Page 81 of When We Break

I feel Beckett’s eyes on me as I nibble on my lower lip.

“I can’t dance,” I reply with a shrug. “And I was tired of the city.”

“We’re beginning our descent into Los Angeles,” the pilot says through the speakers, interrupting the conversation and taking the pressure off me.

No, I never told my parents about The Arsehole.

There’s no reason for them to worry. They were so far away, and there was nothing for them to do.

“What are you working on next, Connor? Are you still in the middle of the rehab project in Paris?”

“That’s wrapping up,” my brother says. “I have a few things happening. After this trip, I’ll be in Miami for a few weeks, then back to Dublin for a bit.”

“And when will you be rebuilding the ski resort in Bitterroot Valley?”

My brother’s eyes narrow on me, but I flash him a bright smile.

“I never said I’d be doing that, and you know it.”

“You didn’t have to tell me. I know you. It’s exactly the kind of project that Gallagher Hotels would take on. Also, as long as you promise not to be a complete shite, you could date Billie. You bought your own house and everything.”

“What?” Beckett asks as Connor growls and runs his hand down his face.

“I’m just saying it’s something to think about.”

“Who’s Billie, then?” Ma asks.

“Beckett’s sister, and she’s one of my best mates,” I reply, still holding Connor’s gaze. “She’s gorgeous and smart and lovely, and she owns the bookshop that recently opened.”

“Why couldn’t I have been an only child?” Connor asks my parents, who both chuckle in response.

“Now, where would the fun be in that?” Ma asks him, reaching over to ruffle his hair. She doesn’t care that he’s almost forty. “It seems I need to spend more time in Montana.”

“No,” Connor says, shaking his head. “Not on my account.”

I narrow my eyes at him, but he doesn’t back down.

Not that he ever would anyway.

“Do I need to have a conversation with you?” Beckett asks Connor.

“No.”

Grinning, I sit back in my seat as the plane lands and lean my head on Beckett’s shoulder. I don’t know what I was worried about. Beckett’s won them all over without difficulty. This is already turning out to be a fun trip.

* * *

The only thing I have left to do is to put the dress on. My hair is washed and dried and curled in big waves, flowing down my back and over my shoulders. My full face of makeup is perfect, including the fake lashes. Ma offered to hire a glam squad to come into my suite and get me ready, but I did this for a living. No one did my hair and makeup when I had to get ready for a performance. It soothes me.

Besides, Beck remembered to bring a little Bluetooth speaker that he bought for me, since Birdie took hers home with her. He set me up here in this massive bathroom with my music, then left me to get ready.

I can’t wait to see what he’s wearing this evening. He’s always beyond sexy, but seeing him in a suit might send me over the edge, and I won’t want to leave this suite.

I took a peek at the gown Ma brought, and I have to admit, it’s magnificent. The long, sleek column of champagne-colored lace with a high neckline and no sleeves, the dress shimmers and will make me feel amazing.

As long as it fits.

If it doesn’t, I’ll be going in jeans and a jumper.

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