Page 10 of Phillip

Ashley wished that weren’t true. She laid her phone on the table as Trinity waved goodbye, lugging her equipment toward a golf cart they’d used to transport their gear from the parking lot.

The reporter produced her business card and gave Ashley’s forearm a friendly squeeze. “I’ll reach out to you for a follow-up.”

“That’s fine.” Of course they would want a follow-up. They’d just given Mainers a soap opera, live on air, complete with billionaires and romantic tension. “Next time will be a lot calmer.”

“For my sake, I hope not.” Lori laughed, then added, “But for yours, I’ll cross my fingers.”

Ashley held up crossed fingers then waved goodbye. Once Lori and Trinity were a safe distance away, she discreetly glanced at Brock and Phillip. They stood outside the tent, visible through one of the faux windows, surrounded by the who’s who of The Laumet Society.

Finally alone, Ashley really took in what had happened. It was the first moment that she realized someone had hung yellow tape around the tent as if they were standing in the middle of a crime scene.

Her eyes sank shut. How very like King Harbor not to interrupt a television spot filled with high-society drama over the concern of a building’s stability. But what did she know? Perhaps the swaying tent was safe. Someone would’ve had enough sense to let them know if they were in danger, live TV or not.

The gaggle of women noticed Ashley was alone and diverted the group into the tent. Chitchat filtered in, led by Bitsy. Catering staff with table bussing tubs entered from the far corner. The musicians made their way to their abandoned instruments. Ashley met Bitsy midway, greeting The Laumet ladies while avoiding a glance about to see if Phillip and Brock remained nearby.

“No one was hurt, and the press coverage will glow!” Bitsy cried, taking Ashley’s hands in hers. “You were magnificent. We couldn’t have paid for that type of television coverage.”

She gaped. “You watched?”

“From the clubhouse. More than one station reported.” She beckoned Phillip and Brock as they reentered the tent.

Her cheeks flushed. “Oh.”

The Blackthorne brothers stood next to Bitsy, and she rested her hand on Phillip’s arm. “This partnership is brilliant. We’re so grateful—”

“It’s the least I can do,” he volunteered.

Their pleasant tones bordered on friendly. Grateful, even. Ashley stepped back, unsettled, and she gestured to the damage. “What about—”

“That’s what insurance is for.” Bitsy waved her concern away. “No one was hurt, and we monopolized the news.”

“You’ve gone viral,” another lady added, sounding as though she’d just learned what the word meant.

Oh God.Viral?Her phone rang again, and Ashley’s money was on Mother calling for the hundredth time. That kind of stress could be handled later.

“It’s all over the internet,” the woman added. “My granddaughter called to say we were famous.”

“Great…”

Bitsy took Brock by the elbow and led him to the upturned silent auction table. The remaining Laumet ladies flanked them, pitching a request for a donation from Blackthorne Enterprises.

“They know when it’s a good time to strike,” Phillip pointed out.

They were finally alone. His very presence was palpable despite the space between them, intoxicating her with head-spinning desires to be closer.

Phillip eased forward, somehow able to read her mind or maybe craving more of their obvious connection. Her heart skipped, reminding her of the first time they’d found themselves alone at Harvard, when an electric charge skimmed down her back and promised he was the one. He’d been magnetic, and he still was.

That attraction could be dangerous. She shifted, ignoring her roller coaster of reactions, and struggled to make small talk. “Is the cut above your eye okay?” she asked.

His fingers touched the newly formed scab. “I’ll live.”

“Good to hear.”

His crooked grin formed, and he subtly devoured the slight space between them. “I thought so.”

A cascade of awareness swept across her skin. The delicious sensation made her unsteady. Desire bloomed deep, but it warred with logic. She swallowed hard. “Don’t be so cavalier. You could’ve killed people.”

“I’m not, and I know.”

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