Face Off (D.C. Stars, #1)

by Chelsea Curto

“Stop wanting to know things about me,” I say smugly. “I’m going to think you like me, Red.” “If your ego gets any bigger, there’s not going to be any room for us in the hallway.” “You could stand closer to me, if you want.” “I think I’d rather die.” She looks down at her shoes and holds a foot up. “Should I put on flats? I don’t want to look too tall in the photos.” “Too tall?” I wrinkle my nose. “Is there such a thing as too tall? I love tall women.” “I’m definitely going to put on flats then.” “Stop.” I touch her elbow then pull back when I realize what I’m doing. “Sorry. I’m not a judge on Project Runway, so my opinion on fashion has little merit, but I like the heels. And if you like them too, who cares what anyone else thinks?” “I read your GQ article from last summer. You seemed to have a lot of thoughts on fashion,” she says, and she covers her mouth. Her eyes widen, and a pretty pink color pops up on her cheeks when she realizes what she just told me. “Shit. Pretend I never said that.” I break out into a slow grin and lean my elbow against the wall above her head. “Well, well, well. Are you reading up on me, Hartwell? Writing my name in your diary?” “I was using the photos as a dartboard. Your face was the bull’s-eye.” “Did you hit your target?” “Right between the eyes. Every time.” “Atta girl,” I say, and the pink on her skin changes to crimson as it moves down her neck.

The banter...