I clear my throat, catching her attention. Her features harden, the wistfulness she had in her eyes as she stared at Margo’s painting was all but gone.
My eyes blink repeatedly as I attempt to wipe the thoughts I was having of her. It really isn’t any use; those dirty thoughts of her are ingrained in my mind forever when they absolutely shouldn’t be.
“Why are you looking at me weird?” Pippa questions, coming to a stop in front of me.
I swallow, trying to avert my gaze from the way her breasts almost spill over the top of her shirt. It’s her exposed skin above the fucking ruffle catching my attention and tempting me, even though it’s the one person in this town I can’t tolerate standing right in front of me. At least I didn’t used to tolerate her. Now, I don’t understand why the sight of her doesn’t completely ruin my morning. In fact, I think it excited me a little to see her here.
“Nice jeans,” I counter, trying to ease the tension between us. It doesn’t help.
She smiles, looking down at them. “Funny story. A giant box full of ten pairs of my jeans showed up at Wake and Bake.”
“I told you I’d replace them.”
Her head cocks to the side as her eyes roam over my face. “I looked online. They still say that they’re sold out.”
“I pulled some strings. It’s not a big deal.” I clap my hands together, wanting to change the subject. She doesn’t need to know how hard it was to track down the brand and get some early stock from their next launch. Trisha spent almost an entire day doing it when I pay her for far more important things. “Why are you in my gallery when we’re closed?” I ask, guiding the conversation in a different direction.
“It’s weird. I have this very vivid memory of you showing up at my business when I told you multiple times we were closed.”
My lip twitches, wanting to smile at her response. I fight it tooth and nail, not wanting to show her that maybe she’s thawed my icy defenses just a little. “You’re not welcome here.”
She beams. Her teeth are perfectly straight and white. I could easily reach out and trace the cupid’s bow of her top lip. It’s pronounced, like a flashing neon light bringing attention to her perfectly kissable lips. “I’m welcome anywhere I want, Camden.”
“You sure about that, shortcake?”
She pushes one of the coffee cups my way. “I brought you coffee.”
I look down my nose at it. “Is it poisoned?”
Her laugh echoes off the wall. It’s sweet and sultry, another jab at the wall I’m trying to build to keep her away. “I’d never ruin my reputation over you.” To prove a point, she lifts the coffee to her lips. My gaze is locked on the way they curve along the lid. She tips it back, swallowing dramatically.
There’s a lipstick stain on the lid as she pushes it into my chest. “See? Not poisoned.”
“What if it’s a slow death? I still don’t think I can trust you.” I want to press the cup to my lips. To place mine on the same spot as hers. And I don’t know how fucked up that makes me.
“Well, you’re going to have to try something new and trust me for once.”
“Trust you? That’s pushing it.”
“Better get comfortable with it. Because you’re going to have to trust me all day today.”
I take a long drink of the coffee. It’s made perfectly. It isn’t bitter at all, but the espresso flavor is rich with small hints of the syrup. She makes a damn good coffee. There’s something else in here that makes it different from my typical order, but I can’t quite place what it is. I’d ask her about it, but I’m too hung up on her idea that we’re spending the day together.
“Why would I have to trust you all day?”
“Because I’m here for my real payment, obviously. Today’s your lucky day, Camden. You get to spend the entire day with me and the beautiful town of Sutten.”
The sigh that escapes my body is long and drawn-out. I’d forgotten all about her silly little stipulation for her assistance during the opening. I’m a man of my word, and no matter how badly I want to tell Pippa to forget about it because I have a thousand things I have to do before returning to Manhattan tomorrow, I try to hold my tongue.
“I have a lot of things to get done today.”
She raises one of her tanned shoulders. “I had a lot of things to do when you asked me to slave away for your event—where I was insulted by one of your rich friends, in case you forgot—so excuse me if I don’t care if you’re busy or not. You’re coming with me for the entire day—and maybe even the evening. I’ve got so many fun things planned for us.”