The boutique wasn’t huge, but she knew immediately it was her place. In the center, a large glass case held jewelry and sunglasses. T-shirts and sweaters in a rainbow of colors were folded neatly in tall, white bookcases. Countless racks of dresses, skirts, and blouses lined the walls. She ran her fingers through the silk scarves hanging off a hat rack. “This store’s amazing.”

“Have at it. I’ll be on that bench across the street.”

“Okay, but if you need to go, just text me. Don’t hang around on my account.” She wanted to turn back to the clothes, but, as beautiful as they were, she found herself watching Brodie cross the street.

What would it feel like to be so comfortable in her own skin? To never doubt her place in the world? She loved the way the T-shirt stretched across his shoulders, his muscular biceps and thighs, and that ass. God, she wanted to get her hands on it.

As if he heard her dirty thoughts, he glanced over his shoulder and caught her watching him.

The thrill of it made her skin tingle.

Dammit, once again, Brodie couldn’t concentrate. The hot sun beat down on his head, and the words on the screen of his phone swam. He had a lot of work to do, so he needed to focus.

Not think about the way she’d watched him cross the street, like she’d slowly stripped off each article of his clothing.

He hadn’t known it was possible to look vulnerable and bold at the same time.

Sexy as fuck.

“What’re you doing out here?” Vanessa strutted toward him with a big smile. As she leaned down for a hug, her perfume enveloped him. “Were you hoping to run into me?”

“Why would I do that?”

Her smile wobbled, and he felt like shit for once again hurting her feelings.

“I meant, if I wanted to see you, I’d let you know.” Okay, that sounded even worse. Damn. “Vanessa.” He tipped his head back. “Things are a little too complicated here.”

“No, they’re not. That’s my office right there, across the street, dummy. I was coming out of a meeting, when I saw you.” She sat beside him, crossing one leg over the other, her toned thigh outlined in the tight skirt and her shiny high heel catching the sunlight. “Well, I saw this really hot guy with broad shoulders and dark hair, and thought, Well, hello, my type. And then I realized it was you. So, what’re you doing sitting out here? It’s a gorgeous day.”

“I’m getting some work done, while Rosie shops.”

“Are you kidding me? That woman is ridiculous. Who does she think she is, asking you to wait around for her?”