Page 68 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

Maybe the blueprintshadbeen for some other oceanfront resort. I relaxed a little at that thought. "That sounds interesting. Have you put in an offer?"

"Not yet. I need a partner, so I've been working on some potential investors." He paused. "I actually brought it up to Bennett when we were on the yacht earlier. He's interested in bringing in some acquisitions of his own to prove to Victor he is worthy to be the heir apparent. This property could be a good addition to the Carrington portfolio."

Yet another secret project he hadn't told me about, and it involved my company, which made it worse. "This wedding weekend is working out good for your business," I couldn't help saying.

He set down his fork, giving me a hard look. "I saw an opportunity to discuss the idea with Bennett. Why does that bother you? It's not like I haven't fulfilled every other obligation that has come my way. And, frankly, I've done it with more joy and enthusiasm than you have."

He had a point, but I was a little startled by his attack. "I wasn't criticizing; I was making a comment."

"A pointed comment."

"You're right," I admitted. "I'm just feeling like I'm the last person you talk to about anything. I work for Carrington Resorts. Why wouldn't you mention this to me?"

"It recently came up, and you work in marketing, Lauren. You make ads and posts for social media. You have nothing to do with real estate acquisitions."

Now I was irritated. "I do more than make ads and posts. I work with Megan on far bigger strategies to market our brands around the world. Do you even know what I do?"

"Apparently, you haven't been that forthcoming, either," he said, turning it around on me. "I didn't think you were interested in my business, Lauren. You rarely ask about it."

"Well, I'm interested when it has to do with the Carringtons."

"Noted. I'll keep that in mind."

I let out a sigh, knowing we kept tiptoeing around the edge of a big fight, and if I hadn't almost died today, we probably would have already had that fight. Andrew's phone buzzed, and he picked it up to read a text.

"Who's that from?" I asked.

"Jay. Bennett wants to meet us for a drink. He wants to talk about the Florida property. I'll tell him I can't go. He can do it on his own."

"You can go if you want to, Andrew."

"I don't think I should leave you alone."

Actually, I thought being alone would feel better than being on edge with him. "I'll be fine. I'm going to get into bed and watch a movie and probably fall asleep in less than an hour. I'm exhausted. Every muscle in my body is aching, and the day is catching up to me."

"Which is why I should stay with you."

"No. I understand that your business is important to you, and you have gone above and beyond with this campaign. I'm sorry if I haven't expressed my gratitude enough. You have carried me through a lot of shoots."

The tension eased between us. "I've been happy to do it, Lauren. We got a great wedding out of it, and, yes, I have made a connection with Victor and Bennett that may prove valuable in the end, but that was just an unexpected benefit."

"Go meet Bennett and Jay. I'll be fine."

He gave me a speculative look. "All right. If you change your mind, call me, and I'll come back."

"Is Colin going with you?"

"No. He's taking Harper out to dinner in Avalon." He smiled. "They are definitely having a good time together."

"I'm glad."

"By the way," he said. "Two things. One, Megan texted me about our spa day tomorrow and asked if you are still going to do it. I told her I would check in with you, but I couldn't guarantee anything. She wants to shoot us taking advantage of all the spa has to offer…couples massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures. It actually sounds relaxing. But you can think about it."

I really didn't want to do anything but lie in my bed. But if I had to do something for Megan, the spa was probably the easiest thing to do. "I saw I had a text from her, so I'll respond and let her know that we'll do it. What's the other thing?"

"Victor called to check on you. I said you were feeling much better, and he was happy to hear that. He's very upset about you falling off his yacht."

I frowned at his description, but I was tired of arguing over semantics. "Well, it was thoughtful of him to check in."

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