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“Just be honest with yourself, Dad. That's all I'm asking.”

“I always am.”

“Sure.” She hugs me tight. “I’ll drop by the house after my shoot next week. Take care of my best friend.”

I smirk. “Will do.”

I watch her drive away, her words echoing.Be honest with yourself.

The truth is, the more time I spend with Wren, the harder it becomes to treat this as just another job. I check my phone. Three texts from her already. She sends a link to an article about this with glowing comments from readers.

Wren:The WrenanHearts are quite passionate, wouldn't you say, Silver Fox?

Wren:Hey, so, I’m going to pick up Eric from school and will be going home from there.

Wren:Actually, we’ve decided to stop by the supermarket and pick up a few things for dinner. And Eric just said he got you something. A large Superman, like you are. :)

I smile at my screen like a teenager. I'm so screwed.

13

WREN

The Belmont Hotel's grand ballroom sparkles with crystal chandeliers and the glittering jewelry of California’s business elite. I smooth down my emerald silk dress, grateful for the confidence it gives me.

I’m used to events like these. Lights. Music. Photographers calling my name from velvet corners. Smiling like it doesn’t hurt. But tonight, something feels different.

Everyone wants a moment with me. A picture. A conversation. A brush with the woman trying to outrun a scandal. But my eyes keep finding him.

Sean stands near the bar, talking with one of the security leads. Jacket stretched across those wide shoulders. A drink in one hand, his gaze scanning the room. Always watching. Always calculating.

He glances over. Our eyes meet.

Something springs to life in my stomach… and then a fluttering. Butterflies.

I shake it off and turn back to Gary Whitman, the CEO from Haven & Holt, who’s been asking the same question five different ways.

“Sorry, Gary. We don't have any plans for a collaboration as of now,” I say, smiling.

“Aww, Wren. Come on. Sleep on it and give me a call later.”

“We’re busy with our new product launch. With all that’s happened, we have to make sure that launch is hitch-free.”

“Yes, I heard you’re still on track for the launch. Very brave, Wren.”

Brave. That’s one word for it.

“Oh, and here comes my wife, Lauren. She’s been wanting to meet you.”

“Wren Sinclair!” A woman with silver hair approaches, hand extended. “What a pleasure to meet you. Gary knows I’m such a huge fan of yours.”

I take her hand with a warm smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Whitman.”

“Listen, that Pepperberry Exfoliating Toner is the bomb! I see why you won the Women's Health Skincare Awards last year. Phenomenal work you're doing.”

I beam. I could never get tired of hearing praises about Lemon LLC. This is why I made this company, and I’m proud of the work we do.

“Thank you for saying that. I'm just grateful to have such an incredible team.”