Page 61 of Lochlan

“I don't think that would work; I'll ask Layla to find space for you in the main building. You'd be isolated this far away. I know you like the busyness of an office.”

“I wouldn't mind. We'd be working together.”

I can't have her camped in here. She'd strive to be a constant distraction. “I'll agree that you should take the lead on the project. You'll be assigned your own office in the main building; I need my space.”

Fiona's gotten most of what she's asked for, but it rankles her that I'm not giving her everything she wants. I know this woman; she's not giving up. What hasn't occurred to her is that I've changed and that I'm not as easily swayed by her.

She drains her remaining wine and sets the glass on my desk. “I guess that concludes the business part of our meeting. Now we're free to discuss the personal. Our time in the study, was that a beginning or a one-off? I made it clear I want us back together. You were not so quick to declare yourself. Have you decided?”

“There's three years between us. It takes time to close that gap, then there is Kenzie to consider.”

“I wouldn't say she was much on your mind in the study. How can you compare the years we've been together to the few weeks she amused you? Whatever stopped you from going through with our wedding, surely you've come to terms with it by now. It took me a time to get over your actions, but I've forgiven you.”

CHAPTER27

CAFE VINCENZO

KENZIE

Nothing is better thanbeing the doted-on daughter at Christmas. Slipping back into old traditions with my absentee mother and overprotective father gave me the respite I needed to put some distance between me, Poppy, Crimson Beaches, and Lochlan. I almost forgot about Connell. I'm not sure what part he's going to play in my life going forward, but at least he's been a supportive friend.

I go back to my apartment for a few hours to retrieve some clothing and to get time away from my parents, who look like they could use some space, since my mother will leave in a few days. Walking into my bedroom, I pitch my bag onto the dresser. I didn't zip it and the contents spill out, along with my lipstick, breath mints, and the red letter from Lochlan, unopened and unread.

I'm tidying up the living room when the front door swings open and Pru comes in, dragging her bags. She parks them just inside the door, goes back outside, and returns with an enormous duffel bag. She kicks the door closed and smiles. “Merry Christmas,” she bellows.

I run to my roommate and throw my arms around her. We dance around in a hug, squealing like a pair of tweeners. It's a stupid ritual, but that's us.

“I've missed you. Merry Christmas to you,” I say, breaking apart. “I thought you weren't coming home for a few more days.”

“I had planned to stay longer, but when you have four brothers with their girlfriends, wives, or significant others and their kids on top of it, I just hit my breaking point. I doubt any of them noticed I'd left. How about you? I thought you would be spending all your time with your parents.”

“I've spent every day with my parents since my mother came to town. I thought I'd leave my parents alone for a few hours so they can get reacquainted.”

“Ah, the joys and sorrows of a long-distance marriage. You're a wonderful daughter, you know that? That means we can hang out for the rest of the day.”

“Why just the rest of the day? I might as well stay the night. I don't think my parents will mind. Let me help you with your bags.”

I grab the handle of the roll-away bag and maneuver it around the coffee table, heading for her bedroom. After we place Pru's bags near the closet, we fall onto her bed.

“Tell me what happened at court. Did Poppy choose a partner?”

I guess she didn't bother to talk to any of the squad while she was in Arizona. Probably there was no need for a blow-by-blow until we spoke to each other again. I told her I had the proof I needed, so she's just expecting a story about my triumph. Pru nestles her head on the pillow, waiting for an account. I sit cross-legged, my back to the headboard. “Well, it's like this. I screwed up.”

Pru rolls over onto her side, resting her chin in her palm. “What do you mean, you screwed up? How could that have happened? You had the proof with you, right?”

“Poppy held court in Café Vincenzo, and that cute waiter who gives you extra bread asked about you. Not then…when I was there, before with Lochlan.”

Pru arches an eyebrow at me. “We'll unpack that part with Lochlan later. Tell me what happened at court.”

“I'm not overstating this. Livi, Poppy, and I were at the head table. We had a wonderful meal, but I was uncomfortable with each bite. I thought that because there was only half the club there, and we weren't at her mansion, we wouldn't have any male attendance.”

“How many guys were there?”

“Six dressed in sleeveless white shirts and black pants. That guy you were ogling at the last court was there serving a dessert to Poppy.”

“You mean, she had all those guys flood the restaurant? That sounds like there were only two males to every five females. Anyway, get to the good part.” Then Livi smiles. “I bet that really cute blond you were looking at was there as well, right?”

I haven't told Livi that Connell is the Viking Prince. I guess that conversation never came up. “Yeah, he was there, and he served me chocolate tiramisu and champagne.”

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