Liam
The next morning, I felt like a college freshman. I’d gone to sleep at two o’clock in the morning after dropping Tess off at her apart
ment.
She looked just as exhausted as I felt, and we exchanged conspiratorial smiles as we left the room after the first general meeting about our new partnership.
It had been a productive one, where we set our immediate goals. We were going to start with radio ads right away. Tess and Skye would give us a list of their requirements for the new online shop, which we’d then send to the website-building companies we used in the past.
Dexter and Becca were also going to assess their Facebook and Google ads. We decided that I would be Soho Lingerie’s official mentor, since I’d been in contact with them the most.
And right now came my favorite part. Tess was going to show me the location of the space they wanted to lease for their second shop.
“Okay, everyone, great job,” I told the team, Tess, and Skye once we were all back on the interns’ floor. “We all have our tasks, so let’s get the ball rolling.”
Everyone was going to think I was just being a hardass, as usual, but instead, I just wanted to get out of here with Tess.
Everyone except Skye, who was looking between me and Tess with a smile. The three of us left the brownstone together.
Skye shook my hand. “Liam, I’m sorry I can’t come with you to see the space, but I’m sure Tess will be great company.”
“Yes, she will.”
Skye was looking at Tess with a huge smile, then whispered something in her ear as she kissed her cheek before getting in the Uber she ordered.
“So, what was that about?” I asked once it was just the two of us.
“Yeah...this morning my sister asked for a rundown of every little detail from last night. I promised I’ll update her today.”
“You say that like it’s normal.” I didn’t discuss my personal life even with David and Becca, and they were my best friends.
Tess burst out laughing. “It is. We have a no-secrets policy in my family. I’m the chief enforcer,” she said proudly.
“I learn something new about you all the time.”
A black Mercedes slowed down in front of us. It was our Uber. I opened the car door for Tess. She wiggled her eyebrows at me as she lowered herself inside. “I love that you’re always opening doors and such. I’ve only ever seen it in old movies.”
I laughed and climbed in next to her.
We arrived in Soho quickly. The location they planned on leasing was only a few streets away from their original store. It was smart, keeping the two spaces so close to each other. It would make logistics easier, and their name was Soho Lingerie, after all. Tess was beyond excited as she showed me around inside. The realtor had given us a quick tour and now was smoking outside.
“So, we can model this after the original store. The layout of the room is perfect. It would strengthen the brand, I think.”
I was only half paying attention to her words, too busy drinking in her exuberance, the way she just lit up when she spoke about her dreams. I wanted to make every single one of them come true.
“Hey, focus,” she admonished, poking my arm.
“Or what?”
“Or you might make the wrong decision.”
“The space is great, Tess. When will you be able to open?”
“If we sign this week, probably in the beginning of December.”
“Let’s get the ball rolling, then.”
Turning around, she headed toward the door. I caught up with her midway, kissing the side of her neck from behind.