Draw Me Close Read Online Free PDF Page A

as if they were in the girls’ bathroom in high school.
    And yet, what an asshole. How dare he have the nerve to appear interested in her after what he’d done. “It may have appeared that way, but there is nothing going on between us. Honestly, we don’t really get along that well.”
    â€œThat’s all just sexual tension. You need to release it. Literally .” Vanessa laughed. “But enough about that. None of my business. Let’s look at this house.”
    â€œYes,” Lindsey said. Hating that Vanessa’s comments had made her pulse speed up. The last thing she wanted was any attention from Derek. She’d been there done that. Clearly her physical reactions were like muscle memory. She had to show her body who was boss.
    Vanessa dropped her purse near the front door and looked up at the two-story entryway. “This is so gorgeous. This morning I looked over the before photos Matt took in December once more. It’s amazing what you all have done. You’ve managed to keep the original look and just make it sparkle.”
    Lindsey grinned, her discomfort over the previous ten minutes floating away with the pleasure she felt over a successful design job. “That was my exact goal. I love old houses. Love their charm, their quirks, their soul. But I like to find the perfect balance of new and old.”
    Vanessa nodded and held up her phone. “FYI, I’m recording you. Keep talking, I love what you’re saying.”
    â€œOh, okay,” Lindsey said. The knowledge made her a little nervous, but she knew it was necessary for the article.
    Vanessa continued, running her hand along the wainscoting trim that lined the wall. “It’s just lovely. What color will you stain the floors?”
    That was all it took for Lindsey to share every detail that was to come. She walked Vanessa through the living room, the kitchen, and the entire upstairs. Lindsey described in detail the plans for the upper cabinets, the island, and the fireplace mantel she planned to construct with reclaimed wood. She answered questions about Anne and Mike, realizing that Derek had really only brushed the surface of their story, allowing Lindsey to elaborate on the proposal, Anne’s blog, and how she planned to use the entire property for her special-event business.
    They made their way back to the kitchen where Vanessa stood looking out the back window toward the currently barren wheat field.
    â€œIt’s so beautiful here. The entire place just has the most romantic energy. I’m really excited to share the process through these articles.”
    â€œWe’re excited, too,” Lindsey said. “As are our readers. Many of the design choices have been made using their input. We’ve let them vote on finishings, colors, even the color of the roof shingles going up now.”
    â€œWell, I think it’s going to be a really popular series for the paper. So many great angles to work with here. The house, the wedding, the blog, the relationships. It will all coincide with Anne’s articles where she will discuss how it ties into the wedding. People adore her and the blog. I just can’t wait.”
    Lindsey smiled, so excited for the potential this held for all of them.
    â€œMatt’s stopping by Anne’s this afternoon to take a photo of her and Mike together. Do you mind if I send him by here to get a few shots of the house? Readers love to see things at every stage.”
    â€œGreat. And of course he can come by. I’m sure the guys will still be here so the front door will be unlocked.”
    Lindsey and Vanessa chatted a few more minutes on the porch and then finally the journalist got in her car and left. Feeling content with how the tour went and what Vanessa’s plans for the feature was, Lindsey headed to her own vehicle on the other side of the van.
    She stopped in her tracks when she found Derek waiting for her. His back rested against