‘I’ve no idea,’ she said honestly. ‘But I do know him as well as anyone and I’m concerned about your sister. I can’t just sit back and do nothing without trying or at least finding out more about this for your mum.’
‘That’s kind of you. Thank you.’
She rested a soothing hand on his shoulder, thoughts flashing back to when she had kissed him there only a few hours earlier as he held her just after they had made love.
Tasha scanned the room, looking for her phone. Spotting it on the coffee table, she picked it up and called Riley.
‘Tasha? This is unexpected,’ he said, sounding smug. ‘I didn’t expect a phone call from you today. I presume you’ve seen the photos.’ She didn’t have a chance to respond before he added, ‘Have you called to congratulate us both?’, his voice filled with amusement. ‘Because if you’re phoning about anything else, it’s too late.’
‘Too late for what? I know you’re already married, I saw the ring,’ she said, barely able to contain her weariness with his tiresome antics.
‘I meant you don’t work for me any longer.’ He sounded like this call was giving him a lot of satisfaction. ‘I know how you like to boss me around, but my business is nothing to do with you any more.’
As if it did before? she thought but kept quiet.
He gave a sarcastic laugh. ‘I suppose I should be grateful to you, Tasha.’
Confused, she asked, ‘In what way?’
‘I almost certainly wouldn’t have taken this step if you still worked for me.’
Tasha clenched her teeth. How dare he drag her into this situation. ‘How do you figure that out?’
‘You would have no doubt cancelled the flights or simply refused to book them in the first place. You would have also insisted I take time to think before rushing into marrying someone I barely know.’
He was right; that’s exactly what she would have done. She also knew he would have taken little notice of her. But Tasha had no intention of being his scapegoat.
‘Are you trying to tell me you already believe you’ve made a mistake?’
He scoffed. ‘Not at all. I love Erin, very much, and I know we’re going to be very happy together.’
‘Then what are you saying?’
‘I won’t be a moment, sweetheart.’ He sighed. ‘That was my wife wondering how long I’ll be before joining her on our balcony.’
‘I did work that out for myself, thank you.’ She withheld a groan. ‘You didn’t answer my question.’
‘I didn’t, did I?’ He went quiet and she presumed he was having a think. Impatient to finish the call, Tasha said, ‘You must know this will have repercussions for Erin.’
‘Rubbish. If anything, being married to me will protect her.’
‘How?’ He was delusional if he thought that, Tasha mused.
‘She’ll have the protection of my team.’
‘What team, Riley? Dale is back in England and you need to find someone to replace me.’
He sighed angrily. ‘Stop being so negative, Tasha.’
Sensing he wasn’t going to entertain her for much longer and knowing Callum and Michelle would appreciate some answers, Tasha thought quickly. ‘What about Erin’s salon?’
‘She has someone looking after it. Her manager, I think.’
Not wishing him to ruin his second chance with the film company, she couldn’t help adding, ‘And what about the series, Riley?’
He didn’t respond straight away. ‘Riley, are you still there?’
‘I am,’ he said, his voice much gentler. ‘Thanks, Tasha.’
