Page 14 of Irresistible Love

William shook his head. “I don’t think anyone’s on school break, and the ones who aren’t away at college are staying with people that I don’t really know. But don’t worry. We’ll make it work.” He stood and glanced around. “Why don’t you finish getting yourself ready and then we’ll get going? Maybe the Hamiltons can help us move, or perhaps one of the contractors wouldn’t mind giving us a hand.”

“It can’t hurt to ask,” she agreed. “Okay, give me about a half hour and I’ll be ready to go. Will that work?”

“Of course.” He kissed her on the cheek before heading for the door. “Meet me up at the house whenever you’re ready.” And then he was gone.

Lily immediately sprang into action. Her hair was longer than it had ever been and normally took a while to dry, even with a blow dryer. So, she made fast work of applying her makeup and then slid into a pair of black skinny jeans, an ivory cable-knit sweater, and a pair of black ankle boots before tackling her hair. After brushing and diffusing and then giving it several minutes with the air on full blast, it still felt damp. Muttering a curse, she had no choice but to put it up in a bun again. It wasn’t her favorite style, but at times like these, it worked.

After grabbing her phone, purse, and keys, she was out the door and looking forward to the day ahead.

* * *

Monday was grueling. Noah felt like he’d been doing nothing but taking calls and putting out fires all damn day. It was almost five and all he wanted to do was go home, order a pizza, and drink a cold beer. And come hell or high water, he was going to make it happen.

The sound of someone knocking on his office door had him looking up, and he smiled when William came strolling in. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said as he approached Noah’s desk.

“Not at all. Just finishing up and thinking of the toppings I’m going to get on my pizza.”

“Oh.”

If Noah wasn’t mistaken, there was disappointment in that small, one-word response. “Was there something you needed?”

William raked a hand through his hair. “Actually…I was hoping to ask a favor of you, but it sounds like you have plans for the evening.”

This was slippery slope territory here. If he kept saying yes to every favor and every extra task that was asked of him, he would work himself to death. However…

“Lily had some of her belongings shipped from Miami to her parents’ house and she needs to move them to the guest house,” William explained. “And as much as I like to think I’m still a young man, I know I’m not.” He let out a small laugh. “I know she’s adamant that she’ll just do it herself, but it’s going to take her about four trips to do it all, and…”

“And you don’t want her to hurt herself since she’s already nursing an injury,” he finished for him. As much as he genuinely didn’t want to get involved with anything related to Lily, did he really want to be the reason either she or William hurt themselves?

Ugh…

Sometimes having a conscience sucked.

“If you’re busy…”

Getting to his feet, Noah shook his head. “Not busy at all, just thinking about dinner,” he said with a laugh. “So…should I just follow you over to Lucas and Emma’s?”

“Actually, I’m going to head home, and I’ll order us some pizzas to be delivered. I think I’ll just be in the way over at the house with all the construction going on. Just tell me what you like on your pizza and I’ll make sure it’s ready for you when you and Lily get to the guesthouse.”

“Oh, um…okay. I guess I’m okay with almost anything on my pizza. I’m not too picky.”

“Noah?”

“Hmm?”

“What kind of pizza were you going to order for yourself?” William prompted with a knowing grin.

“Pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers,” he murmured.

“Then that’s what you’ll have! And really, thank you for this. I’ll text you Lucas’ address and you might as well head over there now. I think Lily’s already on her way there.”

Nodding, Noah thanked him again and began collecting his things as William walked out the door.

Part of him was utterly annoyed with himself for caving in and agreeing to help. After all, it was starting to feel like he was turning into everyone’s damn lackey. But again, this was just who he was; he hated the thought of anyone getting hurt just because he was trying to make a point. So, now he was off to help Lily.

“At least I’m still getting my pizza,” he mumbled and figured he’d wait to have his beer until he got home. His phone dinged with an incoming text, and when he glanced down, he saw it was the address from William.

No one stopped him with any questions or concerns as he walked out to the elevators, and other than a few waves and goodnights, he was on his way.

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