Page 54 of Lilly

Dean's answer seemed truthful. No anxiety-ridden body language that time.

"Pearce, I think we're getting ahead of ourselves. The kids are just dating, not getting married." He laughs, but it's a nervous laugh.

"What's so funny?" I demand.

"Nothing." He threads his fingers together, his thumbs tapping rapidly against each other. "It's just the idea of our children getting married seemed a little humorous. They're still so young."

"My son, Garret, got married at the age of 19. It's entirely possible for Lilly and Reed to do the same."

"Maybe, but I don't think they're ready for that."

"Has Reed said that to you? Or are you just surmising this based on your own beliefs?"

"He hasn't said anything about it but I know he's not ready. Reed loves your daughter but he's not ready to marry her. Not while he's still in college. And I'm sure Lilly feels the same way."

Once again, Dean's answer seems truthful, so what's making him so nervous? Maybe it has nothing to do with Reed. Maybe it's something completely unrelated. Something that has nothing to do with this conversation. Maybe he's just stressed about work.

"Pearce, I hate to cut this short but it's getting late and I have some work to do before I head out for the day."

I stand up. "Yes, I need to be going. I need to pick up Rachel and Lilly." I don't want to invite Dean to dinner but Rachel is making me do so. "Would you like to have dinner with us this evening? We'll be picking Reed up at six. You're welcome to join us."

"I'm sorry, but I already have plans." His words are rushed, and as I watch him go behind his desk, I see a thin line of sweat dripping down the side of his face. It's not warm in here. In fact, I'd say it's on the chilly side.

"What are your plans?" I ask, curious if these plans are what's causing his distress.

"It's a business dinner. I'm meeting with some clients about a...a new opportunity." He scoots his chair up to the desk and rapidly types on his keyboard. I watch his hands. He's not typing actual words. He's just trying to look busy, wanting me to leave.

"How do you like the job?" I ask.

"What?" He looks up from the computer.

"The job." I smile. "Your new position. Are you enjoying it?"

"Yes. Yes, it's fine."

He didn't sound sincere that time. So he doesn't like the job, but I know he likes the perks. Reed told Lilly his father has already been spending the money that came with the promotion. He bought a new car and some new suits and joined a country club.

If Curt was right about Dean, and he indeed is not qualified for this job, then why was he given it? Did he bribe someone? Blackmail them?

What else is going on with Dean? He's hiding something. But what is it?

Chapter Twelve

Katherine

"This is a very nice restaurant," Dean says, his head shifting left and right as he inspects the small private dining room. "Have you been here before?"

"Yes," I sigh. "I mentioned that when we arrived."

"Yes. That's right. I forgot." His eyes return to his salad, which he's tossing around with his fork, his other hand lightly tapping the table. He's very fidgety. It's extremely irritating. "What about you, Phillip? Have you been here before?"

"Yes," Phillip answers, seeming equally irritated.

Phillip met Dean less than an hour ago and is already losing his patience. I am as well, but I'm trying to tolerate him the best I can. He's my only chance of making Lilly part of the organization so as much as he annoys me, I have to learn to put up with him and his constant fidgeting and ill-fitting suits and unkempt hair that keeps flopping over his forehead and his atrocious table manners. The man actually used the dessert fork for his salad. How could anyone not know such a basic rule of etiquette?

"It's this one," I tell him, pointing out the correct fork.

"Oh." He eyes it, seeming confused. "Of course. I should know better."

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