Page 56 of Something Borrowed

“Maybe not anymore. I just want to keep it like this when we go back to reality.”

Her shoulders slumped. “I don’t know if I can promise this. We’re on an island with no Internet right now. When we get back to Houston, my job will require my attention for more than a couple of hours a day.”

He laid a hand on her cheek. “All I ask is that you give us a chance. Make some time for me. For us.”

She dropped her blanket and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Always, Grady. I promise.”

He shifted and lowered her down onto the floor, and proceeded to remind her of him and how good they could be together.

* * *

Much later, after Grady had inspected the cottage and confirmed they had survived well, he drove them back to the house to meet the rest of the group. They walked into the house, hand in hand, Brigid holding true to her commitment to giving them a chance and not hiding their relationship. Caroline sipped coffee at the kitchen table with Wyatt and Anna. Delaney and Ethan had not returned yet. Judging by the air of romance in the room, the pairing off and the storm had created more romance than Caroline’s matchmaking could have ever hoped.

Anna and Caroline eyed Brigid’s and Grady’s interlocked hands and raised their brows. The door to the study opened, and Matthew strode out, looking disturbed. He froze in his path as he took in Brigid and Grady, looking cozy. He frowned, a thunderous expression on his face, even more than the storm clouds the previous day.

“Brigid, why weren’t you answering your phone?”

“I left it here. I figured we wouldn’t have power or cell reception, so why bring it? Besides, I promised Grady one night without it.” She glanced up at him and blushed.

“You could have called me. Is it the hotel?” Grady asked.

“Not exactly. Brigid, Peterman has been trying to get a hold of you since yesterday. The Cournoyer deal has been moved up to this week. They need you back in Houston.”

After several long moments of silence, Caroline jumped to her feet. “Hell no. This is my wedding and Brigid is one of my bridesmaids. She can’t leave.”

Matthew turned to her and laid a hand on her shoulder. “Caro, she has no choice. This is her job.”

“But it’s just a job. Not her whole life. This is my wedding. I’ll call my father. He’ll make sure she doesn’t have to go back.”

“No.” The word sounded like a croak from her suddenly tight throat. She cleared her throat and swallowed. “No, I have to do it. Caroline, I could be fired if I don’t go back.” Even if she wanted to quit, she had to see this project through.

At her words, Grady dropped her hand and stepped away. She didn’t dare look up at him, afraid of his condemnation.

“My father…”

“Your father can do nothing. This is business, not personal.” Brigid countered.

“Bullshit. You said it yourself. Peterman has it out for you. This is his way of messing with you.” Grady bit out the words.

Brigid was already shaking her head. “He wouldn’t do that. He may not like me that much, but he wouldn’t have called me back if he didn’t need me.” She looked at Matthew. “Did he say when the deal with scheduled for?”

Matthew’s gaze was hard but sympathetic. “Saturday morning. Cournoyer is headed to Tokyo for business for a month. He has to sign the papers now.”

Dammit. She had no choice. Even if she gave up her chance for the promotion, she still would have to go back or not go back at all. And right now, she needed her job for student loans and a chance at any other jobs. Walking away now would put any future career at risk. Her thoughts raced, trying to figure out options.

“Look, Caroline. Your wedding is Saturday night. I can be back by then. Maybe Peterman will let me leave once my work is done. But I will come back. I promise.”

Caroline turned away, hurt and anger etched in the tension of her shoulders. “I’ve heard that before. My shower, when you were two hours late. On a Saturday, no less. Lunch plans. Dinners. If you’re going, don’t rush back. I’ll figure something out. That’s what we do, isn’t it? Work our lives around your job?”

Brigid flinched as if struck. She looked at everyone else and no one met her gaze except Matthew, who clearly sympathized with her situation. He stepped forward to Caroline, laying a hand on her shoulder.

“She has no choice, Caroline. You know this.” Matthew said, quietly.

“And you’re defending her. I see where I rate now that you’re a partner. I don’t care. Leave.” She stalked out the door, Anna following on her heels with one last glaring look.

Matthew turned to Brigid. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to her. Try to get back if you can.” Then he followed her out the back door.

She turned to Grady, tears in her eyes. “I have to go.”

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