Page 24 of Unstable

Vivi retrieved a laptop from her giant tote and met her eyes. “Where’s your kitchen?”

Relieved to have something other to do other than daydream about Roman, she eagerly moved toward her. “Follow me.”

In the kitchen, Vivi pulled out a stool and situated herself at the bar.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked.

“No, thanks.” Vivi shot her a smile. “I’m going to see what kind of magic I can work with Photoshop to whip up an engagement photo for you.”

The men entered the room at the tail end of the conversation, and she watched as Roman picked up the door handle the locksmith had removed from the garage door, then passed it to Knox.

She met Roman’s gaze as he turned back to them. “How are we going to get word out?”

He lifted one shoulder. “I guess just start telling everyone and hope it catches fire organically.”

She thought on that for a second, then flicked a glance at Knox. “When do we leave?”

He opened his mouth to speak, but Vivi beat him to it. “I’ve got you guys on the second flight out tomorrow morning. Your itineraries are in my purse. Knox, will you go grab those?”

Her older brother rolled his eyes but did as she requested and returned less than a minute later, purple file folder in hand. He passed it to Roman, who opened it up and flipped through the documents.

Thoughts flitted through her mind as she debated her options. “So, we have a little less than twenty-four hours to get everything ready. Do we think that’ll be enough time to get word out?”

Knox’s dark eyes pierced hers. “Do you have a better idea?”

“Well…” She spoke tentatively, afraid he would shoot down her plan. “I have a ton of followers on social media. What if I do kind of a blast of posts over the course of the day tomorrow, each one leading up to our engagement announcement?”

“Kind of like clues leading to the big reveal,” Vivi piped up. “I like it!”

She shot Vivi a quick smile. “Thanks.”

“That’s one way to do it,” Knox said with a slow nod. “I’ll leave that to you, then.”

“Okay.” She was already brimming with ideas as Roman began to read the details aloud for all of them to hear.

“We’ve got a 10:20 flight out, then a driver will meet us at the airport to take us to Anna Maria Island.”

Her ears perked up at that. “Where is that?”

“Know where Tampa is?”

She nodded at Knox’s question. “I’ve never been there, but I know the general vicinity.”

“It’s about forty miles south, west of Bradenton.”

Inside, she bubbled with excitement. “Has anyone told Aster or Louis yet?”

Knox gave a brief shake of his head. “I’d prefer not to reveal this to anyone yet. If they need to get a hold of you, any communication will go through me first.”

“Oh. Okay.” It made sense, but she felt a little adrift not being able to talk to anyone.

“Roman will have his cell on him at all times, and he’ll be the main point of contact,” Knox said, “but I ask that you don’t tell anyone where you are or what you’re doing. You can keep your phone for emergencies, but I suggest leaving it off unless you absolutely need it. Or, better yet, leave it here completely.”

“So—” Her words were cut off as the doorbell rang. Knox immediately turned on a heel and headed that direction. Her eyes widened as she threw a look at Roman. “Who is that?”

Vivi glanced up at her, then over to Roman before dropping her gaze back to the computer in front of her. That didn’t exactly bode well.

His chest rose and fell on a deep breath. “Come with me.”