Fat Cat Liar

“Shame.”

I open my computer and plop down on the sofa, reviewing the email my lawyer sent regarding adding Haley to my payroll. Jenny’s low whistles and murmurs distract me.

“Jenny, I’m beginning to regret mentioning him to you.”

After I’d reviewed the co-op notification last night and learned a little more about Lawson, I called Jenny. Together, we’d dissected every detail provided. According to the board, he’s a thirty-two-year-old single man working in construction. His references are exemplary and his finances verified for building residency. Somewhere during our conversation, she’d decided she had to see this guy and invited herself to my place for a ‘moving-in party’. I tried to discourage her, but she showed up anyway, clearly dressed to impress.

For the last hour, she’s been annoying the hell out of me.

“I still don’t have a Lawson sighting,” she complains.

“He’s probably inside monitoring the placement of his things.”

“That’s okay, I’ll keep watching.”

“You need to get a life,” I mumble under my breath.

Finally, I find my focus and scan through the employment documents and tax obligations necessary to hire a full-time employee. Everything is exactly as my dad explained, and I start to feel giddy about making an offer to Haley.

“Holy Mother of Sweet Baby Jesus.” Jenny draws in a deep breath, and I know she’s finally caught sight of Lawson.

“Told you.” My eyes stay glued to my screen. “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?”

“Uh-huh.” She giggles.

“Wait until you hear him talk. He’s got a rough and gritty rumble to his voice that’s a mix of sex and sin. Think David Beckham without the accent. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a close up.”

“I’m pretty sure I already have.” This time, her voice squeaks, followed by a girlie giggle.

I look up and gasp when I find Lawson Hall is leaning against my door frame, eyes on me, with an unbelievably sexy smirk on his face.

My heart hammers at the sight of him. Today, he’s dressed in loose athletic shorts, another fitted t-shirt, and his hat flipped backwards. He’s also wearing glasses that frame his face perfectly, showcasing the magnificence of his eyes. If his job in construction ever bombs, he could definitely become an eyewear model—or any type of model. I have a weakness for a man in glasses.

“Morning, Greer.” The way he says my name sends a shiver across my skin.

“Hi, Lawson.” My voice cracks, and my cheeks burn.

“I came to return this.” He waves my dishtowel in the air, and the smirk on his lips curls into a full-fledged smile.

I can’t speak anymore, frozen in place, as mortification settles in. He heard me; there’s no doubt about it.

“I’m Jenny.” She eagerly offers her hand, thankfully taking the attention off me.

“Lawson.” He takes her hand. As soon as his eyes leave mine, I drop my chin to my chest and try to find my senses.

“Yeah, I kind of figured that out,” she jokes.

“I think I owe you a thank you. With you as an audience, my guys are hustling over there. Seems an attractive brunette gives them motivation to flex their muscles. This move may take half the time.”

“No problem, I’m enjoying the show. It’s a good way to spend a Saturday.” She shrugs. “Glad to help.”

I snap my head up, my jaw dropping. She has no shame.

He chuckles and then returns his eyes to mine. “What about you, Greer? Are you enjoying the show?”

“She’s working. She’s kind of a workaholic,” Jenny answers for me, and I have the urge to tape her mouth shut.

“That’s not true!” I protest a little too loudly. It doesn’t faze her in the slightest. She doesn’t take her gaze off Lawson.