Knave of Broken Hearts by Tara Lain Page B

there. He noticed she lined her lips with something darker than her light pink lipstick color. Then her face lit up. “A perfect assessment. I think this approach is brilliant, and since my upstairs tenant is a designer, he’ll love it. The new lobby tenant is a physician and quite cheap, I must admit. The existing design will be perfect for him. I think you’ve created exactly what I need—assuming the price is right for my eighth-floor tenant. Can you cost it out for me tonight?”
    Whew. “Yes. With pleasure.”
    The waiter delivered their food. The warm smell of the burger filled his nose along with the flowery scent of her perfume. It all made him a little light-headed.
    She clasped his forearm, and the warmth spread up in waves to his shoulder. “Now let’s discuss how we might do things together in the future.” Her smile had a lot of layers.
    What did she want, exactly? And why should he care? She was a pretty, apparently available, and maybe even rich woman. He was an unattached heterosexual man. He had no problems at all. He smiled back. “I’d like that.”
    “I’ve been looking for a good construction company to do work with me.”
    “TIs?”
    “Yes, but also more significant remodels. I’m considering buildings I want to invest in, but I need to know if they can be renovated both attractively and cost-effectively. I was impressed with Mr. Ballew, and I adore the building he remodeled for Chase Phillips, but knowing he has a man like you at the helm—” She tightened her fingers. “—convinces me that we have more to talk about.”
    Holy jeez, he might have a heart attack right there. If Billy came back and Jim had been able to line up more work—that would be the best. “I’d be very interested in discussing that with you.”
    “Excellent.”
    He chewed around his burger. Think. Don’t appear too anxious. “Let me price out the new concept tonight to be sure we’re on the same page. Then I’d be delighted to speak with you further on any additional designs you’d like to pursue.” Jesus, he should have recorded that for the Cool Hall of Fame.
    “That sounds perfect.”
    They chatted about her other buildings while they ate. “You’ve certainly accomplished a lot for a young woman.” He smiled.
    She looked at him through her lashes. “Thank you for the ‘young’ part. Sometimes I feel old with all my friends married and having babies.”
    “You’ve made good choices. Look what you’ve accomplished.” He meant that. No bullshit.
    “Thank you, Jim. My father’s a developer. He taught me everything I didn’t get in school. I started with one small strip mall and have been growing my investments ever since.”
    “You’re amazing.” He meant that too.
    “I’m glad you think so.”
    The waiter came with the bill and he reached for his wallet, although he could barely cover it in cash, and he and Billy had never discussed an expense account. Hell, Billy would hardly have thought Jim would be lunching with the client. She stopped his reach. “No, this is on me. Your firm can pay next time.”
    His firm. Next time. Jesus, he liked the sound of all of that. “Thanks so much. Do we need to show the existing suite design to your new tenant?”
    “I already did. He approved it.”
    “Then we can get going on the build-out?”
    “The sooner the better.”
    “With your permission, I’ll get the crew working this afternoon. I may keep a skeleton crew on a few nights. That will get us caught up.”
    “Excellent. I like that you’re willing to work nights for me.” Her eyelashes batted a couple of extra times.
    Whoa. Should he flirt back? This was the client, and he was way out of his range of experience. Most of the women he dated were like Peggy. Blue-collar gals whom he met in bars. He swallowed. “Any time.”
    He got up, helped her out of her chair—which won him another big smile—and they walked toward the front of the restaurant. She took his arm. “Are you going