AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I told them we’d be there first thing in the morning.”
He forced his gaze up to her eyes. “What?”
“At the resort,” she explained. “I told them we’d be there to look at it in the morning. Once I said your name, they assured me they would let Stone Enterprises have first dibs before they put the property up for sale.”
Yes, Abby was something. She was efficient, she was knowledgeable about the business…and she had starred in every one of his dreams last night.
“I’ll call my pilot.” Cade pulled his phone from his pocket and punched in the numbers, trying to forget his last thought. “How soon can you be packed?”
She tilted her head and offered a wide, cocky grin. “I’m ready. My bags are being held downstairs.”
“You’ve had a busy morning.”
“Is there any other kind?” She moved past him, back to the front door. “Meet you in the lobby.”
And she was gone.
God, what was he going to do about this new take-charge Abby? She’d always been efficient, knowledgeable, yet meek and quiet. Never before had she steamrolled past him and told him what they would be doing next. Usually when she had a suggestion, it was just that—a suggestion.
But she’d stormed her way through like a tornado. She was in, she was out and she was effective.
And she’d caused so much damage in his life in such a short time, he didn’t know if he’d ever recover.
Jet-setting was exhausting. Abby once again settled into her leather seat on Cade’s lavish plane and booted up her laptop.
Cade settled into his own seat, using the matching tan leather sofa directly across from her. He was on his cell talking to Phillip, discussing business she cared nothing about.
Tuning out his sultry, sexy voice, Abby pulled up her spreadsheet for the wedding. Flowers, check. Music, check. Lighting, check.
Unloving bride and groom, check, check.
Moving onto the reception decorations and covers for the chairs would keep her mind off the inevitable uncomfortable silence that would surely join them on this flight.
She’d put on the performance of a lifetime this afternoon. Pretending she was all business and not still shaking from their kiss had been difficult. She hoped he hadn’t picked up on how fast she’d been in and out of his suite.
Oh well, no time to dwell on that amazing memory. There was work to do.
Cream jacquard chair covers would add to the elegance of the candlelight and the calla lilies that would extend and drape from tall, slender vases. Round tables, of course, to keep the immense production as cozy as possible.
Name cards with guests’ names in calligraphy and a little note from the bride and groom on each plate.
Yeah, and what would it say? Thanks for helping us celebrate our business deal?
Abby groaned in frustration, both at the preposterous nuptials and the fact she wanted to throw her laptop down, stomp on it and yell at Cade until he came to his senses. Okay, so maybe acting like a temper-tantrum-throwing toddler wasn’t the best approach.
“Everything okay over there?”
Abby jerked to see Cade looking at her with a slight grin. He’d ended his call and her groan was obviously louder than she’d thought.
“Fine,” she assured him, lying through her teeth. “Just ran into a snag with a minor detail for the reception.”
His cocky, devilish smile fell. “I appreciate the extra work you’re putting in. There’s no way I could’ve done this without you.”
“You could’ve had a simple ceremony like your brother.” Shut up, Abby. “He got married on the beach, right?”
Cade shrugged. “He was in love and wanted that intimate setting. I want everyone to know about the merging of two dynasties.”
Abby’s heart actually hurt. Not for her, though, but for Cade who really, truly thought this was his only option in life.
“I don’t mind the extra work.” She lowered the screen on her laptop, silently indicating she wanted to talk. “I needed the extra income and you needed my help. It’s a win/win situation.”
His dark eyes seemed to study her for a second. “You make a pretty good living, Abby. What on earth do you need more money for? You have no children, no spouse. As far as I can tell, you never go out on shopping sprees and I’ve seen your apartment building, so I know it’s not too expensive.” He stopped, seeming to catch himself. “Sorry,” he said, raising his hands. “Your finances are none of my concern.”
Abby swallowed, sorry that she’d unknowingly chosen this particular path to travel down. The last thing she wanted from anyone, least of all Cade, was pity.
