Page 21

“I was just wondering if your beard could get any longer,” I murmur, teasing him, coming up with the lie quickly. We didn’t get along at first. He didn’t like the idea of working with someone new whom he had to train, but now we are almost like siblings, teasing each other andpushing each other professionally almost daily. We get along well, and I’m so grateful.
“What’s wrong with it?” he asks, running his hand down his beard, looking affronted.
“Could do with a trim…” I murmur, sorting out my files. It doesn’t; he looks fine, if the lumberjack look is one you go for.
“The ladies love it.” He shrugs, plopping down in the small armchair on the other side of my desk.
“Which ones? The ones who see your shiny shoes, your expensive watch, and your fat bank account in the city?” I tease some more, knowing that Connor is a ladies’ man and is always having dinner with a different woman in the city.
“Touché…” he admits in defeat, knowing that all the women he spends time with can smell his millions miles away. None of that matters to me.
“So what’s up?” I ask him, leaning back in my chair, feeling exhausted.
“We need to go to the city,” he tells me, and my eyebrow rises. Connor is often at our city office, but I have only ever been once.
“Really? When? Why?” I try to ignore the slight panic that tightens my chest. I love going to our city office, and spending time in New York is amazing. But I hate leaving my mother. When I left last time, I put together a roster of people who could come to see her and ensure she was looked after, and Susan stayed the night with her. It was fine, but a lot of work. Mom is much better and more capable now, but she is my responsibility, no one else's, and I hate asking for their help.
“We need to start researching spas, therapists, products, treatments… Or rather, you do,” he says, looking less than pleased about it all.
“So you're telling me that you’re going to pay me to fly in your private jet to New York, spend a week there, going to all the different luxury spas for treatments so I can come back and tell you which ones we need to incorporate here at the new spa we are building?” I ask, sitting forward, already liking this prospect.
“Perhaps take Victoria with you. Dad will hate to have her gone, but I’m sure she will love it.”
“And why is it that you don’t want to be pampered in mud and scrubbed from head to toe?” I tease, knowing that Connor is the last person you will ever catch at a spa. He’s the definition of masculine.
“Sounds like a thing for women, not really my idea of relaxation,” he grumbles.
“Oh, what is your idea of relaxation?” I ask, laughing.
“Corporate box at the Jets, with my whiskey in one hand and a beautiful blonde in the other.” He smirks, and I roll my eyes. Typical.
“Hey, folks, sorry to interrupt.” I look up and see Rochelle at my door.
“Hey, Rochelle,” I greet her, and Connor and I both stand.
“Sorry, no one was at reception. I just need to deliver these,” she says, and Connor takes the box from her.
“Oh, is it something for Dad?” he asks, looking at the box.
“No, it’s for Lacy.” Rochelle looks like the cat that gotthe canary. My eyebrows rise, not expecting a delivery. I hadn’t ordered any catering for us today.
“I need to run. Have fun, you two,” She offers a small wave and a cheeky grin, walking back out the door.
“Here, there’s a note.” Connor passes the box to me, seemingly just as confused as I am.
I put the box on the desk and grab the note, opening it.
Lacy,
I didn’t want you to miss out on the cookies you like so much. Also, did you know that there are over nine thousand stars visible to the naked eye in the entire night sky?
Hudson.
“Oh.” My cheeks heat immediately, and I huff a small laugh. I’m in my head so much, I don’t even see Connor looking at the note over my shoulder.
“Hudson, ayyy…” he jibes, and I fold the note back. Giving him a scowl, I open the lid and see twelve of Rochelle’s chocolate cookies staring back at me, so fresh they are still warm.
“Yum, my favorite,” Connor says as his hand dives in and grabs one quickly, taking a bite as he sits back down.