Page 68 of Without a Hitch
Give her the benefit of doubt, Banny. That’s what my father would do, because the deeper I dove into her phone last night, her vision became clear. She isn’t out to ruin anyone. If anything, she’s trying to make everyone around her better, from the ground up.
The knowledge that it’s not Christine behind the growing social blog also eases a tension I hadn’t realized was eating me alive. Though I must remain vigilant where she’s concerned, especially as the cogs are put into motion that will ruin her.
I also got a glimpse into Tilly’s business plan, and it couldn’t be more obvious. She’s everything Christine will never be because Tilly is honest and good and finds the love in every situation.
Her ideas for The I Do Crew are original and forward-thinking, if not unconventional in a fairy-tale-like way that makes my skin crawl. I now have enough ammunition to force Tilly’s hand into helping me. I just can’t get my brain to decide on the best course of action because I’ve never thought about feelings before. But that’s what she is forcing me to do. I can’t be an asshole and blackmail her into helping me, even if everything in me would do it in a heartbeat to anyone else. The fact that I care about her opinion fucks with every other thought in my head.
I glance at my watch—7:30. Time is moving at a snail’s pace. Why the fuck didn’t I tell her to meet me at seven? Dropping into the desk chair, I call Angie from the hotel phone.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Her sass is extra irritating today.
“Angie, do not put that woman on my plane today. I’ll kick her off. Just hire her and be done with it. I’ll meet her when I’m back in New York.”
“Hire her? Just like that? I really think you should meet with her, Lochlan. She’s already in Boston waiting to take off with you.”
My head falls to the back of the chair, and I stare at the ceiling. I’m exhausted, but my body is still a live wire of anticipation because Tilly is near. She shouldn’t have this much power over me.
“Lochlan?” Angie forces me to focus.
“Do you like her?”
“I do, very much.” Exasperation fills the air between us.
“Then hire her. You’ve never suggested hiring one of them before, so if you believe she is up to the task and not looking for anything but a job, then train her while I’m away.”
“What’s going on, Lochlan?” Bloody hell. She knows me too well. “Does this have anything to do with your wedding friend?” My gaze rockets to Tilly’s phone on the table in front of me.Nova!
“When did Nova get there?”
“This morning.” Angie hums. “She said you might be taking a few days off. Is that true?”
“No. I’m going to California as planned.”
“Is Abby going with you?” Nova shouts into the phone. One of the problems with living in the hotel where I also house my main office is that Nova lives right next door to both.
“No.” But even as I say it, a plan begins to form in my head. “And her name isn’t Abby. It’s Tilly. Tilly Camden. She’s Colton’s assistant.”
I know Colton will be spending an unfortunate amount of time in Vermont for the foreseeable future with his family. Does that mean Tilly will be there too? Or will she be set free to work on her own? Why the hell didn’t I ask Colton more questions about her?
I vaguely hear Nova’s string of questions, but I ignore them with a smile. Once again, I’m thankful for Angie when she manages to quiet my sister.
Angie tsks getting us back on track. “Ross is a family man, Lochlan. Have you read the dossier on him? He won’t work with anyone he doesn’t feel aligns with his outlook on business, life, and love.”
I practically scoff. “Business has nothing to do with love, or it shouldn’t. Just hire the woman, Angie. I have to go.” I don’t wait for a response. Riled up, I pop out of my seat a second later and adjust the bottom of my vest for the hundredth time.
Tillyshouldgo with me to California. Tasting wine, swimming in the ocean. Skinny dipping. Fuck yes to skinny dipping. It’s the perfect solution. Ross is a family man, and he’s already asked aboutAbbyevery time I’ve tried to schedule a meeting with him. But how do I get her to agree?
More importantly, why do I need her to agree with every fiber of my being?
Instead of digging too deep, I start making plans. Tilly Camden is a woman I can’t keep, so I’ll have my fill of her before she drives me mad. Three weeks. I’ll have her for three weeks, then we’ll go back to our lives where she resides in the fairy tale, and I’m the dragon in the tower trying to burn it all down.
* * *
At 9:23 a.m.,there’s a knock at my door, and it nearly comes off the hinges when I rip it open. Tilly stands in the hall, hands clasped together, and arches a brow at my enthusiasm.
Breathe, Lochlan.
“I didn’t think you were going to show.” I lean against the doorframe in an attempt to appear casual, but it only lasts a second because I’m unable to control myself when she’s near. Reaching for her, I drag her inside the suite.
