Gorgeous Consort by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page A

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