In my devious delight, I’d gotten sidetracked and forgotten to rework everything with Andreas.
“Oh shoot!” Emmy’s loud exclamation tells me she’s spotted them, too. “Guess my luck couldn’t last forever.”
I slip from the car, shooing several paps away with a growl, “Snap one picture without Miss Hart’sexpresspermission, and I’ll snap your neck. That clear?”
They nod frantically, taking several steps back to allow me to open the rear passenger door unimpeded. Hayley emerges first,followed by a smiling Emerson, who graciously smiles and poses for a handful of images before I escort them both inside Fern.
Though usually empty of diners to allow Emmy some peace with her family, the restaurant is more than half full because, with the last-minute change of plans, Fern still needed to honor their lunchtime bookings.
Heads turn to face us from almost every table, but Emmy takes it all in her stride, stopping to sign whatever’s put in front of her with beatific smiles for everyone until we finally reach Reese.
The older woman stands from her seat, embracing both of her daughters before turning to me. “Ford! How wonderful to see you.”
Her eyes twinkle brightly as she grasps my biceps, giving me a genuine smile. “Youmustjoin us for lunch.”
Before I can politely decline the invite, Hayley shoots out of her seat, her voice filled with reproach. “Mom!”
Reese turns to her daughter with questioning eyes, waiting for her to elaborate.
“Mr. Holloway has work to do. You can’t expect him to drop everything?—”
“Oh, pish posh, Hayley.” Reese looks back at me. “I absolutelyinsistyou join us.”
Hayley opens her mouth to protest once again, but Emmy gets there first, standing to put a reassuring hand on her protective sister’s shoulder.
Her soft smile is aimed at me when she speaks. “Sentinel won’t fall to pieces if you take an hour to dine with us.”
EMERSON
I smile gently at my sister, silently assuring her I’m okay with the turn things have taken today.
This time last week, I could never have imagined sitting calmly and contently opposite the man who broke my heart beyond measure. However, these past couple of days have proven me wrong.
Apparently, despite how he left me and all that ensued, my trust in Ford Holloway was never broken.
The cherry juice had been the catalyst, but with each minute spent in his presence, I have felt the defenses within me crumble.
His protective nature. His need to care for me. Ensuring I’m eating properly. Getting enough sleep.
The respect he has for me by not mentioning our past, just as I’d requested, even though Iknowhe would love to address the elephant in the room.
Not to mention how I can feel his eyes on me, regardless of where we are or who we’re with. His gaze follows me, touching my skin as tangibly as a caress, and I inherently know that he’d quiteliterallygive his life to protect me.
And it’s only now, with the benefit of hindsight, that I can see if a man as honorable as the one opposite me walked away from what we had, then it was with damn good reason.
And I’m going to find out why!
“And how long have you lived in Manhattan, Ford?”
Reese takes a sip of her Sauvignon Blanc, watching Ford over the rim of her glass as he slowly chews his mouthful of salmon. He swallows before answering her question.
“I moved here when I finished the North job in London.”
“Ah, I see.” Reese deposits her wine on the table as she nods. “And did you go straight into working for yourself, or…”
She trails off pointedly, and I await his answer with bated breath.
“No, Mrs. Hart?—”
