Page 83 of Sand in My Boots

“Come to my office. You’ve got some explaining to do.”

I place my hand over my chest. “I’ve been here less than thirty minutes, and already you’ve got time for me? Sweet heavens. Who are you?”

Preston’s arm comes around to my side, pulling me flush against him. “Missed you, Juli.”

His comment makes me pause, sliding from his grasp. My hand waves up and down over him. “No, seriously. Who are you?”

Chuckling—Preston Langley chuckling! Who would have thought—he goes to retrieve my bag, then waits for me to join him.

“You have somewhere to stay while you’re here?”

“Lissy booked me a room for a few nights. She’s prepared to add more nights if that’s something I’ll require.”

The comment implies so much, and he takes until we’re walking into his office to understand it. “Got it.” A shudder rolls through him. “Those details can be kept to yourself as well.” He takes a seat in his high-end executive ergonomic chair behind his mahogany desk, pointing out the option for me. My butt falls into the cushy seat, my thighs splaying open. “Start talking.”

I explain how Elisa left so abruptly Friday night, leaving orders for our “road trip.” Her text message yesterday listed a time to be ready. When I asked for further clarification, she ignored every message.

With nothing better to do with my time and my curiosity aroused, I packed a bag with a week’s worth of clothing, my laptop, and my Kindle. I can’t afford to take more time off, but work comes with me. I’m not complaining one bit about my new “office.” Even if I’m stuck inside for a bit of the time.

When she picked me up this morning, she gave nothing away. Not when I begged and pleaded. I had an inkling we were headed for the airport for our “road trip,” but I said nothing.

Elisa parked in long-term parking, and we shuttled over with our bags. Or what I thought were packed bags. Turns out, when we got to the check-in counter, her hands landed on my shoulders.

“Tell that man you don’t want a vacation fling. Make him work for a relationship. But not too hard because you don’t want to scare him away.” Confused, I was going to ask who the heck she was talking about, but then I noticed the destination on the ticket she shoved at me. “Tell our big brother I said hello and to call me!” Making sure I was checked in, she grabbed her empty bag and bolted back out the airport doors.

As much as I contemplated leaving, the thrill of getting on a flight and coming back to paradise—seeing Cameron—won out.

“I took a car from the airport, and here I am.” I finish the comprehensive tale, Preston hanging on my every word. He didn’t look away to check his phone or computer. Color me impressed.

“She’s got spunk, I’ll give her that much. And you said she booked a room for three nights?”

“Four.”

He nods. “And what about a return flight?”

“It was a one-way ticket. I only noticed that once I was on the plane.”

He leans forward, more enthralled. “How does she expect you to get home?”

“Her exact words were, ‘Who says you’re coming home?’ Crazy, right?”

“Insane. But so Elisa.”

“Oh my god. Yes. Totally an Elisa thing to do. I’m surprised I didn’t catch on sooner.”

His assistant at the door interrupts our conversation.

“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Langley, but Garrick Fassone is on line one. It sounds urgent.”

“Sure thing.” He looks my way. “Track me down. We’ll have dinner. Not like you’re leaving soon.” His chuckle hits me in the feels, a sound I don’t hear nearly often enough, and now I’ve been lucky to hear it twice today.

Standing from my chair, I note the time. I still have half an hour before I have to meet Cameron. Might as well check in, find out where my room is, drop my bag, and freshen up. Change out of the leggings and oversized T-shirt I wore to travel.

I kiss his cheek. “See you soon,” I whisper as he picks the phone off the cradle. His “Garrick” meets my ears as I exit the office.

Check-in runs smoothly, and Elisa did well. Gotta love having access to Daddy’s credit card. She booked me a two-room suite. What am I possibly going to do with two bedrooms? Though I guess one could be a temporary office for a few days.

Inside the suite, it has a similar layout to the last one, with an additional bedroom and bathroom. I smile at the stack of fresh towels in the guest bedroom.