Page 87 of Under the Table

“Angelica and I were trying to sway an investor forHotel Bombshelland so we were tag teaming that dinner.”

“Are you liking working with her better this season?”

Hope’s cheeks heated instantly. She hadn’t updated her sister on that at all, had she? She’d managed to keep it all underwraps aside from how difficult filming last season had been and that she and Rex were having issues over the break. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Hope said the only thing she could think of. “Yeah, we’re getting along really well this season.”

“Good. Oh shit, I need to get Lana to the doctor. I almost forgot.”

“I’ll see you soon,” Hope said. “Love you.”

“Love you!” Rachel shouted before hanging up.

Hope pressed her lips together hard before calling Rex. They needed to talk about this because it could be throwing a wrench into the calm they’d finally found. And she needed to talk to him about Eva.

But he didn’t answer. Frowning, Hope walked back to Angelica’s office.

Angelica was cleaning up her desk and turning her computer off. “You ready?”

“Yeah,” Hope answered, watching with curiosity as Angelica worked efficiently. “You done?”

“Car’s outside. I’ll have to finish up later.” Angelica pulled her jacket off the back of the chair and slid her arms into it, buttoning it in the front.

Hope walked over to their rollaboards and grabbed the handles, walking toward the door as she waited for Angelica to finish getting ready. They walked together toward the front of the hotel where the car waited for them. Hope was a bit disappointed it wasn’t Lyric, but they’d left her in Vegas when they’d flown home and were meeting up with her in Tucson. Still, Hope missed the woman’s bright energy as they pulled away from the curb.

But this also meant that she could touch Angelica just a little bit longer. Reaching over, she rested her hand on Angelica’s leg and sighed contentedly. “What are we walking into?”

“Didn’t you do your research?” Angelica tossed back at her.

“I did, but remind me.” Hope didn’t really care what Angelica said so long as she started talking. She could listen to Angelica read financial reports any day of the week so long as her voice was filling the space between them. It calmed Hope’s soul.

“The hotel is family owned and run, literally. Mom and Dad own it while the daughter manages—or attempts to.” Angelica’s tone told Hope exactly what she thought of that situation. “I don’t understand why so many people go into business with family and expect it to be easy and clear cut.”

“What about the Beck family? With Mountain View.” Hope looked at Angelica directly. “There’s nothing wrong with how they run the hotel.”

“No, there isn’t.” Angelica pursed her lips, her cheeks tinging a slight pink. “But they’re the exception to the rule. Family makes too many exceptions and doesn’t hold standards when they should.”

“You and standards.” Hope laughed. “No, you and rules.”

“Rules are there for a reason, Hope.” Angelica dropped her hand on top of Hope’s and gave her a tight squeeze.

“They’re there to be broken.” Hope laughed and leaned in a little closer, catching a whiff of Angelica’s perfume. She’d been surrounded by Angelica’s scent for the last two days, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

They’d needed this. Two days away where it was just them, where they didn’t have to fight for attention or time. Hope had loved every second of it.

“Question,” Hope stated.

“Yes?” Angelica looked at her.

Hope lowered her voice to a whisper, making sure that the driver couldn’t hear them. “Have you ever joined the mile high club?”

“Absolutely not.” Angelica sighed heavily. “Well, yes, I have, but I’m not with you.”

“Why not?” Hope put a hand over her heart, feigning offense.

“Because I’m fifty-five-years-old. And it’s just not comfortable anymore.” Angelica pulled her phone out of her purse and opened it up. “Besides, I don’tneedto do that anymore. There are alternatives.”

Hope was intrigued by that, curious now more than ever as to what Angelica was referring to. She leaned in closer, sliding her hand a little more to the inside of Angelica’s thigh. “Alternatives?”

“Yes.” Angelica flicked her hair over her shoulder and looked at Hope directly. She dropped her voice, barely whispering. “Like horizontal and in a bed.”