Just One Kiss (The Town of Pearl 8)

“Yes, there are very talented young women there. Second Chances helps them to get back on their feet again so they can live normal, happy lives. Millie has taught a lot of the women there how to promote and even market their abilities and creativity. Some of the best items I have were created by Millie and the women in the shelter. Have you ever been there?” Mrs. Higgins asked.

“No. I heard about it when I first got into town. It sounded like a wonderful place if a person needed help.”

“It is a wonderful place. As I mentioned, there’s a lot of talent there too. So how do you like renting the place at the Anders home? It’s not too small for you?”

“No. It’s fine. I don’t have a lot of stuff, and she and her husbands are very nice.”

“So what do you think about this ad? Missing anything?” Mrs. Higgins asked as she turned her laptop toward Lucia so she could see the design.

“That looks great.”

“Are you sure? The designer doesn’t quite grasp what I think I want. Perhaps he’s right,” she said and then stared at the design ad. It was all so interesting to Lucia. Her college degree was in graphic design, but her love was interior decorating and full-haul renovation. She could have gone for engineering on her path toward her love of computers, but that would have sent her into the business world and far from where her parents could control her. If she had just taken off and disappeared sooner, then Derek and her parents wouldn’t have had the opportunity they had.

To think that she was part of some behind-closed-doors contractual agreement without her consent made her feel sick. She had been violated in more ways than physically. How could she ever trust another person ever again?

“Lucia?” She heard Mrs. Higgins’s voice and then felt her hand press over Lucia’s. Lucia pulled away and quickly stood up. She knew she acted strangely, but being touched by another person, even in kindness, made her nervous. After Salvatore and Lucifer touched her upstairs, she was really on edge.

“What’s wrong? What were you thinking about? You didn’t even hear me say your name.”

“I’m sorry. I guess I zoned out for a moment. What is it that you needed for me to do next, Mrs. Higgins?” she asked. The older woman looked at her strangely and then gave a small smile.

“I get that way sometimes too. Always so many things on my mind. I forget to slow down and take a few moments. How about you go check on the demolition upstairs while I check on lunch? I want your opinion on whether the entire room should be gutted. You seem like you enjoy designing. Did you go to school for that?”

“My degree is in graphic design, but my love is interior design. You know, complete renovations, remodeling, working with people to make their dream rooms come to life.”

“Sounds like that’s your calling. Did you have the opportunity to do that where you came from?”

Lucia felt a bit concerned about the questions. This was what worried her and made her hold back in deep conversations. She just shook her head and then looked away.

“Well, check on the demo while I check on lunch.”

“Oh, I brought something with me.”

“Don’t be silly. Lunch is a perk of the job,” Mrs. Higgins said and winked as she walked out of the room.

Lucia took a deep breath and pressed her palms down her shirt, making sure she looked okay before she headed back upstairs. Why she felt so nervous and like she needed to look okay, she didn’t want to analyze. She was here to do a job and get paid. She needed money. This was a great opportunity, and she couldn’t screw it up.

* * * *

Lucifer and Salvatore were walking down the stairs when they both spotted Lucia heading toward them.

“How is it going?” she asked.

“It’s going well. By the end of the day, before the total demolition is complete, you can share your ideas about the design. That way Salvatore and I will know where to start first.”

Lucifer watched her as she stared up at him and his brother. They towered over her, but she looked like she was trying to stand taller, straighter, as if not affected by them. He couldn’t help but to look her over and admire her curves and that sweet mouth of hers. He was attracted to her. There was no doubt in his mind.

“So the demolition will be complete today?” she asked.

“Hell no. It’s going to take the next few days. There’s a lot to do,” Salvatore said with a bit of attitude that was all Salvatore. He was rough around the edges and then some.

“That’s what I meant. I didn’t think just the two of you could possibly have the entire room done so quickly.”

He watched his brother’s eyebrows scrunch together, and then Lucia quickly added, “I mean, if you had to you probably could accomplish it. You seem capable and strong, and have big muscles and—”

She covered her mouth with her hand and turned around. “See you later. Thanks for the update,” she called out and hurried out of the room.

“That’s no way to win over a woman’s heart, Salvatore,” Lucifer teased. He couldn’t help but smile as he chuckled while heading toward the front door.