I will give it to him, though; even though the location wouldn’t be my top choice, his house is pretty amazing. It looks like a super modern cabin that you’d find in Vail or Breckenridge or any of those other places I never go to, but maybe would if I could sit inside a house like this and look at the snow instead of being in it. The exterior is all wood, black steel, and glass. The only stone is the intricate paving of his driveway and the chimney jutting out of the roof.

I don’t know if this was a power play on his part, inviting me to his home, surrounding me by his wealth, but I’m trying to keep an open mind. Plus, I dressed down today, hoping looking casual would make him feel more comfortable around me. Like jeans and Birkenstocks would somehow make him forget that his boss’s boss’s boss sent me. Plus, I can think much better when I’m comfortable and my feet aren’t screaming in stilettos.

I’m climbing up the steps leading to his front door, admiring the simple landscaping that really enhances the entire house, when I hear the door open. I look up, a smile and a compliment on my lips, when instead of seeing Quinton, I see a woman who is so gorgeous and put together that I want to turn and run and not return until I’m fully armored in heels and a pencil skirt.

“I’ll give you a call later.” She leans in to give him a hug. “Thanks for this morning, it was really helpful.” Her blonde hair is cascading down her back in perfect waves and her tan skin glows against the emerald green of her shift dress. She’s basically a goddess.

And the polar opposite of everything I am.

Exactly what I pictured when he said I wasn’t his type.

She turns to leave and finally notices me standing there . . . in fucking Birkenstocks.

“Oh!” She jumps back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.”

Clearly.

“Oh no, you’re fine. I’m sorry I startled you.”

“Elliot.” Quinton steps out from behind her and I get my first glance at him, barefoot and in gray sweatpants. “You’re early.”

And I mean, honestly! Gray sweatpants? How fucking dare he? Gray sweatpants are like my kryptonite!

But once I move past the sweatpants, I see his face.

And he looks pissed.

“Oh.” I look down at my watch. I am early, but only by ten minutes. “I’m sorry. Do you need me to wait in my car?”

“It’s fine. You’re here already, just come in.” He steps back and waves me inside without even saying goodbye to the blonde beauty.

She gives me a small, encouraging smile before slipping past me and making her getaway, unlocking the doors to the white sedan I parked behind.