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“You don’t have to thank me,” she says, leaning back in her seat. “I wanted to help.”
“You’ve done more than help,” I say, shaking my head. “You’ve made him smile again. I haven’t seen that in a long time.”
She shrugs, but there’s a softness in her expression that makes my chest tighten.
I settle onto the swing beside her, and when my arm brushes hers, a sizzle goes up my spine, and I’m suddenly awareof how close she is, close enough for me to see the softness of her hair. Close enough to feel a tension radiating off her.
“Lila,” I say, breaking the silence. “Is everything alright?”
She hesitates, her hands twisting in her lap. “There’s something I need to tell you,” she says, her voice low.
I sit up straighter, my stomach tightening at her tone. “What is it?”
She takes a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the roses in front of us. “I overheard something at a dinner party—the first one I catered. A conversation.”
My pulse kicks up, and I nod for her to continue.
“These men were talking about Sterling Motors,” she says, her words measured. “They said it was going under and that they were planning to ‘swoop in and grab it for pennies.’ They mentioned Marcus—said he had it all arranged. And they seemed smug like it was already a done deal.”
The words hit me like a blow to the chest. “They actually said Marcus’s name?”
“Yes,” she says, her eyes meeting mine, and the concern there makes my chest tighten. “And they said certain arrangementshad been made, and Sterling Motors wouldn’t be able to fight back.”
“When was this?” I ask.
“About six weeks ago?” She twists her hands together. “I didn’t know then about your connection to Sterling Motors. But after spending time with your dad and hearing about Marcus’s involvement...”
“It fits,” I say grimly. “The timing, the pressure about Crystal...” I stare at her, my mind racing. It’s one thing to suspect Marcus is up to no good—it’s another to have it confirmed.
Lila watches me carefully, her hazel eyes filled with regret. “I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t think it was connected to you. But now—now I understand why you’ve been doing what you’re doing.”
She knows.
She knows about Crystal and why I’ve stayed in this nightmare of a situation. The relief is immediate like a weight being lifted.
“Lila,” I say, my voice raw. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” she says quickly. “I get it now. You’re trying to protect your dad, the company, theemployees. But, Luke...” She hesitates, her hand brushing against mine. “You don’t have to do it alone.”
Her words knock the wind out of me.
“I want to help,” she says, her voice firm. “We’ll figure this out together. For your dad, the company, and for you.”
I shake my head, overwhelmed by her offer. “Lila, this isn’t your fight. You’ve already done so much—“
“And I’m not stopping now,” she interrupts, her gaze steady. “You deserve better than this, Luke. You deserve to be free of Marcus and Crystal. You deserve to live your life the way you want to.”
“She’s right, son.” We both look up in surprise to see my dad standing there. He’s obviously overheard us talking.
Lila stands. “I’ll give you two some time—“
“Stay,” I say quickly. “Please?”
Something flickers in her eyes, but she nods. “I’ll make some fresh coffee.”
As soon as she disappears inside, Dad turns to me. “She’s something special, son.”
“Dad—“