Page 51 of He Will Come for Me

“We will definitely not be saving time.”

I lean back in my seat, smiling at everyone around the table. Rubbing my hand over my stomach, I sigh at how full I am. “Phillip, everything was so good.”

He smiles around a forkful of my red velvet cake. After he gets done chewing, he lifts his fork toward me. “This cake is amazing.”

Anna nods in agreement. “I told Dr. Chamberland and Tobias if I didn’t get to eat anything else today but your red velvet cake, that would be okay with me.” Anna just joined us a few minutes ago. She’s still not strong enough to do much, but she wasdetermined to eat some of my cake. She got a couple of bites in before she had to stop.

“Well, you were there for all the red velvet cakes that didn’t turn out so well.”

Anna laughs, turning to Rex then Phoenix. “She gave me food poisoning once.”

I put my head in my hands. “I didn’t know eggs could expire.” The entire table erupts with laughter.

Phoenix wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his side. “I haven’t heard this story.” His nose trails up the shell of my ear, making my heart beat like a drum. I gaze at him, sharing a moment with him. It’s nice being able to share something with him he doesn’t know.

After everyone gets their fill, we all pitch in and help clean up so Clara can take some food to her mom and spend the rest of the day with her. I admire Phoenix and the way he treats his employees. I grew up differently. The help was to never be seen or heard. Here they don’t feel like employees, they feel like family.

Anna’s eyes droop and I can tell she’s losing energy fast. Walking to her, I squat down in front of her. “Hey, if you’re tired, I’ll walk you to your room.”

She nods. “Yeah, I was going to try to stay, but I may fall out of this chair.”

I pat her hand. “I understand. It took me a long time to get all of my strength back and you were held longer than I was.” Her mouth tips down in a frown and I hate myself for reminding her.

“Did you know Phoenix has a theater?” I ask, changing the subject as I help her up.

She arches an eyebrow at me as Rex and Phoenix come over to help if needed. “I didn’t.”

I hook my arm through hers, and we walk slowly to her room. At least she doesn’t have to go upstairs. I think Rex wouldprobably have to carry her. He remains close, though, and I can’t help the slight tip of my mouth. He’s different with her.

“He does. I think we need to have a girls’ night and watch all the rom-coms we want.” I tell her as we make it to her room. I help her get in bed and her eyes light up at the suggestion.

“We have to watchThe Proposal!” she exclaims.

I laugh and nod in agreement. “To the window, to the wall…” I begin.

“‘Til the sweat drips down my balls,” Anna finishes. We both fall into a fit of giggles as Phoenix and Rex look at the two of us.

“Tomorrow,” I promise her, trying not to think of the preparation that will still need to take place for the auction. She smiles and closes her eyes. I’m sure she’ll be asleep before I make it to the door.

Rex stays as Phoenix and I walk out. “I have no idea what you two were talking about,” Phoenix says.

I pat his chest. “Don’t be jealous. Not everyone can be Ryan Reynolds.”

He scowls as he grabs me around the waist and pulls me against him. He leans down so his mouth is against my ear. “And no one can fuck like me.”

Chapter 23

“So, you’re saying we’ve never had an auction here?” I ask. Phoenix shakes his head as he dresses so we can go to where the auction will be held.

“No. This is our home, and no one knows where it’s located. People don’t even know we have this property. They think we live near the historic district.” He laid out an outfit for me to wear. I have to dress the part even as we plan the auction.

I gawk at the outfit as he puts on his cufflinks. “Come on, love. This outfit looks gorgeous on you,” he encourages.

“I’ve worn this before?” I ask as I pick up the flimsy dress that looks more like lingerie than an actual dress.

“No. You never wear the same outfit twice, but you’ve worn others that are similar.”

I grab the light blue concoction and head toward the bathroom, but I’m stopped with a hand around my waist. Phoenix pulls me so my back is against his chest. “You’ll get dressed in front of me.” It’s not a request.

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