Chapter 34

Dominick tightened the last screw on the lampshade. “Okay, try it.”

Paisley flipped the switch. Bright light flooded the room.

Dominick grinned, hands on his hips. “See? Not bad.”

“Yeah, you’re awesome,” Paisley said, then flushed. The light caught his face, highlighting his features. A wave of memories—their first meeting, their shared past—washed over her. She’d fallen hard for him, partly because of his looks.

Suddenly, the ladder wobbled. Dominick stumbled.

“Careful!” Paisley lunged forward.

He caught himself. “It’s fine,” he said casually, his eyes meeting hers. Her impulsive move embarrassed her; the ladder’s height was nothing to him. Lost in the past again, she realized how far she’d strayed.

“Good,” she replied flatly, trying to pull away.

But Dominick's hand clamped on her elbow, pulling her close. His breath warmed her skin. Tension crackled between them.

She turned away. “Let me go.”

“Paisley, why won’t you look at me?” His voice was low, urgent.

“What’s there to look at?” she snapped, meeting his gaze. “This is meaningless.”

“Meaningless? Meaningful with him? ‘Honey’?”

Her phone rang. “Honey” blazed on the screen.

“Yeah, right. Problem?” Paisley held up her phone.

A bitter laugh escaped Dominick. He released her.

Paisley hurried to the balcony to answer.

Chapter 31

“Hey, babe! Home?” Emery’s voice boomed through the phone.

Emery, a famous designer from a privileged background, was a whirlwind of contradictions—a rebellious spirit in designer dresses. “Rules are meant to be broken,” she always said.

“Yeah, I’m home,” Paisley replied.

“Good. Be over soon.”

Paisley hadn’t expected that. She glanced back at the living room; Dominick watched her, his expression unreadable.

After hanging up, Paisley faced him. “You should leave. I have another guest. It’ll be awkward.”