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Out of Range: In the Shadow Book 2

By JL Crosswhite

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It was old school, but Kim Taylor searched for a flash of genius at the end of a precisely sharpened drawing pencil. She tapped it on the paper in front of her in their open workspace at House of Elan. She needed inspiration. Plus, her hands ached from being at the computer so much. Design Review was coming up, and it was her chance to get her work in front of the big names at the studio. Junior designers presented a portfolio of their top styles to the head designers who would then choose the winner to work with them for the next year. It would be a huge jump for her career.
She had sewn up several of her designs into actual outfits, one of which she was wearing. A few others had become computer designs, and she was creating her portfolio to present. But which were the best ones to choose? She’d gone over the trend reports until her eyes were bleary. Her trip through the Southwest had given her a ton of ideas. But it had also left her with nightmares, thanks to being grabbed by Willie Dumas. Thankfully, he couldn’t ever hurt her again.
Her mentor, Lynnae MacKenzie, owned a boutique in Newport where Kim had worked in high school and college. She learned much of what she knew about the business from Lynnae, who’d always encouraged her to pursue design. She would showcase Kim’s clothing and often sent clients to her for custom work, especially if they were hard to fit. Kim was bringing her designs to her tonight for her summer wear fashion show next month.
“Searching for brilliance?”
Henry’s voice behind her made her jump then flip over her sketchbook. A quick glance at her computer showed that it was on screensaver.
Henry Smythe was her biggest competition. With his spiky black hair and retro New Wave fashion sense, his designs had a lot of flair, but were more appropriate for clubbing than women looking for something to wear to work or out with friends. Still, he’d managed to get some face time with the senior designers. He had connections in the industry. And he never failed to let her know it.
She gave him a sweet smile. “Just letting my creativity wander, now that I’ve got my presentation all locked up.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She’d picked her portfolio items; she just hadn’t decided if they were final. She hoped to get Lynnae’s input tonight when they met.
His gaze scanned her head to toe. It wasn’t a come on; he was evaluating her outfit. He swirled his finger in front of her. “Is that one of yours?”
He knew it was. This outfit, and ones she was bringing to Lynnae, she’d sewn up at home. It wasn’t like she didn’t trust leaving them at work. But she wanted to try them on herself. She specialized in clothes for every woman, but with those unique touches that made the outfit look one-of-a-kind.
And she didn’t trust leaving them at work. Design Review was too important. Not that she thought anything would happen. She didn’t. But better to be safe than sorry. Besides, seeing her clothes on the dress form at home or even wearing them had often given her an idea for a change or alteration.
She didn’t bother to answer him. “Did you need something?”
“Just wondering how your portfolio was coming along. Only two weeks left, so if you need to get a design made up, you’d better get it to the seamstresses today.”
“Got it covered. Thanks.”
He gave her another appraising look then turned on his heel.
She’d learned early on not to give Henry any fuel for his rumors. Or even his innuendo. She turned back to her drawing. She seriously doubted he came by to give her a friendly reminder. More like he wanted to see what she was working on. This business could be cutthroat, but she’d been fortunate enough to work with really great people. Henry was the exception rather than the rule.
Her phone buzzed, and she snatched it up.
But it was Matthew.
I’m in town. Want to catch dinner?
She dropped the phone on her desk and rubbed her hands over her face. Matthew. She hadn’t seen him in nearly two months. They’d gotten close on the Great American Road Trip—he’d even kissed her, twice—but after she’d been grabbed by Willie Dumas, she’d been shaken. And she realized that Matthew couldn’t handle her breadth of emotions. He was a fun guy to hang out with, but expecting anything more from him was a recipe for heartache. And she had too much on her plate as it was.
But she knew this day was coming. They’d texted, and he’d told her he got the job with DataCorp and was relocating to Orange County, but she’d pushed it out of her mind, not wanting to think about what it’d be like to be in the same geographical region, with the same friends, as he was. But it looked like that was coming to an end. She did have a reprieve for tonight: an appointment with Lynnae.
But she couldn’t put off meeting him forever. What was she going to do about him?
She texted his sister Allie. And after a moment’s thought, added in Jessica.

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