Page 35 of Those Who Are Bound

Elliott

Asdesperateasshewas to see Jonah, Elliott waited two days to text him. The wait wasn’t intended to be a power play, and she didn’t intend to appear cool toward him. It took her that long to convince herself that Becks was right, and she could do this. She could move on with her life and possibly have a relationship—a normal relationship. With Jonah Montgomery.

If Becks said she could resist her demons, those demons he knew as well as she—probably better than she—then she had to believe him. She had to give herself this chance.

And she knew she was completely infatuated with Jonah, because even though she was certain he didn’t have her number, every time her phone pinged, her heart leaped. But it had been Lucy, giving her updates as she drove around the city visiting other event spaces. Elliott had eventually informed her that she didn’t need a play-by-play; she trusted Lucy.

They arranged to meet Wednesday morning so Elliott could teach her how to update the website.She was ready, waiting by the office door with coffee when Lucy drove up in a small yellow eco-friendly compact.

As the blonde exited the car, Elliott said, “Cute,” indicating the vehicle.

Lucy ran a hand down the front of her bright floral maxi dress and looked at her car. “Thanks. It’s cute until you’re rear-ended by an SUV, then you realize how tiny it is.”

“I’ll bet.” Elliott shifted her attention from the car to the woman.

Lucy leaned into the car and withdrew the laptop case. Pulling it out, she slipped the strap over her shoulder as though it was second nature for her, as comfortable to wear as a purse. She caressed the leather as it settled against her hip; she’d had to adjust the strap.

Approaching Elliott, who was relaxed but guarded in camouflage cut-off shorts and an olive green V-neck T-shirt, Lucy made a face of exaggerated contemplation. Elliott was instantly suspicious.

Lucy stopped in front of her and said in a rush, “I’m only going to say this one thing because he will be so pissed that I even said this, but Jonah is totally in to you. That’s a fact, there is no debate. So, if you aren’t interested in him, then let him know, like, right now.”

Elliott continued to stare at her, giving no indication of the internal excitement that jolted through her at hearing the other woman’s words.

Swiping her hand through the air as though knocking her words aside, Lucy moved past her. “That’s all I’m saying. The rest is up to you two. I just don’t want to see him hurt.”

Elliott smiled before she turned and followed Lucy into the office, lifting the coffee cup to her lips to hide any residual expression of pleasure. It wasn’t that she didn’t want Lucy to know how she felt about Jonah; it was that she wasn’t accustomed to sharing much with anyone other than Gage or Becks. And Lucy was her employee as well as Jonah’s friend, so any confidences shared could make things awkward.

When Elliott entered the office, she thought she heard Lucy saying, “Good morning, Gage,” as she walked by the photos on the wall. Elliott looked at the pictures before frowning at the back of Lucy’s head. “Did you say something?”

Lucy turned an innocent countenance to her. “No. Why?” Her cheeks were red.

Elliott looked back at the pictures but shook her head. “Nothing.”

Lucy carefully set the satchel down, hands wringing and looking guilty. Her foot twisted beneath her and she opened her mouth, then clamped it shut again, pursing her lips.

Elliott watched the conflict play out as she moved to the desk and asked, “Are you okay?”

Lucy glanced at her, appeared to make up her mind about something, then forced out a laugh. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Something Jonah said, but he’s not always right. By the way, I’ve been sending out advertisements. I’ve had a couple of responses asking questions.”

Elliott lowered herself into one of the chairs. “That’s great, Lucy.”

Lucy sat in the other chair. “So, if I can learn this thing, I’ll be booking the heck out of this place.”

Elliott didn’t tell her that requests for information didn’t always translate to a booking and, in fact, only about 20 percent of the site viewings resulted in a contract being signed. Lucy’s enthusiasm was a plus, and Elliott didn’t want her defeated before she even started.

They spent a couple of hours going over the website. Elliott had Lucy manipulate through the settings, logging out and logging back in, making the changes, and taking notes. Then she had her take out the laptop and perform the same functions on it. Lucy’s hand shook at first, casting Elliott guilty glances that she still didn’t understand, but eventually she calmed down.

“Have you got this?” Elliott eventually asked.

“I think so,” Lucy answered.

“Good.”She stood up. “It’s all yours.”

Lucy glanced up. “Will you be around?”

Elliott looked at the computer screen. “I’m not sure. I might head out, but you don’t need me for this. And I’ll have my phone with me.”

Lucy nodded. “Okay. Thanks.” Then she said hesitantly, “You know, I had an idea. For the website.”

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