Page 7 of Hartley

“It’s not enough.” No matter what I said, it wouldn’t help him. I hated I couldn’t. “I should get to work.” He quickly kissed Vail and me, then went to his office.

Vail wiped the remaining tears from his face. “He’ll be okay.”

“He will because he has us. Are you okay? I’m sorry it wasn’t easy.”

“I’m fine. I worry about her. If she would have said she wanted to take another week or more off from school, I would have let her. But she was adamant about going back, that her mom would have wanted her to.”

I threaded my fingers with his. “Why don’t you come with me to the studio today?”

“No, I’ll be okay. I’ll work on the kitchen downstairs. The contractor is supposed to be by with updated plans.”

“Okay, but just like we’re here for Ava, we’re here for you too.”

“Thanks, Hart.” Vail pulled me in for a soul-encompassing hug. God, I wanted to stay here forever. If Jordan was heating my back, it would be perfect.

I sighed and leaned away. An idea suddenly formed. “I think I know how to help Jordan.”

“Welcome to PJS,” a man behind the long desk in the lobby greeted as I approached. Behind him was the company’s logo high on the wall in bold blue letters with Perry, Jordan, & Sons Auto beneath it. “How can I help you?”

“I’m here to see JJ Altair.”

“Is he expecting you?”

“No, but he’ll see me. My name is Hartley Weathers.” I smiled sweetly. JJ wouldn’t turn me away. If anything, he’d be curious why I was here.

“One moment while I call his office.”

I turned, taking in the building's space. There were multiple seating areas for guests. Tall windows framed the front doors and went high up. Natural light floated in, giving it an airy feel.

Altair Plaza wasn’t small. There were multiple buildings on the property in West Dremest, where the other side of Jordan’s family, as well as the Dremests, ruled the land. The building I was in was large and very corporate feeling. It was weird being here, so different from the world I lived in with Jordan. I was sure he had professional buildings like this, but we hadn’t been to see them. Hell, Jordan only went there when necessary.

“Sir?” the man behind the desk called to get my attention. “Mr. Altair’s assistant will be by in a few minutes to take you to his office.”

“Mr. Altair?” I heard a voice ask. “Which one?”

“Sorry, sir, I was referring to your cousin.”

I turned and found Jordan’s nephew. “Perry,” I greeted and offered my hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Hartley.” We shook. In an impressive charcoal suit, withhis light blond hair neatly styled, and hazel eyes as sharp as his uncle’s, Perry Altair Jr. was a formidable man. He wasn’t nearly as broad as Peyton, who stood behind him in an equally well-fitting navy suit.

“Hi, Peyton.” I gave a small wave to Perry’s bodyguard and partner.

“Hartley.” He nodded.

“You’re here to see JJ?” Perry asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes and no, but I don’t need to keep you. You’re obviously on your way to your office.”

“It’s fine.” He took his phone from his pocket and tapped on it before pressing it to his ear. “Have JJ meet me in my office now. Tell him I’m bringing Hartley with me. Thanks.” He put his phone back in his pocket, then nodded at the man behind the desk. “Please tell Patience I’m sorry for the walk over, but I’ll take it from here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Following behind Perry, we waited for the elevator to arrive. I certainly didn’t come here to involve Jordan’s nephew, but now that I saw him, it probably wasn’t a bad idea to tell him what was going on. Luckily, I’d already talked with Vail about speaking with Jordan’s family regarding Ava. What I didn’t know was if Perry and Peyton were aware of what really happened between Jordan and his deceased wife so long ago.

The elevator dinged, alerting us to its arrival. I stepped inside to find it mirrored, giving me the perfect view of the three of us inside. No one else got in. One look from Peyton, the others waiting backed up. Not that I blamed them. He wasn’t a small guy. It took much more to have me quaking, given who I went to bed with every night. Both Vail and Jordan were muscular. Plus, Jordan had that whole badassthing going for him. Okay, I still got hot for how powerful and possessive he was. And I loved every second of his eyes being on me and Vail with heat in them.

We stopped at the top floor, which was the twelfth. Perry exited first, with me behind him and Peyton at my back. We didn’t slow until we were between two executive-looking desks, one on either side. The one on the right had a woman seated behind it who stood at our approach.

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