Page 26 of Sweet Deception

Fuck it.

Pulling up Kylie's contact, I start a text.

Are you asleep?

She doesn't respond right away, so I relax back onto the sofa and stare at the ceiling. When did I become a teenage boy again? Not that I was ever like this as a kid. I spent my time worrying about how to make enough money, being a greedy fucker and wanting a better life. A life away from what my parents had.

My phone dings.

This better be Luca. If it isn't, you should know that I know how to gut a fish.

I bark out a laugh. That's the last thing I expected her to reply with.

Angel, I'm thinking I gave you the wrong pet name. Did your dad take you fishing?

Yes, as wellas hunting. He wanted me to be able to handle any situation thrown at me. He taught me how to hunt, fish, hike, build a fire, you name it.

I'm impressed. He could've just as easily sheltered you. I admit, it was my first impression of you.

That I'm sheltered?

I call you Angel because you look the part.

My dad's seen the worst of this world. He wanted me prepared. He knows he can't be there for me every second of the day. Someday when I have kids, I'll do the same.

Being a cop, I bet he has, but he could've just as easily shielded you from it.

How do you know he's a cop?

I hesitate. Right now, she's unaware that I own Sweet Connections and I would like to keep it that way for as long as I can. I also find myself not wanting to lie to her, so I give her the only response I can that's still the truth.

I had Rafael look into you as soon as I saw you that first day.

What? Like a background check?

Yes. I always run background checks on anyone I associate with. It saves me from some bad business dealings.

Ah shit. That didn't come out right. I quickly type a new text, hoping to fix it.

Not that you are a business dealing. Only that I knew I wanted tosee you again.

Dots form on the screen and go on for a long time before they stop, but nothing appears. Well, fuck. This night went downhill fast. Sighing, I pocket my phone and head to my home office. As I sit down to turn the computer on, my phone dings and I'm relieved it's from her.

You were right the first time. I am a business dealing. And I wanted to see you again too.

A strange feeling comes over me, reading the last sentence. From her, the admission is unexpected. Any other woman and I would think they were only words. But from Kylie, it feels genuine.

Sweet dreams, Angel. I'll see you tomorrow night.

Not liking how I reminded her of why we're together, I rub the back of my neck, trying to ease the tension as I think of ways I can make this up to her. The problem is, even if I fix it when I pick her up tomorrow, I'll be throwing another unpleasant gift her way. I rethink my decision to blindside her with this dinner. Maybe she won't care. She'll be introduced as my girlfriend, so she has nothing to worry about.

Deciding to let it go, I search for the email Joanna sent. After reviewing the dress options, I select three, but ask her to only present the black one for tomorrow. I can appreciate Kylie wanting to have something less revealing for this particular dinner.

With that decision made, I turn my attention to the hotel project we'll be discussing. After I revamp the hotel, I want it to be the new location for the annual police and firefighter charity galas. They're currently being held at a competitor’s hotel, but I think the current location isn't housing what they need. Hence the business dinner. It's a way to get their input and make them feel connected to the new space, making it an easy decision to relocate the event.

Whether Kylie will know it or not, she's the perfect companion for this dinner meeting. She has a direct connection through her father and could give valuable insight. I would love to see her help plan the event when the time comes.

And the fact that I'm having these thoughts means I need to step back. Fuck. How am I already thinking about her hosting my events?

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