Page 36 of Best Laid Plans

I cocked an eyebrow. "You can't fuck someone we work with."

Diego chuckled. "You mean like you working with your fiancée?"

I was saved from trying to come up with a response that didn't include punching Diego's lights out, when Zara and Bailey returned.

The main courses arrived shortly after that, filling the table with enticing aromas. My osso buco was tender and flavorful, the meat falling off the bone, paired with a rich, velvety sauce. We all dug in, except Bailey, who looked listlessly at her Caesar salad.

As we continued our meal, the conversation shifted to logistics and timelines, excluding Bailey, because we all knew that she had nothing of value to contribute.

After lunch, we walked Zara's SUV. She'd driven us to Savannah and would be driving us back.

I knew I had to get back to Sentinel, deal with Bailey, and make sure Diego didn't blow his head off. But I didn't want to leave. I wanted to see Nova again. I wanted to ask her why she stole. This time, I wanted to talk to her and try to understand her. She'd been young and desperate. Maybe I could forgive her. Maybe I could see past…the past. Maybe….

"I think I'll spend the night here," I suddenly decided. The Rhodes Hotel was just a couple of blocks away from the restaurant.

"But you have no bags," Bailey cried out.

I cocked an eyebrow. "Savannah has stores. I'll be fine." In fact, the Rhodes Hotel had a very nice men's boutique. I could have a three-piece suit before tomorrow morning, if I wanted it.

"How will you get back?" Bailey silently begged me not to leave her alone with Zara and Diego.

"He'll get a town car," Diego frowned. "You want me to stay?"

I shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'll be back in the office tomorrow."

Zara looked at me intently. "Is everything okay?"

I patted her shoulder. "Yeah, Z. It's all good. I just want to catch up with some friends."

Bailey's eyes were wide. I knew she suspected which friend I wanted to catch up with. She waited until Diego and Zara got into the SUV.

"I thought we could go home and talk, Anson," she said softly. "You know about…."

About how I didn't want to set a date for the wedding. About how I didn't want to fuck her anymore. She'd been trying the past weeks, and I just couldn't find the desire for it. Bailey was a good sexual partner. Generous. Fun. Attractive. She could blow you anywhere and anyhow, and she did. She was damned good at it. She didn't always fake her orgasms, but I knew sometimes she did, which was fine with me. If she wanted me to get her off, she shouldn't pretend that she already did. I'd asked her a few times if she really came, and she enthusiastically said she did, when I'd bet the mansion she didn't.

Most of the time, I felt Bailey said things she thought I wanted to hear. She was usually wrong about what I wanted.

"It's just for a night." I cupped her cheek, and kissed her forehead.

"Anson, why didn't you support me in front of her." Tears filled her eyes.

Christ on a crutch! I didn't want to do this now.

"Bailey, we'll talk about your performance at the meeting in the office." I was careful to frame my words to prepare her for what was coming.

She took a step back. "I'm going to be your wife, Anson."

I gave her a plastic smile.

I don't think so, not anymore, not since I saw Nova and realized what I really wanted.

Not Nova, of course not, but someone like her. Someone smart and ambitious. Someone who wanted more than to keep house, gossip about others, and go through life worried about missing a hair appointment.

"We'll talk later."

"You sure?" Tears glistened in her eyes.

"Yes."

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