2. Rose
ROSE
Sliding out of my white Mercedes GLC with brown leather seats (a girl can still like expensive things) into the damp, post-rain air of Upstate New York, I am speechless for the first time in my life.
Not because there is mud all over my previously pristine white SUV that, until today, had never been outside of the city, let alone on dirt, not because I am surrounded by the sheer power and beauty of the dense forest around me, and not even the enormous all black Victorian-style mansion I have the hope of designing, but because of a man…
a shirtless man, working on installing something on the side of the front door… a doorbell camera perhaps?
With dark brown hair, which looks almost black due to sweat, muscles chiseled across his dark tan skin, where I didn’t even realize back muscles could exist, and almost every inch of skin covered in tattoos, a large Grim Reaper is taking up most of the middle of his back.
He wears black denim jeans that are essentially painted on to the most muscular legs I have ever seen, like tree trunks to match the woods around me.
All culminating in worn tan leather work boots covered in the same mud now on my tires.
A girl could get used to this view. If the front of him is anything like the view from the back, I’ll need to get used to schooling my facial features when I’m around this man.
It’s like my every dark fantasy has come to life, tattoos and all.
He even has faint scars I can see under some of the inked designs that just add to his allure.
I’m desperate to know every secret and story each of those scars holds.
Well, now I feel quite overdressed, and I thought my outfit was going to feel extremely casual compared to the typical bland dress code of Franklin & Sons.
I have on a pair of flowy wide-leg black linen pants with a tasteful but chic cropped forest-green silk V-neck top that meets the high waist of my pants with strappy gold platform sandals—which I’m now rethinking, considering I’m standing in mud.
A stack of gold bangle bracelets and my signature gold rings across multiple fingers highlight my matte-black almond-shaped nails.
I even curled my hair today, which is saying a lot, considering I’ve barely gotten fully dressed in weeks.
I’ve been wallowing in self-pity since I haven’t been able to land a client since I quit. But today is a new day.
I’m assuming this is the contractor I was recommended by for this project.
I had never worked with someone from Precision Builders even though my client said they got my information from them.
I was thankful for the recommendation, regardless of how it happened, because this was my chance at a fresh start and to take control of my future.
Come to think of it, I never actually spoke to anyone over the phone about this project.
All conversation was over email, which I guess isn’t that uncommon these days.
I honestly hate talking on the phone, so email or text is always preferred.
“Hello?”
Maybe I should’ve verified more information about the client before driving out to the middle of nowhere alone. Or told someone where I was going even though the only people who would notice I’m missing are my doorman and my food delivery guy.
“Excuse me, miss?”
But really, what’s the worst that could happen? He’s a serial killer? Unlikely. Especially not with a body like…
“Can I help you?”
My eyes snap up to see the sweat-soaked stranger looking at me with the darkest green eyes I have ever seen and frustration on his face.
Clearly, that wasn’t the first time he tried to get my attention.
Well, this is awkward. I have been caught blatantly checking out the contractor and still haven’t said anything.
Speak, Ro, use your words. You know a lot of them. Just pick one.
“Hi.” Brilliant. You’re a regular Shakespearean. He’s dazzled, I’m sure.
The small smirk on his face and slight raise of his eyebrow sends a tingle down my spine.
My eyes continue to gawk at his beautiful face with its five o’clock shadow.
I would guess he is somewhere in his late thirties or early forties, and I detect a slight accent of some kind that I can’t quite place.
My eyes trace the path of a single bead of sweat slowly making its way down his neck, over his sexy collarbones (can collarbones even be sexy?), coasting over his chest, lightly dusted with dark brown hair, to his rock-hard abs—is that an 8-pack?
—to the perfectly sculpted V of his hip muscles and down into his…
“You must be Rose. I thought you were supposed to arrive an hour ago.” I sense some impatience.
“Huh?” Another masterpiece of linguistic intelligence, Ro. Keep it up.
“Are you from Franklin & Sons?” the contractor continues.
“Yeah, sorry, I was. I mean, yes, I am. Wait, sorry, no, I’m not.
” Get it together, Ro! “I’m Rose Lusso, the owner of Lusso Designs, but you can call me Ro.
Apologies for being late, but the property was difficult to find.
Do you know if the owner is here? I’d love to get started with the walkthrough since I’m already running behind and have to make it back into town for the evening.
There is no way I’ll be able to find my way out of here in the dark. ”
That smirk again. Does he know the effect that small gesture has on a woman? A single adult woman like myself? A single adult woman who hasn’t been on a date in… three, no, four years? Yikes. Who am I kidding? Of course he knows…I mean, look at him.
“Actually, I’m Dante, the owner. I got your information from the owner of Precision Builders.
You come highly recommended. Although I thought you were with Franklin & Sons?
I wasn’t aware you moved firms when I inquired about hiring you.
I heard Franklin & Sons was the best design firm in the city and specializes in the type of style and aesthetic I’m looking for in my home. ”
Shit. Shit. Shit. Stay cool, you can handle this.
Just calmly explain you left Franklin & Sons amicably, and you have nothing but nice things to say about the company and fellow designers.
You just felt it was best for your career to pursue a new path.
Explain your experience and convey confidence in your ability to accomplish this project above his expectations and under budget.
“I left the pricks at Franklin & Sons because they refused to make a female designer partner, and I couldn’t take it anymore.”
Perfect, Ro. Way to make a memorable first impression. You really nailed the part about your experience and professionalism. Now say your goodbyes, climb back in your muddy car, and drive away before you word vomit anything else unprofessional at the only client inquiry you’ve had in three months.
“You know what? I'd better just leave. I appreciate your time and apologize again for arriving late. I can recommend a few other designers who might fit your needs more appropriately,” I ramble in an effort to end this moment of complete embarrassment.
“And what exactly do you think my needs are, Rose?” Dante drags my name out to sound like it has more than just one syllable. And did his voice just get deeper? And there’s that eyebrow again, rising the slightest bit to convey his displeasure, or is that a hint of challenge in his expression?
“It’s just Ro, actually. And if you are looking for the type of bland, cookie-cutter work Franklin & Sons delivers, then I will have to decline this project.
” Okay, maybe I need to dial back the sass a bit if I want to land this job.
Or I don’t know…stop saying I’m going to leave?
It’s just so hard when he seems to push all my buttons in a matter of a few minutes in his presence. It’s unnerving.
A low rumble emanates from Dante’s throat as he is clearly struggling to keep his composure.
Wait, did he just growl at me? Like, actually growl?
Who does that? And can a voice sound dark?
Is that a thing? I could swear his eyes are almost black with how dilated his pupils have become.
I can barely see the dark forest green of his irises.
“I’m sorry, that was rude of me,” I quickly say to cover up my trepidation.
“I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. How about we start over from the beginning?” Clearing my throat, I start my introduction fresh and with as little sass as I can manage.
“Hi, I’m Rose Lusso from Lusso Designs. You must be the lucky owner of this gorgeous home and definitely not the contractor.
Apologies for my late arrival. I had not factored in the remote nature of this location.
I’d love to do a walkthrough of the property with you to get a sense of the space and layout.
I’d also love to chat about your taste and style so we can determine if this will be a good working relationship to pursue.
For both of us.” And only a working relationship, Ro.
I have never mixed business with pleasure before, and I’m not about to start now.
No matter how deliciously hot the client is.
Silence. He’s just staring at me with those brooding dark eyes and a tilt of his head as if I’m a puzzle he can’t solve.
“Shall we get started inside?” I sputter and hurry to fill the silence, “Or would you prefer to start with the exterior and landscaping?” I look around, trying to determine the best course of action to get this doomed walkthrough moving.
I swear I can see his jaw clench from here as if he is willing patience into his entire body.