Page 22 of Turbulent Fires

I laugh hard at this. “Yes, yes, yes, I’ll cheer to that,” I say before leaning forward and clinking our glasses together. The kids aren’t going to know what’s hit them, but I’ll have another great story to add to my journal of all of the beautiful love matches I’ve made through the years.

Audrey

I gaze at my email in confusion. How in the world have I gotten on the Andersons’ radar? Sure, our families run in the same circles, though the Andersons are America’s royalty. This makes me laugh. If only they knew... Nope. They can’t discover that little bit of information.That’sa secret I’ve managed to keep far away from the American press and out of my private life. But still, why is my blog attracting the attention of the Anderson Corporation? It’s growing, sure, but not big enough for an all-exclusive to a private Anderson event. Should I be questioning this? No. I’d be a fool not to accept, which is why I already did. I reread the email.

Dear Ms. Beach,

Congratulations! You’ve been selected for an exclusive press experience at the Anderson Venture Summit. Your all-expenses-paid trip includes round-trip private jet transport, five-star accommodations, and VIP access to keynotes, networking, and amenities. Please confirm your availability within twenty-four hours to secure your seat for your exclusive reporting on this event. Your itinerary will be provided upon confirmation.

Sincerely,

Anderson Resorts Promotion Team

I shut my laptop and lean back to gaze at the ceiling. This is so strange. I’m excited, though. This isn’t a little inn I’ll be writing about, and though I like to focus on indiscreet hidden treasures, there’s nothing to say I can’t write about fancier locations too. Maybe I need to have a separate section on my blog.

I’m still thinking about this an hour later when my phone buzzes, alerting me of an incoming text. It’s been a few hours since I’ve heard from Wolf, so a grin spreads across my lips. It quickly falls again as I read his message.

Wolf:Just got a suspicious invitation to the Anderson Venture Summit. I’d bet a million dollars you got the same invite.

I gaze at the message for a very long moment and shake my head as I laugh. I’m not sure why or how, but it seems I’ve been caught in the orbit of Joseph Anderson. There are many rumors of his meddling. Never in a million years did I think I’d be one of his targets. How in the world does he know about Wolf and me?

I don’t answer immediately; I move to my fridge for a yogurt cup, pull it out, close the fridge, and move to the counter. Adding granola on top, I move back to the couch, and take a satisfying bite. Once I’ve had a few bites, I respond.

Me:We’re either both being played, or you’re in on this.

Wolf:I’m not in on it, but I’m not hating it. I’m well aware of Joseph’s meddling ways. I’ve been trying to get you on a date for a while, though, so again, not hating this.

Me:So, Joseph Anderson, who shouldn’t know we’ve even met, happens to invite us both to an all-expenses-paid trap disguised as a business trip because he looked in the mirror one day and thought, hmmm, that Audrey and Wolf would make a cute couple?

Wolf:Well, he might’ve overheard me talking to my brothers and friends last week at the bar.

Me:What were you talking about?

My heart races. Was he talking to his brothers about me? It must’ve been good if it made Joseph Anderson zero in on the conversation. I shouldn’t be so delighted by this, but I can’t seem to help myself.

Wolf:You know I can’t share boy talk. That’s nearly as bad as sharing girl talk.

Me:I should take back my acceptance.

Wolf:They think they’re so smooth, though. We can go, have a great time, then plan an epic fight so it looks like their plan failed.

Me:Oh, I love the idea of that. You could pick me up and throw me in the ocean, then walk away with your hands in the air.

I laugh hard at this, thinking I’m quite funny.

Wolf:Are you trying to get me killed? I’m all for a fake fight. That could be fun. But if I dared lay hands on you, I’d be tazed and tied up before we moved a single inch. I’ve seen Anderson security, they make me look small.

Me:Even better. Maybe I’ll scream and beg you not to hit me again.

Wolf:You’re truly an evil woman... I like it.

Me:I have my dark side, especially when someone thinks they’re smarter than I am. I like a little payback.

Wolf:Don’t include me in on this revenge. I’m simply an innocent bystander in all of this.

Me:I don’t think you’ve been innocent a day in your life.

Wolf:Okay, maybe not totally innocent, but say yes. This will be great.

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