“I hope we don’t have to wait for another shot,” his dad interjected. “I’ve got a good feeling about this development and know we can deliver what you want, on time and on budget, and better than any of our competitors. I pride myself on my reputation.” Ross nodded. “Now if you two will excuse me for a minute, I need to make a quick call. Son, I’ll meet you back here in a few. Wade, you have a good day.”
Ross shook Wade’s hand and meandered about fifteen feet away, phone at his ear.
Trip heard the click of Kelsey’s heels tapping against the marble lobby floor before he saw her crossing to the concierge desk. He had to bite his tongue to keep from whistling.
Snug blue dress, cut high and low in all the right places. Cute shoes that showed off the red polish on her toenails. Dangling earrings calling attention to that nice spot along her neck. His only quibble with her appearance this afternoon would be the fact that she’d tied up all that awesome hair in some kind of knot. He much preferred when her mass of golden curls hung loose, like they had when he’d bumped into her this morning.
“Looks like my next appointment has arrived a few minutes early,” Wade said, standing to greet her.
Trip stood, too, and noticed Kelsey flashing Wade a gigantic smile and flirty wave. If she was surprised to find him with Trip, she hid it well. However, her smile faded a bit when she acknowledged Trip’s presence with a slight nod.
“Wade,” she began, laying a hand on Wade’s forearm, “I’m so excited to show you two of these properties today.”
“You’ve got another project in mind?” Trip asked Wade, his gut burning once more.
“I’m thinking about buying a vacation home.” Wade grinned congenially at both Trip and Kelsey while rocking back on his heels.
“Why not take up in one of the luxury condos you’re building?” Trip asked, hoping his sarcasm hadn’t quite registered with Wade. Seriously, how much shit did one guy need to own?
“I think it’s best to put some distance between myself and the future condo association. Plus, Kelsey here has piqued my interest in looking for a unique vacation home.”
“Not just a unique one,” Kelsey said, using her eyes to enhance the come-hither smile on her lips. “The perfect one. Something in a prime location. Something cozy. Something special. And I think I’ve got just the place.”
“Well, Kelsey, I can’t wait to see what you’ve got.” Wade winked, but based on his brotherly demeanor, Trip felt sure he didn’t intend the double meaning that immediately popped into Trip’s head.
Meanwhile, Kelsey was putting on quite a display for Wade throughout the conversation. She stood a tad too close to him, touched her hair and her collarbone flirtatiously, and licked her lips once, too. If Wade didn’t have a hard-on yet, he was gay or impotent.
What did Kelsey see in Wade, Trip wondered? The guy was at least a decade older than her and not very charismatic. He wasn’t bad looking, but he wasn’t exactly handsome. Average height, average build, dark blond hair, nothing distinguishing about his face except perhaps a strong-looking nose.
Sure, the guy seemed friendly, but that didn’t seem like enough to capture the interest of a woman like Kelsey. Normally he might suspect Wade’s “bucks deluxe” of being the big fascination, but Kelsey had never struck him as a gold digger. He’d seen his fair share of those in Denver, including his brother’s wife. Yet another reason he never spoke of or pulled from his trust fund. At least he knew the women he’d been with had been interested in him, not his wallet.
Wade’s phone rang, so he excused himself for a minute and stepped a few feet away. Trip noted Kelsey’s gaze following Wade.
“You’re trying too hard,” Trip whispered to Kelsey, while crossing his arms over his chest.
Kelsey stuffed the real estate listings back into her portfolio. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, yeah, you do.” Trip chuckled. “You’re coming on too strong. Trust me, it’s only going to send him running in the opposite direction.”
She scowled. “Well, you would know about running.”
“I know about men. And men like to hunt, not be hunted.” When she tilted her head in response, a little curl of hair fell out of that knot. Instead of twisting it around his finger like he wanted, Trip kept his hands locked beneath his armpits. “You want Wade’s attention? Quit being so obvious about the fact you like him. Make him come to you.”