Page 39 of Lush

Then Reese happened.

Then Conrad a few years later.

“C’mon, Laurie. I’m the only one that has your back. You heard what they been saying lately?”

I shook my head.

“Some say Harold Ashbourne is about to cut Reese out of the will. But the company’s been bleeding money. I’d think twice before you marry Reese.”

I felt the blood drain from my face.

“Butmycompany’s been growing, and I need someone with real expertise to crunch numbers. See the patterns. And you? You’re the best at that. Everyone knows that.”

“So, that’s why you’re here?” I finally said, coolly meeting his gaze. “Insult my fiancé, and then ask me to work for you?”

“Let’s get lunch.Just as friends.Think about it.”

Could Toby be the one behind the blackmail?

“No thanks, Toby.”

He chuckled, then he stood heading for the door. “Holler at me. This town is small, right? I can fill you in on some more details.”

Once Toby was gone I closed my eyes, leaning back in my chair. I had too much on my plate already. My family. The wedding. The note.

Reese’s family doesn’t have money? Mama said Dante was the reason we had to join forces with the Ashbournes, but was it bigger than I thought?

Was something going on in the company that Reese didn’t mention?

I barely had a chance to process my thoughts when a knock echoed through the office door. I didn’t even bother hiding the annoyance in my voice as I called out, “I told you to go?—”

The door swung open, and I froze.

Reese.

His charcoal suit fit his broad shoulders perfectly, but his white shirt was wrinkled like he’d just rolled out of bed. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, and his dark hair was a mess, like he’d been running his fingers through it.

“Hey.” His voice was raspy. “Got a minute?”

I should not still be affected by this man. He was not a friend. He was a very reluctant partner at best, and a full-blown enemy at worst.

“Take a seat,” I replied, motioning to the seat Toby had occupied.

Reese shook his head. “Mind if we step outside?”

“Hang on, I’ll grab my stuff.” I rose and gathered my belongings. As I left, Reese grabbed my arm.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

The truth slipped out before I could stop it. “I got a text. From the blackmailer.”

Reese’s expression dropped.

I hesitated for only a second before reaching for my phone, and unlocking it with a quick swipe. I hesitated before showing him the text.

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