Page 96 of Tangled Kisses
I mean it, too. Lauren is a good woman, and I’m thrilled to have her in my corner.
Her smile warms, faint but real. “Any chance you might still come along as my plus one to the fundraiser in a couple of weeks? You’ve met most of those piranhas, and I don’t think I can face them alone, but it’s for a good cause.”
Ah, yes. The critical access hospital right outside of Tangled Vines. An evening I agreed to months ago when she first asked.
She holds up her hands. “As a friend, of course. Or a bodyguard type, holding the bloodsuckers at bay. I’ll pay you well for your time.”
Poor Lauren. Despite her wealth, she lives a solitary life. People always swarm around her, but never for the right reasons.
In that way, we’re exactly the same.
I shove my hat onto my head, tugging the brim low. “Well, I think I can manage that for you. After all, I’m working the tough guy angle now.”
“What brought about that change, anyway?”
I could get into the specifics, but honestly, time is wasting, and I have somewhere important to be. “A part of my old life that didn’t want to let go.”
“Reese is a lucky woman. Tell her I said so.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
Truer words have never been spoken.
But underneath my relaxed facade, I’m scared shitless.
I don’t have a damn clue what I’ll do for money now.
I won’t go back to escorting. I don’t have the capital for my business.
Looks like working my ass off is the only answer. Pearl and I might have to discuss new digs for her, too. Maybe she’ll move here to Tangled Vines. Perhaps a bank takes mercy on me and lends me the startup funds. Maybe an estranged uncle, twice removed, will leave me a fortune.
So many variables, with only one certainty.
I need Reese. She’s the one thing in my world I can’t compromise on.
And my next destination? Tracking her down and ensuring she knows how serious I am about making her a permanent part of my world.
I only pray she still wants that, too.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Griffin
The knock barely fades before the door swings open. Piper stands there, eyes sparkling, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. She gives my arm a light punch. “It’s about damn time you got here.”
“Sorry,” I murmur, tugging at my hat brim. “Had a couple of things to take care of.”
She steps aside, motioning me in. Reese stands on the far side of the room, looking like a dream I’ll never stop chasing.
“I’m going to go,” Piper says, already reaching for her jacket.
Reese shakes her head, taking a step toward her sister. “You don’t have to?—”
“Thank you, Piper.” My hand closes around the door, shutting off any argument. “Have a good night.”
The latch clicks behind her, and suddenly it’s just us.
Finally.
