She brings her hands up and covers her face. “The things that come out of your mouth.”
“You asked.” I grab her hands, forcing them away from her face and bring them to my lips. I drop two soft kisses against them.
She laughs.
“In any case, on my way back to my room, I stopped by the kitchen for a bottle of water and a banana. The kitchen staff went overboard. Brace yourself for quite the feast.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“We’re gathering in the theater room—it’s a carbon copy of a VIP viewing room you’d expect to find on the executive floor of any notable Hollywood studio. Dad asked Louis to make sure the staff sets up breakfast in there?—”
“I still can believe your father has a long-time, trusted British majordomo who oversees everything, including managing the household staff.”
“Dad would be lost without Louis.”
She shakes her head. “You billionaires live large—” She frowns.
“What?”
“We’re watching a movie while having breakfast?”
“No. The room is fully soundproof. Therefore, it ensures complete privacy.”
She tilts her head to the side. “Why is that important?”
“Dad wants to have a conversation.”
“That sounds serious.”
“He has a few concerns.”
“About what?”
“I’ll find out at the same time you do,” I say. “Wilder and Slate will join us. As much as Dad wants your father to join us, it might be tricky to explain to Uncle Ian why he’s not invited to breakfast.”
“I thought we pulled it off.”
“So did I.”
“I’m sorry.” Remorse morphs her beautiful features.
“Why are you apologizing?”
“I didn’t live up to my end of the bargain. I let you down.”
I bring my fingers to her unpainted lips and trace their contour.
“You were amazing yesterday. Heck, you even had me fooled, and I was in on it.”
“It wasn’t enough.”
“Michaela, let’s not jump to conclusions. We’re going to go downstairs together, enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast and hang out with my father and brothers. Once we know what’s at stake, we’ll face ittogether. We’re a team, remember?”
“We’re a team.”
I take her by the hand and lead her to the door.
With our fingers interlaced, we trail down the stairs and stride towards the theater room, greeting staff and accepting congratulations on the way.
