I reach inside and run my hand along the leather seat. “This is crazy. I can’t believe he bought me a car.”
“I can. That man outdoes himself every time Freddy steps inside the shop. I’d only be shocked if I was the one getting a brand new vehicle.” We both stand and he shakes his head at my car. “Remind me to tell Reese he needs to give Billy tips on how to be an amazing boyfriend.”
“Poor Billy.” I nudge him and he laughs against me. “He has to put up with your moody ass and what does he get out of it?”
Joey grins wickedly at me and we both chuckle. He doesn’t need to say what Billy gets out of it, because I’m sure the entire population of Chicago knows full well the elaborate workings of my lovely assistant’s sex life. He isn’t shy about that information and will tell just about anybody.
I close the car door and take the keys from Joey. “I need to go see him. Do you think you could man the shop for me?”
He smiles giddily. “Hell, yes I…” he stops midsentence as Brooke comes hustling down the sidewalk, department store bags in her hands. Joey turns and leans his body against the car, crossing his arms over his chest. “Seriously, Brooke? When I say you can take a lunch break, it doesn’t mean a fucking two-hour shopping spree.”
She sneers in his direction, coming to a stop in front of us. “Relax, bitch. You’re getting premature wrinkles.”
Joey immediately turns, dropping down to examine his face in my side-view mirror. “That’s not even funny,” he growls.
She places her bags at her feet, flipping her car keys in her hand. “You’re just jealous because I’ve got a hot date tonight and you don’t.”
“I’ve got a hot date every night, and one I don’t have to pay for,” he snarls, straightening up and spinning back around. “What do you charge for your company these days?”
Brooke’s jaw tightens, her nostrils flaring with rage. “You know what? Now you’re not getting the shirt I bought for you!”
“Brooke, knock it… wait, what?” I look down at the bags at her feet.
“What? Did you say you bought me a shirt?” Joey asks with genuine curiosity, stepping closer to her.
She shrugs, averting her gaze. “It’s not that big a deal.” She reaches into her Macy’s bag and pulls out a light blue T-shirt, holding it against her chest. “It was on sale, and I thought it would look nice on you. You look good in blue.”
I smile at her thoughtfulness, watching as Joey takes another step closer to Brooke. She holds the shirt out to him and he takes it with an astonished expression. She looks at me and grins. “Anyway, I’m sorry I took so long. It won’t happen again.” And before Joey can give her a thank you or react in any way to her gift, she picks up her bags and walks into the shop.
“Damn. This shirt is fucking fabulous. I kind of feel bad for the boyfriend comment,” Joey says.
“You should. That was really nice of her.”
He shoots me a challenging look, but it’s short lived. Brooke did well and Joey knows it. And the smile he tries to hide as he folds the shirt against his chest isn’t missed. Once he’s done, he smoothes out his skin once more in the mirror behind him, tucking the shirt underneath his arm. “Do you think I have wrinkles?” Oh, Lord.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Your skin is flawless.”
He grins. “You know why, don’t you?”
I immediately hold up my hand to stop him from talking. “Please, spare me the ‘semen is the fountain of youth’ conversation. I find it hard to believe that mine and Juls’ swallowing habits are directly related to the number of crow’s feet we end up getting.” I shake my head at the memory of that discussion a few years ago. Joey really is a piece of work, trying to convince us to up our blow-job game to ward off any fine lines.
“You good?” I ask. I need to go get ready for my visit with Reese, knowing full well his lunch break is the best time to get him alone.
He smiles. “I’m great. Go properly thank that man before I do it for you.” He arches his brow, the wicked gleam in his eyes beaming at me.
I chuckle at his comment as we both walk back into the shop. Practically sprinting up the stairs, I run straight for my lingerie drawer with only one thought in mind. Naughty Dylan is about to come out to play, and she’s not going to hold anything back either. Reese Carroll, you have no idea what you’re in for.