She checked her phone. Almost eight. She couldn’t imagine what he did out here this late, but Esther said he’d be here.
Emily pulled up a new text to message him, and that was when she caught sight of a broad back in a crisp white shirt out of the corner of her eye.
The end of the dock was nearly invisible. But the white dress shirt Levi wore today stood out in the shadows, his back to her just as it had been earlier when he’d stared out the window of his office. His elbows jutted out, hands on his narrow hips. He appeared to be commanding the lake. And maybe he was.
Levi Cade could do anything: lead men, take down fires…break hearts.
For a moment, Emily considered turning around and walking back. He was by himself, and it seemed he wanted it that way. And then something occurred to her. Maybe he came out here because he was lonely.
When Emily felt alone growing up, missing her mom and the father she barely knew or feeling isolated and awkward around her peers, she’d make her way to the lake and sit on a jetty. Staring out at the water made her feel connected somehow—as though it were life itself, a part of everyone in some way. She’d imagine others silently pouring out their hopes and dreams to the lake the way she did.
Was that what Levi was doing?
Her feet were moving before she’d commanded them to. She took a deep breath as she neared, and sensed a subtle shift in Levi’s posture. Her heels weren’t exactly silent on the dock’s wooden boards.
“Levi?” No one was around, and he’d told her to call him by his given name.
He turned, his expression a mask. No pain, loneliness, or anger filled his face. Nothing to give away his feelings. Was this the wall her sister had mentioned?
Emily wished Lisa hadn’t brought up some wall Levi had built around himself, because now she couldn’t stop thinking about it. And why it was there.
She reached for her tablet and pulled up a screen of notes. “I made good progress this afternoon. With our short timeline, I thought it best to keep you informed.”
He looked back at the water, his shoulders sinking as though weighed down by the pressure of invisible hands. “Go ahead.”
She blinked. For a man running one of the most esteemed resorts in the area, he seemed…resigned. “I’ve updated the number of guests based on your information and informed the hospitality team. The gift baskets will be ready for the larger crowd, as well as extra spa personnel. I also confirmed with Shin Electronics that they would like a morning reserved on the golf course. Wes is working his end with the groundskeeper to make sure the greens are perfect, and that they have enough caddies for every golfer.” Levi hadn’t moved or acknowledged her comments one way or the other. For some reason, she desperately wanted to make things easier for him. “Let’s see—oh, and I also followed up with Bran about catering. He said you spoke to him, but he sounds a bit…”
Levi looked over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth tilting up humorlessly. “He’s stressed as fuck.”
“Uh, yes.” Emily hid a smile as she stared at her device. “That. So…”
Levi sighed. “Bring in catering for the first night—the cocktail meet-and-greet. The best you can find in town. We’ll supply the alcohol; the wine tasting you suggested. Bran will have to deal with catering for the rest of the week.”
Emily stepped closer so she wasn’t directly behind him anymore and could see the side of his face. “He’s planning the Sunday brunch menu for the mornings.”
Levi nodded.
“The rest of the meals he and I are still working on, but I’m confident we’ll come up with something that will impress them.”
“Good.”
Levi looked longingly at the lake.
There it was again. The sense that he’d like to be anywhere but here. Emily’s chest grew heavy. He wasn’t interested in talking to her.
Just because she was obsessed with work didn’t mean everyone else had to stay up until all hours obsessing over it too. His distance tonight might have nothing to do with her—but Emily knew better. She’d never held the attention of Levi Cade. “The rest can wait until tomorrow.” She tucked her tablet back in her bag and turned to leave.
“Emily.”
She glanced back.
“Thank you.” His voice was deep, sincere.
The small acknowledgment eased the weight in her chest. “My pleasure.”
He nodded.
Emily smiled to herself as she continued up the dock. She could do this. Be there for Levi. Help him with something that didn’t come naturally to him. That didn’t mean it wouldn’t. If any man could run this place, it was Levi. He was strong and intelligent. And if his heart wasn’t in it, maybe Emily could help him with that too. She might not have glittering beauty or charisma, but she had enough passion for business for the both of them.
