A Six-Pack & a Shot at Love (Love on the Rocks #1)(10)

He gave her a wink. “I suspect we won’t be disappointed. Call it a gut instinct, but I think we’ll be impressed.” Roman couldn’t believe how beautiful she was close up and her skin, perfection. It looked soft, smooth, and he wanted to caress it and see. Jesus, this had never happened to him before.

“I’m already impressed. My God, look at these.” Garvan was staring at a few photos that had fallen from the portfolio. One was of a sunset with the shadow of a couple holding hands walking in the sand. The other was a close-up picture of a construction site as workers gathered around taking a break, their bright yellow hard hats drawing him in and then the dirt on their faces and bright white smiles as they laughed, perhaps from some joke someone told. Roman held the picture in his hand and stared at it. He used to enjoy construction work so much. It was where he’d gotten started. He was lost in thought a moment.

“Roman?” When Garvan said his name, he snapped out of it and smiled then added the picture to Venetia’s portfolio.

“Nice work, Venetia. Please stay and have lunch with us so we can make sure you’re all set for whenever you’re ready to get started.”

“Okay, Roman, and thank you.”

“I hope the salad and grilled chicken is okay. Next time, when we know what you like, we can order something else?” Garvan said to her.

“The salad is okay, and I appreciate the offer.” She smiled. Roman did, too.

“You sound like you don’t like salads,” Apollo snapped.

“What woman doesn’t like salads?” Garvan asked and smiled.

“I like them, but I heard that Carlotto’s has a delicious penne alla vodka.” She then placed her things back down.

“That’s kind of heavy for lunch, or is it because we’re paying?” Apollo asked with his arms crossed, giving her a hard stare. Obviously Venetia’s refusal to allow their brother to boss her around had gotten under her skin.

“I’ll pay for my salad. I always pay my own way,” she replied to him.

“You eat like that all the time for lunch?” Apollo asked her.

“Fast metabolism?” Garvan asked before she could reply.

“Intense workout regimen,” she said and held the portfolio against her chest.

Roman gazed over her body and could tell the woman was super fit.

“That’s important for your health,” he told her as his brothers seemed to just stare at her, undressing her with their eyes.

“Helps with stress, too,” she said, and then Lisa came in.

“The food will be here in ten minutes, and Apollo, a Clarette called and said you were supposed to meet her for lunch.”

Roman noticed the immediate angry expression on Apollo’s face, but then he quickly recovered.

“Tell her another time. I’m busy.”





Chapter 3


Venetia was heading through the lobby of the hotel, hoping to get some last-minute shots outside of the property. She was still looking for the perfect shot.

As she made her way toward the doors, a tall thin blond woman stopped her.

“Are you the photographer working for Corb Enterprise?” she asked, and of course Vin replied yes because she knew the men told numerous people she would be taking pictures. This woman looked as if she had money and might be a regular.

“Stay away from Apollo. He’s mine,” she said and gave Venetia the once-over.

Venetia was shocked, but she laughed it off.

“No problem there, honey, he isn’t my type.”

“You surely aren’t his type. He doesn’t mingle with the help, and you certainly fit the bill. It must be your body.”

Venetia didn’t know what to say. It was so inappropriate, and she felt completely uncomfortable.

“Listen, I’m not interested in him. I was hired to do a job. Who are you anyway?”

“Clarette, and he cancelled our date because of you on Monday and then again today. I think he wants you, so stay clear of him. He’s mine.”

“Well, I’m not even seeing him at the office today, so your assumptions are way off. Perhaps you should confront Mr. Corbias with this, not me. As you mentioned, I’m just the help.” She then turned to walk away.

“You better be because I’ve been working hard to land him and his brothers, too. Stay clear,” she called after her.

What a nut. Land him and his brothers? Seriously? Some women were scum just like men. She was fuming still and couldn’t understand why she was so angry. She didn’t like being used to get some bimbo off Apollo’s case. She remembered the woman’s name from the first time she was in the main office at Corb Enterprise. Apollo had a lunch date with her he had forgotten about. Maybe a booty call? He seemed angry when Lisa said the woman called, but he did say he would call her back to reschedule. Her instincts were right. Apollo liked the bimbo types out for money, and stuck-up, too. What she didn’t like, as she thought about Clarette’s appearance, was the jealous feeling she had. She couldn’t possibly be attracted to Apollo. Well, and his brothers, but she was. God, what woman wouldn’t be? They were superhot, sexy, fit as could be, and big. Like enter a room and all eyes turned to check them out. She didn’t need that. She shook the thoughts from her head. Maybe she should just get through this job and decline further work. She might be setting herself up for trouble she didn’t need right now.