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“Are you okay? You seem tense suddenly.”
“Just tired.” I force a smile. “Big event tomorrow.”
James proves himself yet again by shifting the conversation to safer topics. He’s attentive and charming as he signals for the check, and I hate myself a little for wishing he was someone else.
“I had a wonderful time,” he says later, walking me to my door.
“Me too.” And I did, mostly. Before...
He leans in slowly, telegraphing his intentions. I turn slightly so his kiss lands on my cheek.
“James...”
“Too soon?” His smile is understanding. “No pressure, remember?”
“You’re a very nice man,” I start.
“But not the right man?” He squeezes my hand gently. “It’s okay, Lila. Friends?”
The relief makes me dizzy. “Friends.”
Inside, I kick off my heels and pour a generous glass of wine. I close my eyes, remembering the look on Luke’s face when he saw James’s hand on mine. The careful distance he maintained all night. The way he looked back, just once.
Tomorrow, I’ll find a polite way to decline the dinner party job. I’ll focus on my business and pretend my heart isn’t constantly wanting him.
But tonight, I let myself remember every stolen glance, every unspoken word, every moment our carefully constructed walls threatened to crumble and a pair of stormy blue eyes that even now threatens to steal my breath.
The afternoon sun filters through the window, casting long shadows across my kitchen counter. I stare at my phone, Crystal’s number glowing on the screen as my thumb hovers over the call button.
I’ve been putting this off all day, but I can’t avoid it any longer. I have to call her and politely decline the offer to cook for her and Luke’s dinner party. Even the thought of that evening makes my stomach twist into knots.
Just as I steel myself to make the call, my phone buzzes in my hand. The screen lights up with an unknown number.
Without thinking, I answer. “Hello?”
“Lila Jeffers? This is Jaxson Gibson.”
My pulse jumps at the PI’s name. “Is Luke—“
“He’s fine,” Jaxson assures me quickly. “I’m calling about Crystal Davidson’s dinner party next week.”
I sink onto my chair. “Yes, I was about to call and tell her I can’t—“
“I’d advise against that,” Jaxson cuts in.
His words make me pause, confusion knitting my brows. “Why?”
Jaxson’s voice is calm but carries a weight that makes it impossible to dismiss. “Because we believe Marcus Davidson will use that dinner party as an opportunity to solidify his plans. The guest list includes two key board members from SterlingMotors. We suspect Marcus will be sharing more of his intentions for the company with them that night.”
“And?” But my pulse is already racing with possibility.
“Marcus is careful, but he lets his guard down in his own home,” Jaxson explains. “If we can get a member of my team into his study while the dinner is happening, we may be able to uncover documents or communications that prove his plans to take over Sterling Motors.”
“You want to break in?” I whisper, though I’m alone.
“We want to gather proof of his illegal activities. The dinner provides a perfect cover—all eyes will be on the food, the conversation, the happy couple.”
I close my eyes. “Why are you calling me about this? Why not Luke?”