jacob states as he runs his hand over his hair and then wipes it off on his worn jeans.
His white Chuck Taylor sneakers squeak on the floor as he takes a step closer to me. His expression is comical. With both hands full, one of chai and the other with the muffin top, I gesture to the table where I already have my laptop set up. “Right over here,” I tell him and put both the chai and the pastry to the left side of my computer before turning around to face him.
I have to crane my neck. “You’re so much taller in person,” I tell him and hold out a hand for a handshake. His right hand engulfs mine and his shake is firm.
The grin on his face grows to a wide smile and his perfect teeth flash back at me.
He’s damn good looking and the fact that his face isn’t anywhere on his profiles or brand is a mistake. I watch him as I take my seat, keeping the smile where it belongs on my expression.
“You are too good looking for every one of your readers not to see your face. I know this is a meeting to see if you’re interested in coming on board and if our goals align, but the way I like to approach things is to treat you like a client from the start so you know what you’re getting. There’s so much we have to offer at the agency and I’m sure you’ll appreciate not wasting time.”