Page 37 of Without a Hitch
A fantastical dreamer. Fucking awesome.
“She hasn’t visited yet, Angie. But I have thousands of employees. It would only take her speaking to one bad apple to tarnish my reputation.”
“You’re known in this industry for your standards and how you take care of your employees. Even if you do hide behind a gruff exterior to keep them at bay, you offer some of the highest wages, and don’t forget the incentive plans, bonuses, and benefit opportunities you supply each and every employee.” She scans my face. “Are you upset that they haven’t found fault with your hotel or that you’re being left out on purpose?”
She knows me too well.
“Of course, I’m not worried about either of those things. I just want to make certain that however she’s getting her information, it’s accurate and substantiated.”
“You know the hotels they’ve featured, Lochlan. Do you believe anything they’ve said to be untrue?”
“No,” I concede. “But it’s an attack on my industry. I must be vigilant in protecting my legacy.”
Angie stands, then pats my shoulder. “Your legacy is in fine hands, Lochlan. I’m sure your mystery blogger will have a new post for you soon. Until then, perhaps you can focus on some people that actuallyaddvalue to your life.”
I groan because I fucking hate the sound of that. “What now?”
“Well, your parents want to know if they’ll be seeing you at the Foundry wedding…”
“No.”
“Lochlan. Your parents have been friends with the Foundrys for years. You went to school with their daughter.”
“No.”
“Fine. I’ll let them know.”
“What else?” I can see her wheels turning.
“Well, Mr. Grant called the office because you haven’t returned his call yet. Your friends never call the office so I’m assuming you’re avoiding him for some reason?”
“He’s a needy bastard.” I laugh. Tyler Grant, Blake Kingston, and Colton Westbrook are the entirety of my inner circle, but with the exception of Blake, who no longer talks to anyone, they’re much too chatty for my liking. “I’ll call him back. Anything else?”
“That’s it for now. But you really should reconsider the wedding. You never know who you’ll meet there.”
My mind instantly drifts to Pepper. Not that she’s been far from my thoughts lately anyway. The damn girl ghosted me. Sure, I would usually plan a quick escape, but I fell asleep that night knowing I wasn’t done with her. When I woke up the next morning, she was gone. No trace of her. I’m not sure if I’m pissed that I didn’t get to experience her again or that she didn’t give me a say in things, and it has made me a right surly prick ever since.
I shake my head, realizing Angie is still speaking. “Didn’t you have fun at Mr. Grant’s wedding? You stayed for the reception, so you must have foundsomethingto fill your time.”
I’m nodding along but not really listening because I did find something.Someone, rather. Someone I would very much like to see again. Just one more time. It’s unusual for me to want a repeat, so it must be the chase with Pepper. She left, so I want more?
I’ve refrained from reaching out to Tyler because I’ll only sound like a lovesick puppy by asking, but as more days pass, I realize I won’t simply forget her.
“Yes, Angie. I did have a good time at Tyler’s wedding.” I grin. “A very good time.”
She huffs and storms out to her desk. Perhaps I missed part of her conversation, but I’m already lifting my mobile phone.
Tyler answers on the first ring. “Lochlan? This is a surprise. I thought for sure I wouldn’t hear from you until I kicked down your office door.” He chuckles. “Is everything all right?”
“Of course, of course. How was your holiday?”
“We’re still here, actually. Heading to the Greek isles next.”
“Very good. Very good. Give…” Shit.What’s his wife’s name?“Give the missus my best.”
“Jenna, Lochlan. Her name is Jenna.”
“Right, yes. I know that. Give her my best.”
