Page 57 of Everything We Give

“Nadia does, though.”

“She signed an NDA. I trust her.” His tone implies it’s more than trust.

“You have feelings for her.”

Thomas’s gaze narrows. He pushes against his knees to stand, I assume to buzz his assistant to print an NDA. I roll my eyes. “Fine, you have my word. Your secret’s safe with me.” No way will I sign any of Thomas’s contracts.

Thomas settles back onto the couch and downs the remainder of his scotch. “The house I bought was recently remodeled. I’m only expanding the master bed and bath, and redoing the kitchen. Nadia’s drawing up the plans for my contractor. She’s not managing the project. That’s it. I’m not interested in anything from her beyond that.”

His last statement is spoken in a low tone, his gaze fixed inside his empty glass.

“Your text messages to her say otherwise,” I quietly point out.

Thomas sets down the glass with a hard plunk and looks at his watch.

“Why are you here?”

I get my purse where I left it on the chair by Thomas’s desk and take out a folded sheet of paper. I’d made a copy of Lacy’s business card. I give it to Thomas, watching as his brow arches, holding my gaze while he unfolds the paper. He glances down and reads it, his eyes slightly widening. He looks up at me.

“What is this about?”

“Lacy met up with James on a beach in Kauai and gave him her card.”

His face and neck lighten a shade. “Have you ever met this woman? She looks through you rather than at you. It’s the weirdest feeling.” He shivers, giving me pause. Thomas truly looks uncomfortable.

“You’ve met her?”

“Once, briefly. She was an acquaintance of Imelda Rodriguez. They were having lunch during one of my trips to Puerto Escondido.”

A memory tickles the recesses of my mind like a cat’s whiskers poking at my face. “You recognized her at my café on opening day.” Thomas came to congratulate me, considering he funded me the money, and as I later learned, convinced Joe Russo, the building’s owner, to lease the space rent-free during build-out. Thomas had noticed someone that day and left in a hurry. It wasn’t until afterward when Kristen forwarded pictures from the opening that I saw Lacy had been there, too. Most likely looking for a chance to reach out to me.

“I did notice her,” Thomas admits. “What does she want with James?”

“Not James. Ian, my husband.” I point at the paper I gave him. “The number on that card is out of service. James told me how and why you kept him hidden in Mexico. I believe you have the resources to find her.”

“You spoke with James. He’s in town?”

“Yes. About Lacy—” I stop. Thomas isn’t listening to me. He stands, going to the window, and gazes out at the city below. He slides one hand into his pocket, the other waves the paper he holds against his leg. After a moment, he turns back to me. “What do you want with Lacy?”

“None of your business.”

“I told you about Nadia and my house. You know about my plans for Donato. I’m also letting you walk out of here without signing an NDA. Although”—he digs his fingers into his collar and scratches his neck—“I’m reconsidering that. You owe me an explanation if I’m taking up my time to search for a woman who gives the appearance she can’t keep her feet planted in one place for more than a couple of months at a time.”

He knows about Lacy.

“Tell me and we’ll call it even.”

“I’ve got three answers for you.” I stand up. “I don’t owe you a thing. You and I will never be even.” I count down on my fingers.

Thomas quirks a brow. “And the third?”

“Lacy went through my ex-fiancé to get that card to my husband. I want to know why.”

“The plot thickens.” Thomas casually walks over to me, folding the paper. He slips it into his breast pocket. “That is curious.” He crosses his arms and breathes deeply. “All right. I’ll find her.”

“Really?” I can’t hide my surprise. I expected a fight. My mouth parts and I immediately close it. I don’t want to thank him.

His mouth twitches. “You’re welcome,” he says with the sincerity I refused to show him and returns to his desk. “Give me a few days.” His tone is dismissive.

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