Exposed: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 5) Read Free Page A

at me. “I do my research when I find something that interests me.”
    I realize Nika knows Krista and Robin are some of my favorite designers, and I send her a quick glare. She raises her eyebrows and takes a sip of wine. My boss has been matchmaking. I taunt back. “So you’re interested in fashion now?” I lift my glass to drink more wine and realize I’m almost done with my second glass. It’s a good thing we usually have our meeting with coffee, because I doubled my alcohol intake tonight. My slightly drunk state explains why I can’t keep my eyes off the attractive man across from me. Because I think I’ve got a new interest, too.
    “The business of it, yes. Tell me, why aren’t you pursuing your creative career?”
    I shrug. I do miss designing, but putting it on hold for a job that pays me well has been fine. However, Neal’s question makes me wonder just how fine it is. “It wasn’t going so well. I’m not good at getting my clothes in retail shops. It requires someone who’s willing to be extroverted, and that’s not me.”
    “Sounds to me like you need a partner.”
    I snort. “Yeah, well, that might be a plan if I made money. Not many people want to work for nothing.”
    “If you found the right partner, you’d make money. Your job would be to create the fabulous product, while someone else got it seen by the right eyes.”
    I down the last of my wine and say, “That would be a dream come true.”
    Christian grins and says, “I couldn’t have led into our meeting any better. Nice one, Neal.”
    I glance at three smiling faces. “I think I’ve been set up.”
    Nika and I stand and gather things to clear the table. She says, “Not really. Earlier we got talking about plans for the Vail and Aspen stores, and Neal came up with an interesting idea. I think you’re going to like it.”
    Water rushes as I rinse plates for the dishwasher. The aroma of dark roast coffee floats to me as beans crunch in the grinder Nika operates. By the time we finish cleaning the kitchen, hot liquid has finished dripping into the pot.
    Everyone helps themselves to coffee, and we gather in the living room for our meeting. I say, “Okay, before we go over the usual, someone better enlighten me about the great idea.”
    Nika’s practically bouncing as she begins to speak. “Vail and Aspen are ripe with little indie-based boutiques. We think we should have a Ruby Raines shop connected to Rhinestone Cowgirl in both locations.” Her hands move as she speaks, and I notice Christian discreetly move her mug out of the way.
    “Christian and I could partner with you, or—” Nika turns away from me to look at Neal on the couch that faces mine. “Neal could be your partner, and we keep it as two businesses.”
    Neal as my partner? Oh, man. “I. Um, I’m not sure what to say.” Judging by his track record, he would make me a success, but… Yeah, oh boy.
    Christian says, “You can also stay solo, and Nika and I would help you. Whatever you feel most comfortable doing. But I’ve got to tell you, I think this idea is brilliant.” He slurps hot coffee.
    I take a deep breath because I’m overwhelmed. “My first concern is getting too big. I haven’t had much luck finding good help that sews well and wants to come to work.”
    Neal says, “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but hiring and keeping good employees is hard, and perhaps you just didn’t have enough experience.”
    I chuckle. “I’m not taking that the wrong way. I know I didn’t have a clue. Being Rhinestone Cowgirl’s manager has taught me a few things, and I’m probably better now, but it’s still a worry.”
    Nika says, “So if we can figure out your production problem, would you consider it?”
    I envision a small shop space full of just my designs, and a smile forms on my face. The fantasy is definitely appealing, but the business side scares me. “I will.”
    While I have no doubt Christian and Nika would be great partners, I have to