Robbie nodded, his expression serious. “That is an excellent decision on your part. She loves flowers. And they’ll make her feel special.”
“That’s the goal,” I said.
“Women’s love of flowers is somewhat mysterious to me, but it’s a known fact.” Robbie continued to look up at me. “Did you know I did an analysis of your profile and Lila’s to see how compatible my predictors are? You came in at ninety-eight percent. Extremely high.”
“I don’t need a spreadsheet to tell me that, kiddo. But Mia mentioned your analysis to me. Well done.”
“Please let me know if I can be of further service.” Robbie bobbed his head and off he went.
A few minutes later, I was outside Lila’s design studio, flowers in hand. The door was propped open slightly, and I could hear voices inside. Hers. And a man’s.
Sun streamed through the windows, bathing swaths of fabric, boards pinned with samples and paint chips, sketches laid out across a long table in light. Lila stood at her desk, flipping through a binder. Beau stood close behind her, one hand resting on the back of her chair, the other gesturing as he talked. Too close.
I had to keep my head. But it was going to be hard. I was a passionate, imperfect man, and I did not like how close he was to her.
“I’m just saying, if they want the sparks, we might want to practice a little off-screen,” Beau said. “That way you wouldn’t have to fake it. And from what I can see, you’re not that good of an actress. C’mon, it’s harmless. You and me, playing it up a little. Everyone loves a good slow burn.” He lifted a tuft of her hair from her neck.
She scooted off her chair, her voice strained. “I’m not interested in anything of the sort. We need to keep this professional.”
“Is this because of wine guy? Because I can tell you, I can spot a playboy a mile off,” Beau said.
I cleared my throat and stepped all the way inside the studio, pretending I hadn’t just witnessed the exchange. “Hey there.”
Both of them turned toward the entrance. Lila looked relieved. Beau’s mouth curved into something that tried to pass for a smile.
“Vance, what brings you by?” Beau asked. At least he had the decency to look guilty.
I ignored him, focusing my attention on Lila, setting the bouquet on the table in front of her. “These are for you.”
She took hold of the bouquet, sniffing. “Gorgeous. Thank you.”
“Esme’s a wonder,” I said. “May I speak to you alone?”
Beau held up his hands. “I’ll go grab us some coffees.” He walked past me, slow on purpose, and clapped me on the shoulder as he passed. “You know her coffee order yet?”
I didn’t respond.
“Double cappuccino. One sugar,” Beau said, as if that made him an expert on all things Lila.
I didn’t move. Just turned enough to meet his eyes. With steel in voice and my jaw so tight I might chip a tooth, I said, “How considerate of you.”
Beau’s smile vanished, just for a second. Then it was back. “That’s me.” He stepped toward the entryway. “I’ll be back in six. We can get back to work as soon as he leaves.”
After he was gone, Lila let out a shaky breath. “Did you hear what he was saying to me?”
“I did. You okay?”
She nodded. “I just want him to leave me alone. But I went to Carol this morning—about him and Kenzie. She told me to suck it up, and welcome to show-biz. Whatever that means.”
I cursed under my breath. “This is ridiculous.”
“I know. But I keep thinking what a good opportunity it is for me. For us.”
I stroked her cheek. “I understand. But remember, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
She looked up at me, her eyes glassy. “I was thinking this morning that maybe you’re right. I should just bail on the whole thing. On the other hand, an opportunity like this won’t come around again.”
“We’ll talk more tonight, okay? And I’ll check in with Alex. See if his guy found anything on Kenzie.” I gave her a quick peck. “Text me if you need anything.”
