Page 66 of Trouble Walked In

“That’s what I thought.” She sounded smug and satisfied.

She was right, which was what made the conversation all the more frustrating. His time here wasn’t going to be nearly long enough. He wanted more than just a few days with Lizzie. Much more.

“You may have a point.”

“I know I have a point. The question is, what’s your next move?”

“I’m working on it.”

What was the answer? Extend his stay? Ignore the work? How was he going to make space for Lizzie or anyone else when his entire world was his company? It was three full-time jobs rolled into one. If he wanted someone in his life, he had to make time somewhere, somehow. And he didn’t want just any someone. He wanted Lizzie Bellamy.

“Working on it how?” Morgan prompted after he stayed silent too long.

It seemed impossible, unless…inspiration and excitement surged through him.

“You know what? This contract could work out in my favor. If they take on some of the heavy lifting, that leaves me time to spend on other things.”

“Wait…what are you saying?” Morgan’s tapping intensified. “Youwantthe Omega contract now? For real? That’s your answer?”

The more he pictured it, the more he was sure that he was on the right track. “Yes. It’s the next step in our evolution. We just have to make sure we get the terms we need.”

“The next step.” Morgan spoke slowly and deliberately as if she were stepping through a minefield in a pair of clown shoes. “You’re willing to throw away everything you—we’ve—worked for so you can spend more time with Lizzie? And you think your brains haven’t been scrambled?”

“I’m not throwing anything away. I’m expanding.” When she put it like that it sounded ridiculous. But it wasn’t just about Lizzie. Finding Jacob Evans in that off-the-wall place had been eye-opening. He missed that side of things. Being stuck in his office had begun to feel like a trap he couldn’t escape. If he combined his need to get out in the field with his desire for Lizzie, it would be a win-win.

“If we use them for some of the grunt work, I could spend more time locating new talent, which would grow our stable and platform.”

“Grunt work,” Morgan repeated. “You think a big company like that will agree to do your grunt work.”

“Yes, I do. If they want part of our profits they’ll do whatever we ask, within reason. They have the staff, and they’re set up for it. Yes.” He nodded, feeling the rising sense of rightness in the approach fill him with purpose. “This will fix everything. I’ll be able to get back to some serious scouting, and I’ll prove I’m not Mr. Temporary all at the same time.”

This could actually work. Now that he’d sorted through the specifics in his head, he was glad Morgan had called.

“Who said you were Mr. Temporary? Lizzie?” Morgan’s voice rose in confusion.

“A puppy. Never mind.” He put the phone down long enough to pull his shirt on. “Just work on the contract, and make sure it’s specific. We want their marketing and publicrelations, and access to their studios. But we keep control, and we do the contracts. No masters. Make sure we’re clear on that. No loopholes for them to wiggle through. We’ll get the lawyers to go through it when you’re done.”

“Uh, okay.” Morgan sounded doubtful. “I don’t think you really understood what I was—”

“I need to run, Morgan. Talk later, okay? See ya.” Renic hung up before Morgan could continue whatever lecture she’d been about to launch.

He could feel the puzzle coming together. Now he just needed to put the final pieces into place. With Della Bellamy as leverage, he could make this deal with Omega work on multiple levels. He just had to be sure he still had Della on board.

Feeling like a man with a plan, he went downstairs to put it into action.

He was immediately blocked by a parade of college kids carrying flowers in the entryway. He caught sight of Lizzie through each armload of vases filled with burgundy and white blossoms.

She’d shed her everyday jeans and flannel shirt for a skirt, blouse, and tailored jacket. She looked like she’d be equally at home in a boardroom or on a runway, and she carried her binder like it was a holy relic.

He waved but couldn’t catch her attention. Carter brushed by him carrying a large box in what felt like a deliberate attempt to knock Renic back into the stairs.

Renic kept his footing, barely. Keeping his tone light and cheerful, he called out, “Good morning, Carter. Need a hand?”

“No.” Carter cast a cold glare in his direction, then turned his back on Renic to direct his troops toward the ballroom.

“Okay, then.” Renic waited for the flower train to pass,then caught up with Lizzie and her binder. When she didn’t notice his approach, he whispered, “It’s not fair to look this good. You’ll make the bride jealous.”

Lizzie started and whirled to face him. The smile that lit her face made him grin like a fool back at her. “Renic! Good morning, sleepyhead.”

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