“Forget it. You look awesome now. Chin up and go get ‘em. They were getting out of their cars downstairs when I was on my way back from accounting.”
Calling her thanks to Bonnie over her shoulder, Marley rushed from the bathroom to her office. Inside, she stopped short when she saw the empty table where the model had reigned. A knuckle-rap on the door spun her around.
“Come on, Renegade, they’re here.”
Justin stood at the door, Jordan just behind him. It was impossible to miss their sweeping assessment as she started forward, but she focused on Justin. When his gaze rose to her face, his slow smile gave her all the confidence she needed.
Chapter 13
Marley shook hands with the Jenkins committee members, then stood aside while Justin and Jordan said their goodbyes. The moment the doors closed and the twins faced her, she raised her eyebrows.
“That went well…didn’t it? Or was it just me?”
A grin split Justin’s face, and he strode forward. “You were great!”
Before she realized his intentions, he pulled her into a hug, lifted her off her feet and swung her around twice. She hadn’t even caught her balance when Jordan stepped up to hug her, too. But he only held on for a moment.
With a self-conscious laugh, she said, “It wasn’t only me. We made a good team.”
“Yeah, but your passion really hit home.”
“I created it, I’d better be passionate.”
A knock at the door preceded Vince and Bonnie’s entrance. “How’d it go?” Bonnie asked.
“Marley kicked ass,” Jordan proclaimed.
“We all kicked ass,” Marley corrected.
Justin started gathering up the papers and files on the conference table. “Well, we’ll find out for sure on Monday.”
Marley didn’t know how she’d survive that long. Everyone helped clean up and then Jordan suggested they all take the afternoon off.
Marley went to her office and actually sat at her desk for the first time. She’d been so busy with the model, she’d spent all her time at the drafting and conference tables.
Sitting straight in her chair, she rested her palms on the cool, smooth surface of the cherry wood in front of her. A slow smile spread across her face. She had a good feeling about her future, no matter the outcome of the meeting.
Of course, she felt pretty damn good about that, too.
“Someone’s pleased with herself.”
Marley looked at the connecting door. Justin really did look nice in that suit as he leaned against the doorjamb, his short hair slightly messed from when she’d seen him run a hand through it.
“It was a good day,” she said.
“Day’s not over yet.”
Her pulse tripped at his low voice but she remained casual. “Seeing as all I’m planning to do is take a hot bubble bath and go to bed early, I’m sticking with past tense.”
He straightened and came further into the room. “Those are your plans?”
“Yep.” She reached for her briefcase and duffel bag and stood. “How about you?”
“Sadly, no bubble bath.” She laughed, and he smiled as he added, “I’ve got a few more things to take care of, then I guess I’ll head back to Jordan’s place. Maybe go for a run or something.”
“I’m too tired to even consider that. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He looked about to say more, and she waited with anticipation.