Free Hopeless Vows by Rachael Duncan Page B

start to fade in the distance as we drive on. I was told they’d want to attach a small camera to the window to film me on the way there, but I don’t have time to wait for them to get permission and set up everything. I’m sure I’ll hear about this later, but I don’t give a shit. I told Austin I’d meet him at the first place the realtor wanted to show us at 5:30. Looking at my watch, it’s already 6. Dammit, I hate being late. I send a quick text to Austin.
    Me: I’m so so sorry. I’m on my way right now. See you in 15.
    His response is immediate, no doubt looking at his phone every few seconds now that I’m thirty minutes late.
    Austin: No worries. Be careful.
    It was surprising how fast he was able to book us an appointment for some showings. Maybe the production team has something to do with it to move us along.
    I slide my phone back in my bag and lay my head on the headrest. I had every intention of being out of work by five o’clock. I busted my ass catching up on all I’ve missed and getting my latest article to Mrs. Van der Boor. Of course, it wasn’t good enough the first time, and I was told I couldn’t leave until I had the edited version on her desk. With it being fifteen minutes until five, I knew my chances of getting out of there on time were slim to none.
    Not a minute too soon, we pull in front of an impressive, high-rise building. I swallow hard, knowing something like this is definitely way out of my price range. I know we said fifty-fifty split, but I doubt I can cover my half of a place like this in Manhattan.
    After giving the cab driver some money, I climb out of the taxi and make my way up the front stairs where I’m met by a doorman. “Good evening, ma’am,” he says with a tip of his hat as he opens the door.
    “Good evening.” Rushing through, I immediately spot Austin. He looks delicious in his gray slacks and blue buttoned up dress shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbow, showing off his sexy tattoos. Seeing him standing there waiting for me, makes me realize I’ve actually missed him a little today. We spent every moment together for two weeks, so you’d think I’d be sick of him, but it’s the opposite.
    “Hey, gorgeous, you made it,” he greets me with a smile. He pulls me in for a hug and gives me a kiss. I’m not sure if he meant for it to be a quick “hello” kiss, but it quickly turns into more. My lips are hungry for his, devouring them like they’re my last meal. My mouth parts slightly and his tongue slips inside. But before I can deepen the kiss, we’re interrupted by a throat clearing. That’s when I realize we’re hardcore making out like a couple of teenagers in the lobby of this swanky apartment building.
    My cheeks redden in embarrassment as I put some distance between us. I chance a glance at Austin, and what I see has me grinning from ear to ear. He’s breathless, staring at me with desire-filled eyes as he adjusts his pants. Good, at least I’m not the only one affected.
    Turning to face our agent, which I have yet to utter a word to, my face almost crashes into one of the cameramen. Awesome. Looks like he was getting an up close and personal view of our moment together. With a sigh, I refocus my attention.
    “Forgive my rudeness. I’m Jillian.” I extend my hand out to her.
    It could be my imagination, but I swear she glares at me. I’m not sure if it’s for my tardiness, or my uncharacteristic display. Either way, I’m not getting a good vibe from this chick and it’s putting me on edge. “Chloe Rogers. As I was explaining to Austin moments ago, there are a few nice sized floor plans for you to choose from. I’ll be showing you the model, which is the mid-sized home. If you’d like something bigger, or feel it’s too much space, let me know and we can go from there.”
    “Okay, sounds good.”
    It doesn’t escape my attention the way she glances at Austin before she turns on her heel and sashays her ass to the elevator.