Read Up to Date (Better Date than Never Book 8) for Free Online

shirt that stretched across his muscular chest and a pair of khaki shorts that showed off his strong runner’s legs. He looked hot. Absolutely hot.
    No, Ginger. A professional decorator would not focus on how gorgeous her client looked. She’d care about the project. I cleared my throat. “Good evening.”
    His mouth twitched. “Good evening, yourself.”
    Oh, man. Did he have to sound so adorable when he greeted me?
    Tightening my sketchpad in my hand, I said, “I appreciate you letting me come on such short notice. Jenna’s on a deadline and we need the consultation before I can get to work on the project.”
    He leaned against the door, holding his new kitten in one hand. “Decided to forego your nightly run?”
    I twisted my dark hair around my finger, noting how he’d veered away from a business topic. I also noticed how cute he looked holding that kitten, but I restrained from petting her since I was only here to work. “This first meeting is important. You paid a lot of money for my decorating services and I plan do the best job possible. On behalf of the charity, of course.”
    There. Back on track.
    He held the door wide. “Let’s get to it then. Would you like a drink? Soda, iced-tea, juice?”
    My throat did feel parched and professionals needed to stay hydrated, right? “I’d love some water. Thanks.”
    I went inside, the smell of fresh paint wafting up my nose. White walls, new beige carpet, and an open floor plan. This was going to be fun.
    “We need to discuss your expectations first and then your budget,” I said, following him into the kitchen. Light speckled granite countertops. Dark cabinets. Stainless steel appliances. This had cost some money and everything looked brand new. “You did the kitchen yourself?”
    “Housewarming gift from my mom.” He pressed a glass to the water dispenser on his fridge with one hand, while still holding the gray kitten in his other. “She had it done last week after I closed escrow.”
    “It’s beautiful.” His mom must be very generous. My parents hadn’t even sent flowers when I’d moved into the condo downstairs. It’s not like I’d purchased it, but I’d made the place my home so that should count for something. “I assume you don’t want anything changed in here?”
    “You tell me.” He set the glass on the counter next to me. “I’m a doctor, not a decorator.”
    “I’m actually an office manager.” I figured we should clear the air about that right away. I lifted the glass and took a sip, the cool liquid feeling like heaven as it rolled down my throat. “Until now I’ve been decorating as a hobby, mostly for myself. But I’ve helped out quite a bit with my friend’s remodel.”
    He leaned onto the counter, the kitten making a soft mew before she started batting at a pencil on the countertop. “I’m honored to be your first official client.”
    Twisting my hair, I lifted my lashes. “I hope you’re not too disappointed in my pathetic credentials. I know how much money you paid at the auction and I don’t want you to feel you’ve been cheated in any way.”
    He straightened. “I didn’t place the bid expecting an extensive résumé.”
    Thus came the nagging question that burned my brain. “Why did you, then?”
    If the answer was what I suspected, I’d have to make it clear that this remodel would only be about business. I certainly didn’t want him to think he had a chance at more than friendship with me.
    His expression grew serious. “I bid on your item for one specific reason. The photos you framed and displayed on the auction table? The ‘before’ picture showed a sterile environment that had all of the makings of a house, but wasn’t a home. It didn’t have heart.”
    My hand slipped, my glass bumping against the counter with a clank . He’d just described the exact feeling I’d had when I rented the unit.
    “Your ‘after’ picture showed a place that had been transformed, filled with colors and