Read Gorgeous Consort for Free Online Page B

balls.”
    “You wouldn’t dare.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “You would be doing a disservice to all the women in Manhattan.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Like any women have seen your balls…”
    I bypassed her comment. “You want to be the first?”
    She gave me an annoyed look that clearly said, “Go to hell.”
    I chuckled. “What are you doing?”
    “Eating,” she snapped. “What does it look like I’m doing?”
    “Alone?” I asked. “Don’t have many friends, huh?” A teasing tone was in my voice.
    “I’m on my lunch break,” she said. “And I’m too hungry to wait until I get my food to the office.”
    “What do you do anyway?” I asked. It never came up so I didn’t have a clue.
    “Interior decorator.”
    “I didn’t know that,” I blurted.
    “That’s probably why you asked…” Sarcasm was in her voice.
    “That’s pretty cool,” I said sincerely.
    “Yeah?” Distrust was in her eyes, like I was about to make a joke.
    “Yeah,” I said.
    The worker came over with my bag of food. “Here you are, man.”
    “Thanks.” I grabbed it and set it down. “Since you don’t have any friends, can I join you? I feel bad making you eat here all by yourself.”
    “How sweet of you,” she said sarcastically.
    I moved into the seat across the table and devoured my food. “This place has the best burger ever.”
    “A cheap diner?” she asked incredulously. “You really need to try the upscale restaurants here.”
    “Too snooty for me.” I grabbed my burger with both hands as I shoved it into my mouth.
    She watched me eat, a disgusted look on her face. “Did your parents not teach you any table manners?”
    “At least they taught me not to stare.”
    She rolled her eyes then returned her gaze to her magazine. Then she picked at the fries on her plate.
    We sat in comfortable silence. I ate while I watched her across the table. I noted the curve of her lips, the quality that always got my attention. Her upper lip reminded me of the curve of a bow. They looked so soft and full. I had the distinct feeling she was a good kisser. Too bad I would never know.
    “Look who has a staring problem now.” She kept flipping through her magazine without directly looking at me.
    “What else am I supposed to look at?”
    She tossed a magazine at me. Home and Whole.
    I cocked an eyebrow. “If it’s not Playboy or Maxim , I’m not reading it.” I didn’t subscribe or read either one of those magazines, but she didn’t need to know that.
    “Maybe you should branch out a little bit. Just some friendly advice…”
    I grabbed her magazine out of her hand then put it down. “How about you talk to your guest instead of ignoring him?”
    “You’re the one who sat down uninvited.”
    “No, I asked if I could join you.”
    “And what did I say?” she challenged.
    Actually, she didn’t say anything. But I wouldn’t admit I knew that. “How long have you been a designer?”
    “A few years,” she said. “My business didn’t take off until the past year, however.”
    “You have your own office and everything?” I asked in amazement.
    “Yeah.” She looked at me like I was the first person to show any interest in her profession. She was practically on guard, waiting for me to take a jab. “You really think that’s cool?”
    “Why wouldn’t I?” I asked seriously. “Opening up any kind of business is hard in Manhattan. The fact you did it is totally badass.”
    Emotion overcame her face and she didn’t try to hide it. She seemed to be in shock, floored by the words coming out of my mouth. She suddenly stiffened then looked down at her hands, like she was remembering something.
    What did I say…?
    It reminded me of Nate and every other person I helped. She just wanted to be loved and accepted like everyone else. “Well, I think it’s really cool. You shouldn’t care what they think because they’re obviously idiots. You’re badass, Harper. And really hot.”
    She gave me a