Page 105 of Promised Love

“Don’t worry at all. We’re all guilty of falling asleep while working every now and then.” I don’t know if it really looks like that or if she’s just being nice. “I’m also a few minutes early. I just couldn’t wait to share all my ideas with you,” she says in an excited voice free of accusation. “I don’t mind waiting while you freshen up.” She walks inside, going straight for the couch.

“Thank you so much.”

Chiara follows me out of the office. “Is everything alright?”

My lips press together as I shrug. I don’t want to lie to my best friend, but I also don’t know what to say. “Can you please arrange some coffee and something special to eat? Vienna is too nice to have to wait.”

“Of course.”

When I enter the suite, my whole body shivers at the chilling emptiness inside me. It’s not like Lukas and I were always in the room at the same time, but today my heart sees him at every corner, misses him on every beat.

I remember the way he would stand by the vanity and tug on the collar of his T-shirt after putting on his leather jacket.

My gaze drifts to the couch, and an image of him shaking his jeans after tying his boots flashes before me

Jesus, Autumn! Stop this nonsense.

I walk into the closet with the single aim of grabbing something to wear before hitting the shower, but my feet stick at the landing. Lukas’ clothes, neatly hung on one side. Everything is arranged in perfect order. Jeans, jackets, T-shirts.

He was so eager to leave that he didn’t even bother to pack his stuff. But why?

Before my brain can go crazy with all the questions, my phone vibrates in my jeans pocket.

Chiara: Whatever is going on, I’m here for you. xo.

Autumn: Thanks <3

I grab my black pullover, as it matches my mood perfectly, and a pair of black jeggings before exiting the closet.

“I’m so happy we got a chance to work together,” Vienna says as she swipes her iPad screen, showing us another illustration of the food garnishes she has planned for the wedding.

“I had never thought of serving blueberry shortcake this way,” Suzie mutters, her gaze fixed on the image. “It doesn’t even look like cake. You’re very talented.” To my surprise, Vienna impressed Suzie in no time.

“Thank you so much.” Vienna picks up her phone from the table and then types something. A smile curls her lips. When she looks up, our eyes meet. “It’s Zane. He’s waiting for me outside. I told him I’ll be out in a few minutes.” She grins.

“Why is he waiting outside? Zane is more than welcome at the inn.”

“I just told him that. He’s been sitting in his car for the last thirty minutes.”

My heart clenches watching the pride and giddiness on Vienna’s face as she packs her stuff. “Now I feel bad,” I mutter.

“Don’t.” She chuckles. “Zane hates bothering others. A bit like Lukas. Though I think very few people have the courage to put others’ lives before their own.” She squeezes my hand and gives me a smile.

We both walk out of the main entrance and spot Zane leaning against his car, talking to someone.

“Who is that?” Vienna whispers.

“That’s Gavin King. He’s co-owner of Kings Security.”

“Wow. With all that height, tattoos, and muscle, I’m sure criminals spill their secrets just looking at him.”

I give Gavin another look. Vienna is right, he does have an angry-man thing going on. I don’t know how I didn’t notice it before.

Probably because whenever Lukas is around, I’ve only got eyes for him.

As if he can sense that we’re talking about him, Gavin turns his head toward us.

“Yup, that’s too much intensity for me. God bless the woman who’s the recipient of it all,” Vienna whispers and ambles toward her husband.

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