“It’s my job to remember things like that. I don’t want someone dying at one of the events I plan. Don’t think you’re special or something.” She flips back around, and I swear she’s stomping her feet as she walks away.
“I would never,” I say, more truth in those three words than she’ll ever know. “Romy.” I finally get the nerve to grasp her elbow to force her to stop.
She does, but she doesn’t turn toward me. Instead, she turns toward the lake briefly before she groans and faces me with an expression that reveals how much I hurt her.
It’s me. I’m the problem, not you.
“Enjoy your stay, and please just…” She stops right as we reach a sign that says, This way to The Getaway Lodge. “They’re my family… my everything, Zander. I know that they’re all on board with this decision to bring you and your big show here, but please respect them.”
“Of course.” What kind of monster does she take me for?
The one you proved to be.
She points at a path. “Head that way.” She walks straight past it.
I watch her, wishing I could follow. Damn, she’s even more beautiful than in my memories.
I can’t do this. I’m not going to upend her life again. Not to mention, being able to control myself and stay away from her feels impossible since every fiber in me is begging me to follow her right now.
I turn to the sign and walk up the path to find Beau so I can tell him we need to find somewhere else to shoot this video.
The sound of an engine comes from behind me just as the lodge comes into view.
“There you are,” Scarlett says, pulling up in the UTV.
Beau steps out onto the porch, phone to his ear. He glances at us, then does a double-take, his eyebrows furrowed.
You brought me right into her orbit again, asshole.
He quickly hangs up and pockets his phone, jogging down the front steps of the lodge.
“How was the tour?” he asks, looking at me.
“We need to talk,” I say under my breath.
“Okay, big guy.” He pats me on the shoulder.
I grab his elbow. “Now.”
He stops and must see the seriousness on my face because he nods and looks around.
“Is everything okay?” Scarlett asks. “Beau, if you’d like a tour, I’m happy to take you out.”
Beau shoots her that smile of his that appeases people. Immediately puts them at ease when I’m acting like a shithead. “Nah, I’ll make my way around. I just have some important business to discuss with Zander, so…”
“Settle in,” Scarlett says.
Lottie climbs out of the UTV, and she and her husband say something to her mom and walk away on the gravel path. I’m half tempted to follow, thinking they’re going to Romy. Every muscle in me twitches to chase Romy down and explain.
“All right, let’s go. I’ll head over for copies in about an hour, Scarlett. Thanks for everything.” Beau puts his hand out toward her, and they shake hands.
“Is everything okay though?” she asks again. “Romy really is a big fan, not sure what’s put her in a bad mood, but I apologize if she was rude. I’ll talk with her.”
“It’s fine,” I say. “Don’t worry about talking to her.”
Her eyes widen then narrow. “Okay then. See you all later.” She climbs back into the UTV and drives off.
I spin and face my manager as soon as she’s out of earshot. “What the fuck do I pay you for?”
