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“It’s hard to be with someone who doesn’t know you,” he said in a rare moment of openness—again. She drew the truth from him without even trying.
Isa opened her mouth, maybe to ask more questions, but Eli cut her off before she compelled him to answer.
“Do your parents know the real story behind why you and Josh split?”
“No. They think I went rogue and dumped him along with Sawyer Financial. They thought it was a phase.”
“Oh, right. The start-your-own-business phase.” He let out a dry chuff, then thought of his own business he was starting. If his brothers knew what he was doing, would they think Eli was going through a phase? Hell, for all he knew he was. He hadn’t shared with them yet, and as he thought about it now, the reason was probably so he wouldn’t have to explain.
“My family and Josh’s family go way back. The Lindens have been friends with the Sawyers for generations. My parents fear ill will and a bad reputation over all else.”
“So you show up to your ex-boyfriend’s ceremony with Eli Crane?” He stopped at a traffic light.
“You were a last resort, so you can’t possibly feel used.”
“Thanks. That’s touching,” he said, humor in his tone.
Her mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. “I…That came out wrong.”
“It’s okay,” he said. He thought he’d meant it, but the gaffe did sting. Just enough to remind him he hadn’t earned her trust. Yet she’d been earning his for a while now.
Way to go, Crane.
He accelerated through the green light. After a few silent minutes, she spoke again.
“To Josh, I was a yellow-brick road leading to the wizard. Haven’t you had someone date you because of who you were?”
He thought about that a moment, then shook his head.
“I guess that makes sense. You’re not exactly using your family’s name to advance, are you?”
“Neither are you,” he pointed out. “Sable Concierge isn’t tied to them in name, and I assume you didn’t borrow a hefty loan from them to start it.”
“Not from them. Not from Sawyer Financial.” The strength in her voice was undeniable. Isa didn’t want a handout. She took the hard road. She chose the hard road. Look at him. He wouldn’t even know her if he hadn’t gone through her staff like disposable cups.
“Isabella Sawyer.” He turned off the main drag, an idea sparking. And it was a far better one than dropping her off at her place.
“Yes?”
“Would you join me for dinner?”
“At this time on a Saturday night? We’ll wait two hours for a table.” The streetlight overhead illuminated her smile of pure excitement. He hadn’t earned her, but this could be a start.
“You underestimate my reach. Don’t you know who I am?” he teased. Then he lifted his cell phone and punched in a number as he edged into heavy traffic. “This is Eli Crane,” he said into the phone. “I have a standing reservation.”
