Joshua. She couldn’t jeopardize this job. She froze and whirled away from Colt, but his arms were still clasped around her. They were in a completely awkward embrace as they both realized that his crew and Joshua were not the only ones watching.
Mrs. Emmaline Jensen was at the edge of the great room, Joshua right next to her, and they were both studying the two of them. Joshua’s face was filled with concern, but Mrs. Jensen’s blue eyes lit up. She was a teeny thing with the most gorgeous white hair and a smile and eyes that age hadn’t dimmed. She was dressed in a classy navy-blue business suit, and the only jewelry she wore was a glittering diamond on her left hand. Brikelle remembered hearing her husband had passed away only a few months ago.
“Oh, this is delightful.” Emma clapped her hands together and beamed at the two of them, looking to Joshua. “Why didn’t you tell me my new designer and our favorite cabinet maker are a couple?”
Colt’s arms finally fell away from Brikelle, but she was too shocked to take a step away like she should’ve done.
“Oh, yeah, I did forget,” Joshua managed, giving a nervous chuckle and recovering much quicker than either of them.
“Oh, I love happy couples. Now I must demand that both of you come stay with me next weekend for the celebration of my new house.” She gestured around. “It’s going to be a great party and if everything turns out the way I hope, I’m sure you’ll meet a lot of people who would want to hire both of you. Plus, I’d really love to chat about the condos I’m building near Snow Basin.”
Brikelle’s head was spinning and she had no clue how to respond. This woman assumed they were a couple and had just invited them to a huge party here next weekend? The work opportunities she’d casually flung around with the invite told Brikelle that she and the obnoxious cabinet shop owner would be very wise to not mess this up, but she didn’t want to lie and say she was part of a couple, especially a couple that included the man next to her.
“Um, wow.” Colt found his voice before she did. “I’m honored, Mrs. Jensen.”
“Call me, Emma.” She waved a hand. “I assume you’re married. Won’t this be fun, Brikelle? You can decorate the room you and your handsome husband will stay in next weekend.”
Brikelle was sure she was going to have heart failure. Married? To the much too handsome jerk of a dog owner? Oh, no stinking way. She opened her mouth to clear things up, but Joshua beat her to it.
“What a great opportunity this will be for you.” He eyed her sternly. “Tell your husband you’ll see him later, and let’s take a tour and share your ideas with Emma.”
Brikelle swallowed and pivoted to face Colt. Her heart was thundering in her ears, and she had no clue how she’d just become involved in this confusing mess. The other cabinet workers had quietly returned to their work.
Colt studied her with his too-blue eyes. “See you later, sweetheart.” He stumbled over the word, and if Emma wasn’t watching she would’ve stomped on his foot or something.
“Work hard, honey.” She almost choked on the term too.
Colt bent down close and she was struck by a clean, manly scent with just a hint of wood shavings. He brushed his lips across her cheek, and Brikelle jumped. This was too much.
“Oh, come now,” Emma said from behind them when Brikelle pulled away. “We’re not in that big of a hurry. Give her a real kiss.”
Brikelle’s eyes widened and her body started trembling again. She’d traded her nerves over working for Emmaline Jensen for nerves about being forced to kiss a good-looking man who she didn’t like, not at all.
Colt studied her and his mouth quirked in a sarcastic smile. “Always time for a real kiss.”
He wrapped his hands around her hips and pulled her tight against him, taking his time as he leaned closer. His eyes were full of challenge: she could back away if she wanted, but he wasn’t going to. Brikelle jutted her chin out and rose onto tiptoes, meeting his challenge with as much feistiness as she could. Colt cocked an eyebrow and grinned before claiming her lips with his own like they were married and did this move multiple times a day.
It took Brikelle’s body less than a second to respond. Her eyes fluttered closed, her hands found their way around his broad back, and before she could stop herself she was returning kiss for kiss. It was almost another battle between them, but the sparks now were sizzling and delicious. Brikelle finally conceded defeat, mentally bowing to him as the kissing champion, and broke away from his grasp. They were both breathing heavy. He squeezed her waist, then dropped his hands.
“See you soon,” he murmured, his eyes searching hers. Now his blue gaze was soft and beseeching. She couldn’t win against that battle either, and instead swung her gaze back to Joshua and Emma, both watching with their mouths slightly open.
“Well, then. That was definitely a real kiss.” Emma smiled sweetly. “Let’s start in the entry, shall we?”
Keep reading here.
Also by Cami Checketts
Jepson Brothers Romance
How to Design Love
How to Switch a Groom
How to Lose a Fiance
Steele Family Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
The Stranded Patriot
The Committed Warrior
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
Her Prince Charming Boss
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Loyal Patriot
The Gentle Patriot
The Stranded Patriot
Quinn Family Romance
The Devoted Groom
The Conflicted Warrior
The Gentle Patriot
The Tough Warrior
Her Too-Perfect Boss
Her Forbidden Bodyguard
Hawk Brothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
Navy Seal Romance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warrior
The Stealth Warrior
The Tough Warrior
Texas Titan Romance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Irresistible Groom
The Determined Groom
The Devoted Groom
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride Pact Romance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescued by Love
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
Echo Ridge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding
Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
Snow Valley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Other Books by Cami
Seeking Mr. Debonair: Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This
Redeem This
The Broken Path
Dead Runni
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Dying to Run
Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
Cami’s Collections
Steele Family Collection
Hawk Brothers Collection
Quinn Family Collection
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Billionaire Romance Sampler
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection