“I don’t think so.”
“Why? Am I too unattractive for you?” he asks teasingly. A guy like him knows he’s good-looking, and he definitely knows how to use it to his advantage.
“Yes, Brandon. That’s it.” I laugh and close my government book, then stash it in my bag. “You are too hideous to be seen with in public. I can hardly stand sitting here with you.”
Brandon stands when I do. “How about I wear a paper bag over my head?”
My eyes narrow. “Why are you so eager to go out with me?”
My question stumps him for a moment. “Because I wasted too much time already. I couldn’t ask you out last spring because of my girlfriend.”
“Good thing for all of us.” I mutter.
“And then after we broke up, I kept thinking about you but had no idea how to track you down. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw you sitting here.”
His explanation sounds plausible.
“Come on, Caroline. Take pity on a poor guy. Say yes. It’s one date.”
I have to admit, my defenses are crumbling. He is persistent, and I admire that quality in a man.
The fact he’s cute doesn’t hurt. “Okay.”
A huge smile spreads across his face, and he pulls out his phone. “Give me your number. I’ll text you then you can text me your address so I know where to pick you up.”
Something tells me not to give it to him, but then I remember how I was lusting after Reed before Lexi showed up. Maybe I need a date to get that guy out of my head. After I tell Brandon my number, he shoves his phone in his pocket. “I’ll pick you up at seven, and we’ll go to St. Thomas Grill.”
“St. Thomas Grill?” It’s got to be the most expensive restaurant in town.
“Nothing but the best for you.” He picks up my hand and kisses my knuckles, then just as quickly drops it and bolts out the door.
What the hell just happened?
Turns out I haven’t turned my back on guys after all.
Chapter Seven
I stand outside the conference room in the dean’s office, my stomach twisting with dread. I’m not afraid to face Reed. I’m more afraid of how I’ll react.
I’m only a few minutes early because I wanted as little awkward time with Reed as possible.
When I walk in the room, everyone is present except for Renee and Wendy. Reed sits at the head of the table, tapping his fingers on the tabletop. Lexi is next to him and offers me a reserved smile as I take a seat several seats away from Reed. I plan to keep my mouth shut at this meeting, so perhaps staying physically as far away as possible will help.
The two other girls are moments behind me, and Reed wastes no time starting the meeting.
We all report on the jobs we were assigned. Wendy tells us that she has several graphic design students competing to make a logo for this year’s event. She plans to bring their final concepts to the next meeting. Lexi reports that tomorrow she plans to meet with the head of the local charity that the Monroe Foundation will make donations to. Megan announces that she’s lining up female and male models, but she’s still working on the children. She’s waiting on the design students to let her know what type of models they need.
A cold sweat dots my forehead. I’m no closer to making my designs than I was last week when Ms. Carter announced the theme. If I don’t come up with something soon, I’ll never have time to complete construction of all the garments.
“Do you care to share anything with us, Ms. Hunter, or do you plan to stare at the wall the rest of the meeting?”
Shit.
I clear my throat to give myself a moment to recover. Of course he’d call on me during the few moments I became distracted. “I’ve gotten bids from two companies for runways. We’ve used a carpet on the floor before, but our attendance has always been on the skimpy side. With the extra media and marketing push”—I glance at Wendy—“I expect we’ll see a marked increase in attendance. I think we should move up to an elevated stage so the audience will be able to see the models.”
The group nods but Reed frowns. “And what is the increase in cost?”
“Several thousand dollars but—”
“Do you make a habit of spending other people’s money so freely?”
My mouth drops. I quickly close it as I push down my billowing anger. I refuse to lose my cool this time. “I haven’t spent anyone’s money, Mr. Pendergraft. I’ve merely stated my thoughts on the matter. If you’d let me finish, I will tell you the estimated costs to set up the runway with the elevated stage and without.”
Reed sits up taller and his chin rises. “Then by all means, continue.”
I give them the estimated costs from both companies with both options.
Lexi looks around the table. “It makes sense to go with the elevated stage, if you think about it.
And with Wendy using graphic design students for the logo and banners, we’ll save money that we can use for the venue.” She glances back at Reed, as though she’s trying to convince him. “Since the Monroe Foundation has lent us their name and money, we need to make sure our presentation is quality.”
He merely stares at her with his expressionless face.
Surprisingly enough, Reed calls for a vote—score one for democracy—and the outcome is unanimous to go with the elevated stage and with the higher bid because that bidder’s stage seemed to be better constructed. Reed abstains from voting since he’s the head and the designated tiebreaker.