Page 17 of Getting Down to Business

Chapter 4

When Alyssa arrived at the coffee shop the next morning, she spotted Grayson in line ahead of her. With a sigh she left, unwilling to face him. She’d tossed and turned all night—not an easy feat on a loveseat—worrying that she was passing up a great opportunity.

He didn’t know the real reason she refused to take him up on his excellent offer. To him, she probably did seem stubborn. But there was more to it than that. Much more. And yes, she was also stubborn.

“You don’t have coffee,” Freddie pointed to her empty hands as she walked up to her desk. “Mayday! Liss doesn’t have coffee.”

“I’m staying over here where it’s safe,” Mia said from the other side of her cubicle wall.

“Guys, I’m not that bad.”

“Remember the time Kenley said good morning and you freaked?”

“She was too chipper. Anyone would have gone off.”

“Poor Kenley.”

“Don’t feel bad for her. She’s happily married and they have a yacht.” She was also pregnant. Liss was happy for her friend. It was nice to know at least one of them was capable of living a normal life.

“So? How was the apartment?”

“It was nice, but it won’t work out.”

“Why? Did the guy not wear pants?”

“He did.” Though she did find herself imagining him without them. And maybe she’d sized up the height of the countertops to determine if they were adequate for kitchen sex.

She’d also imagined how frustrating it would be to lie in her bed listening to him in the shower. Naked.

She rolled her eyes at herself. Of course, he would be naked in the shower. Get a grip!

“I need to make a call.”

“I’ll bring you some coffee. Just in case.” Freddie wrinkled up his nose and hurried off to save the villagers from the dragon’s wrath.

Alyssa brought up her emails as the call went through. Kenley answered on the third ring.

“New Haven Custom Boats. This is Kenley.”

“It’s Liss.” She dropped her voice lower so no one else could hear her conversation.

“What’s wrong? Why are you calling so early?”

“I’m fine. I’m just wondering if I’m making a huge mistake and I wanted you to tell me I’m not.” Freddie set the cup down and backed away. She gave him a smile and blew him a kiss, which he pretended to catch and tuck in his pocket.

“Am I just supposed to tell you you’re not making a mistake, or were you going to tell me the scenario so I can make the call for myself?”

“I had sex with a guy.”

“Many, as I recall.”

“Not many. Some.”

“Several.”

“Let’s not argue over semantics. The point is you know how I feel about relationships.”

“They’re to be avoided like the plague,” Kenley obediently filled in.