Page 58 of The Long Game

A bizarre thought pops into my head and I have no idea where it comes from. I’ll have to break the news to my dad that we will be without a front office assistant for a few days, but when he hears why, he’ll approve.

"My portion of the project is done. The design team has taken over the operations at this point. But Sonia will be headed there in a few weeks to look over the project for me to make sure everything is going smoothly. She could show you around."

Sonia stares at me with absolute irritation. She doesn’t like change and she certainly won’t like me jet setting her off without giving her time to wrap her head around it. This also is way above her pay grade, and she likes the comfort of the job title she’s held for over twenty years. She likes knowing what’s expected of her and completing it with utmost care.

Sonia opens her mouth to object, but I squash it quickly. "Sonia will be there for a few days. You two could take in some galleries while you're there." I switch my eye contact back to Sonia. "Make a little vacation out of it. You're certainly due."

She’s finally catching on and the blush that was there before has now deepened. There’s an appreciative smile on her face. I know the fact that I suggested she deserves a vacation will be the greatest compliment she could receive, since she still talks about the one my father sent her on years ago.

She works hard for our family and for our business. She deserves the recognition, as well.

"That would be perfect." Timothy smiles back at Sonia. "If you wouldn’t mind showing me around the resort? We could get some brunch at this great little cafe off the beaten path that I stumbled on last time I was there."

The timing feels right, and Sebastian and I walk away from the pair. They seem unaware of anyone else standing near anyway.

"This wasn’t a setup… was it?" I ask Sebastian as we walk back to his car.

"Who, Timothy and Sonia? I thought they would hit it off, but I didn’t think I’d be asked to be his best man in their wedding this soon," he jokes. "The only setup I was hoping for tonight was with you."

Now it’s my turn to blush.

"It’s still a little early. Any chance you would like to get a drink with me before I take you back to your office?" he asks.

"Umm…" I pause for a second, debating whether I want to turn this into a full fledged date.

"Or… sorry, you need to get back to work. I know you have a deadline, and I’ve already taken too much of your time."

"No, it’s not that." I make a quick decision. "I probably shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach."

I flash him a glittery sparkle in my eyes, the one I use when I’m trying to get out of a parking ticket or get bumped up to first class. His smile widens, showing off one stray dimple I hadn’t noticed before. As if the man could be more irresistible.

"I know a dive bar not far from our offices that has good drinks and some pretty incredible burgers… if you’re interested?" he asks with a hopeful grin.

"A dive bar? I didn’t peg you for the type." I say.

His eyebrows furrow together, his grin staying in place."What? Why? You thought I was the golden spoon type? That I wouldn’t set foot in a dive bar?" he asks in a teasing tone.

"I guess I have a lot to learn about you."

Admittedly, I still know next to nothing about the gorgeous lawyer.

"And I have a lot to learn about you. I’d like to start tonight if you’re interested?"

I beam back at him. "Burgers sound perfect."

Chapter Seventeen

Tucker

Meeting Tom at a jewelry store is a new experience to say the least.

This isn’t what I envisioned myself doing a couple of weeks ago, but when I saw Lexi yesterday in her office, I knew I had to up the ante. A house is a good first step but there’s someone else I am going to need to break the news to, and there’s an expectation I’ll have to meet before he accepts this.

The day of the accident on the dock, when I realized my feelings for Lexi were changing, Luca saw it. I was seventeen; she was fifteen. We were too young for this conversation. Luca made sure I knew where he stood.

"My sister’s off-limits. She’s not the girl you have around for a good time. She’s the one you have for a lifetime."

"Jesus, Luca. I’m not out to bang your sister. I called her baby on accident. I did it by mistake."

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