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“Whoa.” I held up my hands. “Slow down, Aunt Louise. I don’t need you to set me up with anyone’s niece.”
She leaned across the table toward her friends. “Don’t you think? I’ve only met her once or twice, but I bet she could handle him. She seemed like she had spunk.”
A few of the other women agreed, nodding and murmuring their assent while Aunt Louise flipped open her notebook and started writing again.
Uh-oh. What had I started?
I put a hand on Aunt Louise’s shoulder and leaned closer. “Don’t worry. I already know the right woman. Just wish me luck because she’s going to take some convincing.”
She whipped her head around. “Really? Do tell.”
I grinned as I stood and pushed my chair back to its place. “That’s confidential information.”
“Zachary Haven, you’re terrible.”
“Yeah, but you love me. I need to get to my stable and respectable job.” I pointed to her notebook. “Just make sure I’m ahead of Garrett.”
She smiled. “Have a good day, honey.”
“Bye, Aunt Louise. Bye, ladies.”
My order was waiting for me, so I picked it up and headed out to my truck.
Bachelor hierarchy? I had to be ahead of Garrett.
I ate my sandwich and sipped my coffee as I drove out to the job site. It was a long way to go every day, but it paid well, so I didn’t mind. Whoever the owner was—I’d never met him, I’d been hired by the general contractor—he was obviously loaded. The house he was building wasn’t really a house. Not in the normal sense of the word, anyway. It was a mansion. Over fifteen thousand square feet with a massive kitchen, multiple living areas, and at least a dozen bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. It was set back from the highway, down a long, winding driveway, making it almost hidden.
I had no idea what it was for. Not quite a hotel, not quite a typical vacation home. Maybe the owner planned to rent it out for corporate retreats or weddings or family reunions or something. Although, it was too far outside Tilikum—or any town—to allow convenient access to the restaurants and amenities I would imagine those situations required.
But I didn’t care that much. If this guy wanted to build a fifteen thousand square foot vacation home for himself, that was his business.
Besides, I had more important things to worry about. Like making Marigold fall for me.
CHAPTER 8
Marigold
The little black dress was a good choice. Classic, chic, timeless. I turned to check a different angle in my full-length mirror. It was a simple sheath dress with short sleeves and a low neckline. Flattering, and made me feel pretty.
Perfect.
I took a picture in the mirror and sent it to Audrey. She replied in seconds.
Audrey: GORGEOUS! I love that dress on you.
Me: Thank you! Which shoes?
I tried on a few different pairs and sent her a photo of each.
Audrey: Those are all cute but don’t you have red ones?
She was right, I needed to try the red ones. I got the red heels out of my closet and as soon as I stepped into them, I knew they were exactly what I needed for my date tonight.
Red lipstick to match? Definitely.
I added the lipstick before sending another picture.
Audrey: I hope you’re ready for him to fall madly in love with you because that’s amazing.
