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25
MIRANDA
Harriet had dropped Ava off for the weekend, and Ava jumped into the pool, joining Manuel. They squealed with laughter and splashed about, while I lounged back with a juice that Sherry had kindly whipped up.
A week had passed since the funeral. Lachlan had reverted to his old self and started working on a retirement home for black musicians in New Orleans.
He joined me on the patio, wearing nothing but a pair of knee-length shorts, and handed me a sheet of paper. “Check this out.”
I studied the architectural drawing of condominiums complete with gardens and balconies.
“They’re very symmetrical, and it’s a welcoming design,” I said.
Lachlan smiled brightly.
His father’s passing had brought up some emotions, but after two days of retreating, Lachlan had headed back into his office, where Britney hung around like a bad smell.
I’d taken the week off from the Artefactory to spend time drafting a one-year plan. Following the success of Sylvester Stallion’s exhibition, which had delivered a decent wage, I was inspired to look for burgeoning young talent. I just needed to strategize and focus.
When Lachlan had suggested I hang out at the estate, I jumped at the chance. I loved being there, especially taking long walks on the beach. Only I could have done without Britney turning up daily. Lachlan had admitted he needed her to clean up loose ends and to help him draft a budget for the running of Peace Holdings. I suggested he find himself an accountant, preferably one that didn’t want to see him naked.
The way she lingered, stealing glances pissed me off. Lachlan explained that Britney had served the business for fourteen years and that in many ways she was part of the family.
“I’m not sure if there’s room for both of us,” I said. “She hates me and is rude.”
His lack of a response bugged me. I sensed that she had something over him. But considering he’d only just lost his father, I held back on bickering about her. Also, he’d been nothing but supportive of our relationship. I just wanted her gone.
In the early evening, after eating burgers, the kids watched TV while I lounged in my favorite room; a former ballroom with a high curved ceiling and teal walls. Reclining on a chesterfield sofa, I was reading Rebecca, which happened to be my favorite Hitchcock movie.
Lachlan joined me and said, “Let’s go upstairs. The kids are settled. And Sherry’s here.”
He walked his fingers up my legs, and I melted into his sexy gaze. I rose, mesmerized at the thought of his ravishing tongue and his dick turning me into an oozing mess.
“Good night,” he called to the kids.
“Don’t stay up late,” I added. “School tomorrow.”
“Night-night,” Ava said.
I poked my head in the TV room. My angelic niece and Manuel were sitting with Sherry.
“Thanks, Sherry,” I said.
The nanny smiled sweetly, and I returned to my horny boyfriend.
The following morning, we ate pancakes that Lachlan had masterfully whipped up.
The children had gone to school, and I sat at the island, drinking coffee and ogling Lachlan’s naked, rippling chest as he walked about, wearing nothing but shorts.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come down to the beach?” he asked, clearly itching for his morning surf.
“No. I’d better get to work. I’m arranging a new exhibition.”
He leaned in to kiss me, then Britney appeared. Whether I liked it or not, she was there to stay for a while. I had to accept that Lachlan didn’t have a handle on his father’s affairs. I just hated her turning up in the private quarters, as though she lived there.
“Um… the police are here,” she said to Lachlan.
His brow creased. “What do they want?”
