3. Sarah

3

SARAH

I lifted my half-empty coffee cup to my lips, chugging the still warm latte as soon as I sat down at my desk.

Bright light streamed in through the studio's windows, illuminating the small storefront. It had felt silly at first to rent a place for my design work – so much of it was mobile and digital – but I wasn't getting any work done at home with the kids underfoot.

I booted up my computer and opened up my most recent project folder. It was divided into a few folders, including "inspo", "locate", and "paint". I opened the inspiration folder, hoping to immerse myself in the vibe of the multi-family rental I'd be renovating next.

Just as I was digging into the material, the front door bell dinged.

I jolted up from my screen, craning to see who had come to visit. Even though the space was an actual storefront on Main Street, it served as more of an office than an actual sales space.

But the light shining in cast the figure in shadows, a halo tracing the tall, suited figure.

"Sarah Greenwood?" A low sultry voice called out from the door. The rumble sent a shiver down my spine, a pulsing excitement to my core.

"Yes?" I shaded my eyes with my hand, allowing me a glimpse at the gorgeous woman striding toward me in stunning pumps.

The woman stuck out her hand. "I'm Victoria Bradley. I've just purchased the lakefront home on Spring Road."

Clumsily, I stood from my swivel chair. I was tripping over myself to stand up and take her hand. "Oh, great." When our hands met, I could already tell how clammy mine were. But hers were soft and her grip was firm. A jolt of electricity coursed through my body. Jesus, I'm touch starved.

"How did you…"

Before I could even get the words out, Victoria wandered toward the walls which were lined with photographs of my work. "Robin gave me your number. I recruited her to help me renovate the place."

I nodded. "I see. And you met through my sister?"

Victoria smirked, memories of good times coming back to her mind. "Yep, when she lived in the city. She planned the launch party for my app."

"So, you really are a billionaire." I scoffed as I watched her examine my work. The prints on the wall displayed a wide array of styles. The projects ranged from small family homes to restaurants to designer mansions.

Victoria spun on her heels. "I would hope the outfit alone would have made that clear."

I walked closer to her, eyeing her slender arms leaned against my work table. Cut out scraps littered the wood top. Something in my throat tightened. This is a new feeling.

But I narrowed my eyes at her. "Anyone can buy a nice suit and a pair of red bottoms."

Victoria's chin lifted, exposing her elegant neck. "If that's the case, why hasn't anyone gotten you some?"

Shrugging, I licked my lips. "Maybe someone should."

A cheeky smile took over Victoria's face as her eyes wandered down my body. I suddenly felt underdressed, unprepared, and vulnerable.

Victoria clapped her hands. "So, what do you think?"

I looked around the studio. "Of what?"

"Working for me?" Victoria crossed her arms, keeping her amber eyes on me.

"I haven't even seen the house." I shook my head, a light chuckle escaping my lips.

Victoria smirked at me. "I'll show it to you whenever you'd like. Besides, given your portfolio, I don't think you need to see it to know it'll be a good project."

Sucking in my cheeks, my mind switched to negotiation mode. "Ms. Bradley, reno projects are time consuming. They're ever-changing and wildly unpredictable. I have other clients already waiting for my recommendations, and a project like this could get in the way."

"I'm willing to double your rate, and I'll buy out your other clients." Victoria licked her teeth, loving the game.

Something about that smile of hers pulled me in. I walked closer, crossing my arms as I left just a couple of feet between us. "I'll think about it."

Victoria smiled, standing straight from her leaned position. She was tall in her pumps. Looking down at me, Victoria nodded. "Good. Call me if you have any questions." I hadn't even seen her reach into her pocket to grab a business card. But somehow, a slick, slate card was being thrust toward me, sandwiched between her long fingers.

"Thanks." I snatched the card out of her hand, turned back toward my desk, and let her see herself out. But once I heard her heels clicking away from me, I looked over my shoulder. Her hips swayed from side to side with an ease I'd never seen in my life.

I shook my head, unsure what exactly was taking over me.

Instead of questioning it, I pulled out my phone and typed out a text.