A Six-Pack & a Shot at Love (Love on the Rocks #1)(7)

“So is the answer no in accepting a ride with me when I’ve chosen you out of all those puppy dogs following me? Perhaps I just wanted to get to know you?” he asked, gave her a wink, and stared down into her eyes intently.

She didn’t like the way he said he’d chosen her. It sounded like Conan, like a man who was accustomed to getting what he wanted. What about what she wanted? What any woman wanted? Respect, compassion, commitment, understanding, love, or just good old honesty?

“You chose me, and did you just refer to me as a puppy dog?”

He chuckled. “No,” he said very seriously as he looked her body over, which, again, had some sort of an effect on her she wasn’t willing to accept.

“Definitely not referring to you as a puppy dog.” He smirked.

She stepped away from the bar and gave him another once-over.

“Save it for the bimbos. I’m not even your type at all.” She went to move, and he stopped her.

“Not my type?”

She gazed over his body as he had done to her. She hadn’t expected his eyes to widen as though he was completely shocked that she hadn’t thrown herself at him.

“A woman with class and not a slut out to land some rich guy who only cares about getting laid. Good luck, buddy.” She walked away. She could hear his friends laughing, and as she headed toward the other side of the room, she found herself glancing over her shoulder. Sure as shit, the man was in a dead stare with her. She’d insulted him, pissed him off, and put him in his place. She felt a little guilty, and her gut clenched. That had been her problem with Conan. She had been a pushover and a woman who feared standing her ground. She shouldn’t care about this stuck-up rich dude she would never see again. Screw him and the fact that he thought he had a chance with her. That he assumed she would jump at the opportunity to go for a ride in his fancy sports car. Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it. No, thank you. I learn from my mistakes.

Men sucked, and she would never let down her guard, no matter how fine or attracted she was to a man. If that ever even happened again.





Venetia organized her portfolio and sent along a PowerPoint presentation of all her work, including her recent accomplishments photographing a new senior living facility in an upscale area in town. She’d also helped the videographer create the commercial video presented to the owners of the condominium facility that they used to showcase the property and living quarters. When she arrived at the offices of Corb Enterprise, she felt excited and anxious. Louisa had an aunt who knew someone who worked for the company, and when they were investigating potential photography firms, she had recommended Venetia. Before the owners accepted seeing her in person to discuss the possibility of being hired, she had been required to send along the portfolio of work she had done.

She included her logo, a large V. Her original idea was to have her name in the center of the V, but that would be too risky. Venetia wasn’t a common name, and Conan could find her if she were to slip up like that. It was done in a fancy design she had created. She was a bit nervous because all her other jobs thus far were nothing in comparison to this potential one. This was completely out of her comfort zone, but it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. After talking to her friends and Cena, getting their vote of confidence, she decided she had nothing to lose and went for it anyway.

She was starting to think that maybe Conan was right and she wouldn’t make it on her own without his control and backing, but then she’d gotten this call. It was a potential lifesaver, considering jobs she got were few and far between, and to get that condo gig she had to lower her bid by twenty thousand dollars, but she hoped it would get her name out there.

She walked toward the reception desk, noticing how very modern and fancy it was. An older woman greeted her. “Miss Lockatelli?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She smiled.

“Mr. Corbias is waiting to meet with you. Wait here a moment, please.” She picked up the phone and told the person on the other line that she’d arrived. A few seconds later, an older blond woman greeted her. Her eyes gazed over Venetia from head to toe, and then she smiled wide.

“Nice,” she said, and Venetia felt a little uncomfortable.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, sorry. You’re not what I expected.”

“Come again?” she asked.

“Your portfolio and personal résumé didn’t show any pictures of you. Though your work is so impressive. Most people would paste a large picture of themselves on the front. I should have known when Louisa’s aunt recommended you that you would be more reserved. How is she doing?”

“Oh, she’s doing great. I didn’t know who it was that Louisa and her aunt knew here. Thank you for the opportunity.”

“Oh, I only helped get your foot in the door. Now you need to sell your abilities to the Corbias brothers.”

“Brothers?” she asked as the older woman opened the door to a large meeting room with a wide flat-screen TV and everything one might need to present.

When her eyes landed on a tall man with dark hair wearing a dress shirt and facing away from her, she swallowed hard.

“Good luck,” Lisa whispered. “Mr. Corbias, the photographer has arrived. Are your brothers coming down?”

He turned around, and she felt the color drain from her face. The guy with the Lamborghini. Holy shit.