Page 43 of Anchored Love
I shrugged. “Hell if I know, but she won’t talk to me. She avoids me.”
“Everly is a complicated woman who respects her job and yours too.”
“I get that, but there has to be something I can do.”
“There is. You can make a grand gesture.”
“Dumb it down for me. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Ev’s a successful woman and a girly girl. She watches cheesy movies. You know the romantic over the top can’t live without you, you complete me type stuff. And in all those movies there is one thing they all have in common.” She paused as though I was supposed to have a clue what in the hell she was talking about. I stared at her, blank faced. I didn’t know what she wanted from me.
“Um…” I gaped at her, waiting for her to finish the thought she was in the middle of.
“The grand gesture. You know, the guy or girl always does something to screw up and run the other person off, but in the end they decide they want to win them back, so they go all out and make some great plan on how they will get the love of their life back. You need the big guns. Pull out all the stops. What’s keeping you from being together? Your job? Talk to one of the higher ups and tell them ‘Hey, I love this woman. True love always conquers all.’”
I snorted at that. Maybe Samantha had been watching too many damn movies.
“I’m just saying. Think about it.”
“I will; thanks for your input, Sam. I mean it.”
“I am her best friend. I know her better than she knows herself. Think romantic. And I’m just saying it isn’t like everyone hasn’t noticed the two of you being gone on vacation the same week and returning with matching tans. For two smart people, you’re both pretty oblivious.” She laughed and stood.
I gave her a nod and leaned back in my leather chair. Hell, I knew what I was going to be doing that night, and it involved pizza, beer, and fucking romance movies.
I glanced out in the office and got a view of Everly strutting toward the copy room in this black skirt that hugged her hips and ass so damn perfectly it made my goddamn balls ache. I watched her, unable to tear my gaze from her as she moved fluidly. All I could think about was getting her naked again and making her mine. I grabbed my phone from the receiver.
“Get me Mr. Harper’s secretary.”
“One moment, Mr. Jones.”
“Thank you.”
“Mr. Harper’s office. How can I help you?”
“Yes, this is Mason Jones from the third floor, head loan officer. I’d like to schedule an appointment with Mr. Harper as soon as possible.”
“One moment please while I check his schedule.” God-awful elevator music played over the line. “Sir, you still there?”
“I’m here.”
“He has an opening next Thursday.”
I couldn’t wait that long. “He doesn’t have anything sooner than that?”
“I can put you on the list, and if there is a cancellation, I can do my best to get you in sooner.”
“Please do. Thank you.”
“No problem. I have you down for Thursday, but if anything comes available before then I will be in contact. Have a good day, Mr. Jones.”
“You too. Thanks.” I hung the phone up and let out a sigh. I wanted Everly Woolsworth, and I was going to do whatever it took to make that woman mine.
The grand gesture.
She wouldn’t know what hit her when I was through.
I was going to prove to Jane Lynn that I loved her daughter. She’d never accuse Everly of paying me to be her stand in ever again by the time I was through. Every time I thought about that day and the conversation, my blood boiled. After Drake’s wedding wasn’t the time or place for that crap, even if it was true.
I had gone on that cruise with the intention of having fun and flirting a little, but what I got in return was something better.
I found love. I found the girl I wanted to anchor myself to for life.
