AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lisa's nod is all empathy. “Gotta say, you were a woman on a mission with that sustainability stuff. Wine, planet-saving, streamlining—it's like the holy trinity for you, isn't it?”
“Heaping a bit much on my plate,” I confess, rubbing the back of my neck.
Her smile is encouraging in a way that warms my core. “But your work? Spectacular. How you broke down water conservation and alternate energy sources? No surprise your project took top honors!”
Heat spreads across my cheeks. “That means a lot, Lis. I'm itching to translate all that into real changes at the estate.”
She gives me this look that's like a mix of proud and pensive. “Ever notice how you come alive with this stuff? Like, when you talk about revolutionizing the family biz with your eco-vision? Clearly, it's your jam.”
A twinge of apprehension squeezes at my heart. My father’s crusty mindset is like a blockade; unbeatable, despite my triumphs and smarts. Caldwell has been bleeding green in all the wrong ways, layoffs piling up as Father keeps dodging the truth: we need a turnaround, big time.
Lisa's voice snaps me back. She's all conviction. “With the smarts you've got? Your dad’s gotta be out of his mind if he doesn't scoop you up to work for Caldwell. What about Julian Montague? Isn't he supposed to be Mr. Prince Charming? Coming in to save the day?”
The mention of Julian twists something in my gut—a mix of dread and anger. “He's not saving anything except his own interests.”
“And yours don't matter?” Lisa’s tone is sharp with indignation on my behalf.
I flick a random stone onto the grass. “Not according to my father.”
Lisa suddenly grabs my arm. Her expression is serious now—no trace of her usual playfulness remains.
“Gemma,” she says firmly, looking me straight in the eye, “you've got to stand up for yourself here. This is your life we're talking about.”
I know she's right—I've always known it—but knowing isn't enough when it feels like every decision has been made for you since birth.
“I'm trying,” I say quietly.
Lisa gives me a fierce hug. “Maybe Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome can help out.”
I follow her gaze back to Dylan—my guardian angel or jailer? Hard to tell sometimes.
“His job is keeping me safe,” I remind her—and myself—” not helping me rebel against my father.”
“But he cares about you,” Lisa insists with certainty, which surprises me.
“It's a job for him,” I mutter. Though part of me wishes…No. I force the thought away.
Lisa shakes her head. There's no mistaking the keen edge in her voice when she speaks. “The way he's watching you? No way. It's more than a job. What is your opinion on him being around constantly?”
Dylan shifts his weight from one foot to the other, his eyes scanning our surroundings before settling back on me.
“It's complicated.”
Lisa leans back on her hands, looking at me with knowing eyes that see through all my defenses. “Gemma Caldwell falling for the hired muscle? That’s something I didn’t see coming.”
I give her a playful shove. “Lisa!”
“I wouldn't kick him out of my bed!” Lisa laughs.
“All right, he is nice to look at,” I confess. “But it's just...I'm not used to having someone with me all the time. It's weird, you know?”
Lisa nods sympathetically. “I get it. But try to remember he's got your back.”
Despite my frustrations, Dylan has been nothing but courteous, even chivalrous. Carrying my bags, getting the car door for me, subtly scanning rooms before I enter. His quiet thoughtfulness gives me a sense of security.
Lisa gives me a quick hug before grabbing her backpack. “Gotta run. Study group awaits!”
“Good luck,” I tell her as she heads off across the quad.
