Page 88 of Reckless Chance
If I’m lucky, the evening will end with Lowri forgiving me.
49
LOWRI
I’ve been sitting at the dining table, typing away on my laptop for hours when Walter approaches so quietly that I jump out of my chair when he asks, “What would you like for dinner tonight?”
“Could you work on being a little less stealthy?” I laugh, sitting down again.
“If that would please you,” he says, his ever-serious and formal demeanor intact.
“Could I have a small serving of mac and cheese?”
“Of course. Will you be dining while you work?”
“I will. Thank you, Walter.”
He disappears as silently as he arrived.
My food cravings are a giveaway to my feelings. Mac and cheese is one of my go-tos when I’m down. Despite my best efforts to bolster my mood, I’m disappointed about what happened with Sean. He hid crucial details from me. Now the warmth between us is gone.
My body is confused though. His six-feet-plus of gorgeousness still gets my core tingling. It doesn’t matter if he’s naked or wearing one of his custom suits that hugs his perfectlytoned body like a glove, my hands yearn to roam over every inch of him. Those hours he spends in his private gym have paid off.
Remembering running my fingers through his thick blond hair with its whiskey-colored highlights while staring into his intense, sparkling blue eyes makes my heart pound. When he smiles at me, I’m captivated. There’s a smirk that hints at a touch of arrogance, or maybe it’s just confidence. Regardless, it’s magnetic and draws me in.
It’s true we never planned on anything except a couple of fun weeks helping Evan and Cassie. That all changed when we got married, started working together, and grew closer. I’d never tell him, but for the first time in my life, I was feeling love for a man. I shared intimate thoughts and history with him that only my best friend knows about me. That’s why it hurt deeply to learn that he was only using me to keep his hotel.
But, unlike Amelia, I’m not into revenge. Besides, Sean and I never promised each other anything—other than when we were drunk and got married, which doesn’t count. I’ll bury my emotions and help him keep his hotel. It’s enough that I’ve had fantastic experiences in Las Vegas, along with bringing a mega-client to my firm. Even if that last part was just Sean’s way of manipulating me to stick around, the partners at my law firm will still credit me for the win.
Unfortunately, this pep talk to myself doesn’t prevent a tear from rolling down my cheek. Hastily wiping it away, I stare at my laptop, attempting to focus on the contract I’m editing.
Unexpectedly loud footsteps interrupt me. Looking up, Walter is hilariously stomping his way toward me, carrying a large tray. I laugh, quickly covering my mouth with my hand. He either truly aims to please me or is pointing out how inane he thinks my request for a louder entrance was. Regardless, I appreciate the smile it puts on my face.
With great fanfare, he says, “We have an individual casserole dish with lobster mac and cheese drizzled with chili oil, a side salad of baby greens topped with slices of Asian pears, and warm dinner rolls. Please enjoy.”
“This looks delicious. You went to too much trouble though.”
Of course, Walter took my request for a simple bowl of pasta and raised it to the sky. What did I expect? It’s the Athena, and technically, I’m still Sean’s wife. I’m learning we don’t do simple. But I’d be a fool to complain about food this good. That would be silly. Instead, I enjoy every bite, emitting a few moans of delight along the way. This dinner redefines the term comfort food.
I finish my late dinner and continue editing the contract until my alarm goes off, signaling it’s time to meet Sean for after-dinner drinks. I’m not sure that was the best idea. A long hot bath and a glass of wine by myself would have been the smarter move. Instead, I opened my big mouth and suggested drinks.
It’s time to don my carefree, fun-loving mask again and pretend everything is fine. I’ve been wearing it as protection for years. I’ll need it tonight.
As I’m closing my laptop, Walter reappears, saying, “Pardon me, Ms. Upton. Mr. Laurent is here to see you.”
Looking up I see Christian holding a large box tied with a giant red and gold bow.
“Good evening, Ms. Upton. Mr. Cartwright sent this to you. He also asked me to wait while you change and then take you to meet him for drinks.”
“How strange. Sean said he would text me where to meet him.”
“I gather it’s a last-minute change of plans. I’ll wait here with Walter.”
I shrug and take the box to the bedroom. My guess is that Sean has a business event that popped up and is inviting me to join him rather than cancel our plans for drinks. Or he couldbe kidding himself that a glamorous evening out will serve as an apology for the way he manipulated me. Either way, his plans must require me to wear a new cocktail dress. It’s too bad because I’m tired and was looking forward to simply relaxing over a glass of wine.
Untying the wide satin bow and tossing the box lid on the bed, I wonder what color Sean picked this time. The cobalt blue one from the first night was gorgeous. He does have exceptional taste, or at least someone who works for him does.
My jaw drops as I push aside the tissue paper to reveal lavender pajamas and fluffy house shoes. What the heck? There must be a mistake.
