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“I completely understand,” Noah said through gritted teeth. “You’re the boss.” When had his client become so obnoxious? Most of the sympathy he’d been feeling for him went straight out the door. Maybe Sussex was simply one of those rich, entitled men who thought they could get whatever they wanted. Perhaps Sophie was just another thing he wanted to acquire.
“Catalano. The assignment has changed. You need to shift gears.”
“Are my services no longer needed?” Noah asked, half hoping Sussex would pull the plug on the assignment.
“They’re needed more than ever. The bottom line is that Sophie is looking for my replacement. I can’t let that happen, not when I still think there’s a chance for us to get back together. I need you to make sure that doesn’t go down.”
A buzzing sound thundered in his ears. He had a feeling that this discussion was heading into uncomfortable territory.
Noah closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Sir, Sophie is an independent woman. I can’t very well tell her not to date someone. We’re not exactly close friends.”
“No. You’re right. Sophie would never listen to any man trying to rule her dating life,” Sussex concurred. Noah had the feeling his client was pondering his options. Perhaps he was rethinking this desperate scheme.
Noah let out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t relished the idea of interfering in Sophie’s love life. The situation was becoming tenser by the moment. He felt sweat breaking out on his forehead. He couldn’t remember feeling so conflicted about an assignment. A gut instinct told him he was getting in way over his head.
Sussex continued to speak. “Let’s make this really simple, Catalano. If you pursue Sophie yourself, you’ll keep all the other Operation Love participants at bay. I’m just asking you to keep her occupied until I can find a way to reunite with her. Take her out on the town. Bring her a bouquet of flowers. She really loves lilies. Romance her a little.”
“That’s not what you hired me for!” Noah said. How could his client ask him to do this if he truly loved Sophie? What kind of man thought this type of plan was acceptable?
“Let me know if you’re not up to completing the assignment,” Sussex said in a frosty voice. “I wired a substantial payment into your bank account this morning. For what I’m paying you, there are plenty other PIs who would gladly take this assignment.”
Before Noah could reply, Sussex disconnected the call.
Noah found himself calling on God. He didn’t know what to do. He was too far in to back out now. So much was riding on this paycheck. But he had no intention of dating Sophie simply to keep her away from other men in town. It would be dishonorable and shameful. What kind of man would he become if he sank to that level? And even though he was in Love under false pretenses, he still wanted to maintain his dignity. Doing as Sussex asked wouldn’t allow that to happen.
He was beginning to think he’d already compromised himself by working with a man like Sussex. Could the guy really and truly love Sophie if he could ask his PI to date her? Noah felt incredibly conflicted. Things were spiraling out of control.
Dear Lord. I’m in big trouble here. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I need to follow through with this assignment so I can rescue my company. But I don’t feel right about what I’m doing. And the deeper I find myself venturing down this path, the more conflicted I feel. Show me the way.
Chapter Six
It was a bright and frosty morning as Sophie made her way from her cabin toward Hazel’s house down the lane. Hazel had invited all her bridesmaids to an early-morning breakfast in order to hash out some of the details for her upcoming nuptials.
Sophie shivered as a blast of cold air hit her in the face. Even though it wasn’t far to the main house, she found herself wishing she owned a car. It was freezing outside. Although she didn’t have her license, she had managed to get her permit. It was sitting right in her wallet, serving as a daily reminder to take the next steps toward obtaining her driver’s license. It would be yet another move toward independence.
Sophie remembered her conversation with Noah about learning to drive. He didn’t realize it, but his words had inspired her to get serious about doing so. Warmth shot through her as her thoughts veered toward the Moose Café’s new hire. Little by little Sophie was seeing the real Noah hiding behind the tough veneer. He was kind. And smart. And each and every day, she was finding more things to like about him, even though he made her a little nervous. He seemed like such a simple man and a straight shooter. Noah served as a reminder that Sophie’s life in Love had been built on one big fat lie.
Later on today she would be working side by side with him at the Taste of Love event. Cameron had signed her up to make coffee drinks at the function. Even though today was supposed to be a day off, Sophie couldn’t say no to Cameron. He’d done so much for her since she had arrived in town, and if she ever needed anything he was right there to support her—much like the older brother she always wished for.
She breathed out a puff of air. It was so frigid outside she could see the mist in front of her face. At least her feet weren’t cold. She looked down at her navy blue boots, the latest design from Hazel’s footwear line, Lovely Boots. They kept her feet cozy and warm. Being friends with Hazel had plenty of perks. Being given the latest boots was at the top of the list.
By the time Sophie reached her destination, she was ready to come in from the biting cold. She let herself into Hazel’s house without knocking or ringing the bell. Hazel didn’t like guests to stand on ceremony. She insisted that her door was always open.
As soon as Sophie crossed the threshold, the smell of baked goods rose to her nostrils. Her stomach began to grumble at the thought of blackberry cobbler. In addition to her other skills, Hazel was a masterful baker. Once Sophie took off her coat and boots, she ventured toward the parlor, following the sound of voices.
Hazel’s parlor was filled with joyful, smiling faces. Despite the early hour, the space vibrated with energy. Sophie received a hearty welcome from the other bridesmaids—Grace Prescott, Annie O’Rourke, Ruby Prescott and Paige Prescott.
No sooner had Sophie dug into a plateful of blackberry cobbler than Hazel commanded everyone’s attention by a loud clearing of her throat.
“Thank you, ladies, for gathering here so bright and early on a Saturday morning,” Hazel announced as she poured steaming cups of tea from her vintage floral tea set. Even the smell of scones and muffins couldn’t make up for the early hour. This morning should have been Sophie’s morning to sleep in. Instead, she had trudged over here in order to help plan her friend’s wedding and reception.
Annie hid a yawn behind her hand. “Sure thing, Hazel. Anything for you.”
Grace took a long sip of tea, then placed her cup back on the saucer. “I don’t care how early it is. It’s nice to get away from the house while Boone is watching Eva.” She let out a little giggle. “Just the thought of him changing her diaper makes me grin.”
All the ladies laughed along with her.
“Liam is fortunate. Aidan likes to sleep in now, as well,” Ruby chimed in, looking at her watch. “I’m guessing those two will sleep for hours.” With her mocha skin and warm brown eyes, Ruby was a stunning woman. Even better, she was down-to-earth and as sweet as pie.
