The Revolution by S.L. Scott Page B

me anyway and I’m not sure if I should be getting naked with a client.” I wink as we open the pocket doors. They stick a bit. “I’ll have someone check on these doors. They should glide smoother.”
    “Will they have to be replaced?”
    “No, they’re great quality. Just in need of an oil.” I step outside and follow a path that leads to the pool. Just beyond the pool I see a cave-like area hidden by the waterfall feature. “What’s back there?”
    “The grotto with the hot tub.”
    “You have a grotto?” I ask, insinuating everything. “How very Hugh Hefner of you.”
    “The man is ninety and he’s still got game—”
    “So you’re thinking the secret to his sexual success is his grotto?”
    “Figure it won’t hurt.”
    I can’t help but smile, peeking back at him as I walk up the path. “Nope, it can’t hurt. Have you ever been to the Playboy Mansion?”
    “I’ve partied there a time or two.”
    “I went a few months ago. Apparently some of the Playmates are fans of my ex.”
    “I heard he plays pro baseball.” He sits on a large rock near the grotto while I look inside. “How long did you date?”
    “Six months or so.”
    “Not serious then?”
    I’m flattered he’s so interested in getting to know me better. Inside the grotto, I lean back on a short wall made of rock. Reflecting on that state of affairs. “I’m not sure what it was anymore.”
    Kaz sits down on the opposite side, the hot tub dividing us. His voice goes quieter when he asks, “Did you love him?”
    I finally look up. “I think this conversation is too heavy for a Wednesday.”
    He nods, not saying anything else. Slowly he gets up and I watch him go inside. I stay a few minutes longer liking the solitude of the cave. No wonder Hefner always scored. Grottos are the way to go. Beyond the sex appeal of the intimate space, it’s peaceful. I go inside to find Lane talking to Kaz and Tommy. They’re getting along, which is good, but I know I’m going to hear more than an earful once we leave. I’m just wondering if that earful will be good or bad.
    I grab my phone out of my bag to check emails and find I’ve missed two calls from Mark. Ugh! I really don’t want to deal with him anymore, but I’m going to have to get my things sometime, and sooner is probably better than dragging it out and getting it later.
    “Did you get the measurements, Lane?” I ask, joining the group in the kitchen.
    “I did. And I got the two other spaces. Kaz said he wants to go ahead and get those done at the same time.”
    Kaz adds, “Makes sense to get it all done from the beginning.” With his eyes on me, he leans against the counter, looking relaxed. “When do you think you’ll have the preliminary designs Lane mentioned?”
    “I sent you an email this morning with the questions. Once you fill it out, we can meet and go over your answers. The design part will begin after that.”
    “I’ll work on it tonight. Unless, of course, I get caught up in something else.”
    Not subtle. To anyone.
    I swear my body reacts like a whore to his voice. “Caught up happens sometimes.”
    Lane whispers so everyone can hear him, “I think he means you, Lara. I think he means caught up in you.”
    My eyes dart to Lane’s, and I scowl. With a bop to his arm, my sarcasm drips with laughter. “Yeah, got it. Thanks.”
    Tommy rolls his eyes and heads for the door. “I’m gonna go. Your sexual innuendoes to each other aren’t really innuendoes. I got the hint.”
    Kaz follows him. “Yeah, okay. We’ll talk later.”
    Talking to me, Kaz asks, “Can you stay?”
    Lane answers before I can reply, “Yes, we both can.”
    Kaz and I shoot Lane a surprised glare. He huffs. “Fine. I’ll leave so you guys can get it on.”
    “Lane! We’re not going to ‘get it on.’ We’re discussing business.” I’m not sure he believes me since my arms are waving around wildly. “And decorating stuff.”
    “Stuff?” Lane asks, his face contorting.