Page 20 of Blush

“Mr. Andrews—”

He reddens further at my use of his surname.

“You need to decide what’s important. Is it your career? Is it drinks with someone whose recommendation you want? Or is it a quick lay?”

“You’re out of line, man. I’m allowed to have a social life.” His voice cracks.

Just a bit, but I notice.

“Not if you blow off a coworker afteryouset up the meeting.” I shake my head. “I hope Gigi Frost was worth it.”

“Frost? Is that her last name?”

I pick up a report off my desk, scanning the numbers in the spreadsheet. “Mr. Andrews, leave my office.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Does this mean I’m not getting your recommendation?”

“Figure that one out for yourself.”

He slinks out of my office with his tail between his legs.

I sit down at my desk, return several phone calls, and then…

I check the Lustr website.

Chapter Seven

Amanda

Lunch. Lunch with Jackson.

He texted me, wants me to meet him for sushi at one of our favorite dive sushi bars. I haven’t checked my Lustr account again. The thought is kind of daunting. And now? I have to meet Jackson for lunch, so Lustr will have to wait.

I take the subway, and when I reach the sushi bar, Jackson hasn’t arrived yet. I find a seat at the bar next to a single woman who is finishing up. I figure she’ll be done by the time Jack gets here.

“What can I get you?” one of the chefs asks me.

“Salmon skin roll and a dragon roll, please. Plus an order of nigiri unagi.”

“Any sake?”

“No, thank you. Just some water will be fine.”

I don’t drink during the day. That’s not exactly true. I don’tpreferto drink during the day.

Then the text from Jack.

Can’t make it. Something came up.

Damn it all. And I’ve already ordered. I catch the chef’s attention. “Could you make that to-go?”

“Leaving so soon?” Warm breath caresses the back of my neck.

I turn on my stool and meet the gaze of a strikingly handsome dark-haired and dark-eyed man. He seems familiar in a way, and lord, is he good-looking.

But my heart doesn’t do a flip-flop. My heart flip-flops for one man only.

“Yes,” I say. “Do you want the seat?”