Unexpected Rush
Page 9

Drake shrugged. “You don’t have to talk to him at all. I took care of it.”
“No, you made it worse.”
“I love you, baby sis.”
She shook her head. “I love you, too. But dammit, Drake, you make me crazy.”
Drake pulled her into a hug. “That’s why you love me.”
Siblings. Barrett shook his head.
Harmony stepped away from her brother and glared at Barrett. “And don’t you stand there and shake your head. You were there with him and you let this happen.”
“I take no responsibility for trying to control Drake.”
“Whatever. You two get out of my house. I have painting to do.”
Drake turned to leave and Barrett followed, then stopped to take a peek in the bathroom. “So you really redecorate whenever you’re upset?”
“Out, Barrett,” Harmony said.
He grinned, then followed Drake to his car.
Five
Harmony went over her schedule in her office. The space wasn’t much, since she’d only been in business for a year, but so far, things had really taken off. Her calendar was full, she’d hired an assistant, and word had gotten out to local contractors that she was damn good at what she did, which meant even more referrals were coming her way.
Just the way she’d envisioned when she’d gone into business for herself. She’d interned with some of the best designers she knew, and she’d learned a lot. But in the end, she’d wanted her own firm. A risky move, for sure, but if there was one thing Harmony had in droves, it was confidence.
Which could end in her downfall, but failure wasn’t a word she acknowledged.
“You’ve got a final walk-through with the Greens tomorrow afternoon.”
She nodded at Rosalie, her assistant. “I’ve got that on my calendar. Did they install the crown molding in the living room?”
“I was over there this morning. Molding is in place and the trim painters are there. Kitchen is finished, master bedroom and bath have been completed. Everything on the checklist has been checked off. Oh, and Jeff called and said he’d meet you there this afternoon at three for you to do a walk-through with him.”
“Perfect.” Jeff Golan was one of her favorite contractors. He was no-nonsense, like her, and he got things done on time, which was why he was one of her favorites.
She’d also gotten a text from Barrett, which had actually surprised her. They were meeting at his house tonight, since he had practice today.
She knew he was reluctant about it, but nothing put the fear in a man like her mother.
She smiled at that. Even her formidable brother could be brought to his knees by one death stare from Mama.
Technically, she should bring a contractor with her tonight, but she wanted to make Barrett uncomfortable. What better way to do that than to come alone?
It would serve him right for not thinking of her in the first place. Did the man not know anything about her?
He was going to find out.
She handled her appointments, which lasted until after five. She still had time to head back to her town house and freshen up before she had to meet Barrett.
She looked in the bathroom mirror. Yes, and maybe change clothes, too, she thought with a wicked smile.
She went into her bedroom and opened the closet, choosing . . .
Oh yeah. Definitely the red dress. Professional, but still one that would make Barrett take notice.
She’d make sure he wouldn’t ignore her anymore.
She programmed the address of his house into the GPS in her car and headed out. The house was located near the west side of the bay, on the water. It was a gated community, so she gave her name to the attendant at the gate, who let her in.
The streets were well maintained with beautiful mature shade trees and well-manicured lawns. She drove down a few streets, made a left and found Barrett’s house. She parked, got out and looked at the exterior of his home.
Incredible on the outside. It had a white stucco exterior and gray tile roof. The front landscaping was perfect—not overbearing yet not sparse, either, with a sizable front yard.
So far, so good.
She walked up the well-tiled path leading to the front door and rang the bell. Since there was a black Escalade in the driveway, she knew Barrett was already there.
He answered the door looking utterly delicious in brown cargo pants and a tight white T-shirt. She’d barely noticed him the other night when he’d come over with Drake, mainly because she’d been in panic mode and her focus had been entirely on her brother and his idiot move with her ex-boyfriend. Now, though, her attention was fully on Barrett.
It had to be a sin to look that damn fine.
“Hey,” he said. “Thanks for coming.” He held the door wide and she stepped in.
“It’s my pleasure.” She took a look around, tilting her head back to note the tall ceilings in the entry and formal living room.
“How are you doing after the other night?”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t even want to talk about my brother right now. Or possibly ever.”
“Okay, then. I’d offer you something to drink, but I don’t actually live here yet, so I’ve got . . . nothing—including a refrigerator.”
She laughed. “It’s okay. I’m fine.”
She looked around the living room. “This is nice. Dated, but nice.”
“Why don’t you just walk through and do . . . whatever it is you do?” he asked.
Her lips quirked. “I’ll do that. Thanks.”