Marrying Mr. Wrong (Dirty Martini Running Club #3) - Claire Kingsley Page 0,13

reaching for a chair, but teetered on her heels like she was about to fall.

I quickly moved in and grabbed her elbow to steady her.

That put me close enough to smell her hair and it took a supreme effort of willpower to keep from visibly sniffing her. God, she smelled good.

It made me wonder what she tasted like.

“Nice to see you again,” I said.

A pink flush hit her cheeks and she slowly lifted her eyes, looking at me through thick lashes. “Hi. I mean, you too.”

“You know each other?” Calloway asked, a hint of suspicion in his tone.

Sophie pulled her arm away and wobbled on her heels again but managed to get herself into her chair. “Yes. I mean, no. We sort of ran into each other last weekend. It wasn’t a big deal.”

I loved that I’d flustered her, and I couldn’t help but bring to mind the sight of her hanging off that balcony. “I merely helped her out of a precarious situation.”

Calloway eyed me as I took my seat but didn’t ask any more questions.

Was he protective of her? Why?

And once again, why did I care?

I needed to focus on why I was here. I had far too much riding on this project to let a woman—even one who smelled that good—get in my head.

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”

“I assume we’re here to talk about the Skyline project,” he said.

“You did your research.”

He nodded once.

Sophie quietly produced a notebook and pen out of her handbag and sat poised to take notes. Her gaze was on the table, not on me, but I caught her eyes lifting for a quick peek before she looked down again.

Sophie Abbott. Why was that name tickling at my memory?

I cleared my throat and slid a packet with the project specs across the table. “The Skyline project follows the lead of Lincoln Square in Bellevue, only we’re taking it further. Three buildings connected by skybridges, with a mix of condominiums, a high-end hotel, and retail and restaurant space. We’ve already secured the land and permitting is in process.”

Calloway thumbed through the papers. “What’s the timeline?”

“A conservative estimate is two years to opening. But it could be faster. The city is being unusually cooperative because of the potential for tax revenue. This neighborhood is in serious need of revitalization. Skyline would change everything in a five-block radius at least. And phase two would include affordable housing options.”

“The design looks good.” He flipped to another page. “Modern without being garish.”

“Exactly. We’re going for classic and sophisticated. A place people want to frequent.”

I waited, my eyes straying to Sophie, while Calloway looked through the information I’d provided. Her dress crisscrossed her chest, dipping low in the center, revealing smooth skin. What would it feel like to bury my face in those tits? Hike up that dress and grab her ass while she sank down on my cock? A tendril of blond hair brushed the side of her neck. I wanted to curl it around my finger while I licked her neck and bit—

“What’s the story with Dominic Coates?”

Calloway’s voice jolted me back to reality. I liked his directness. He could have asked why I was looking for new investors at this stage, but we both knew. He didn’t need to beat around the bush. “You’ve done your research, so I assume you saw the press coverage.”

“I did, but press coverage is usually bullshit.”

“True, although what they reported was correct. Apparently he had an affinity for snorting drugs off hookers’ asses. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have partnered with him to begin with.”

Calloway met my eyes. “You wouldn’t have?”

That was a surprising question. What the fuck did he care if I did business with a piece of shit who paid for sex? “If you have any concerns about me, I can assure you that’s not how I spend my free time.”

“Who I associate with matters.” His eyes bored into me, sizing me up. “And not just because of the money.”

Interesting. A man of both wealth and principle. “Agreed, which is why I called you.”

“This has potential,” he said, closing the folder. “Revitalization, job creation, not to mention the real estate’s increase in value when the project is complete. I need to do more research, but I’m interested.”

I let a small smile steal across my lips. “Excellent. My office can provide you with anything you need.”

“Good.” He turned toward Sophie. “Put a note in my calendar to follow up on the Skyline project next