“Alfredo, don’t be ridiculous.”
“My sincerest apology.”
“Uh-huh. Let me take care of the reservation. I’ll have breakfast catered; just find out if she has any requests. Is this a surprise or can I talk to her tonight about it?”
“Maybe ease her into it.”
“You got it. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“You can thank me now, Oakey, but just wait till I collect on that favor.”
The line goes dead and I’m left standing in the kitchen once again wondering what thefuckI’ve gotten myself into.
16
KAT
My room is much darker when I’m finally able to peel my eyes open. The wave of exhaustion that hit me in the car was unexpected. I’d barely changed out of my clothes before I collapsed on my bed.
I have so much to do.
I don’t even want to think about it.
Pulling myself from the covers, I stretch and then shuffle toward the bathroom to freshen up. I still have bags under my eyes but they’re less pronounced.
Gotta take the wins where I can get them.
Moving back into my room, I trade my sleep shorts and tank for leggings and one of Colt’s baseball tees from college. It’s my favorite, perfectly soft and worn.
Feeling refreshed, I’m halfway down the stairs when I hear a woman’s voice and then Tom’s, and my hackles rise as I nearly stomp into the kitchen.
And stop short.
The woman at my island is stunning with almost black hair and flawless skin. She’s dressed in designer workout clothes thatI’d bet my life savings have never seen a gym, and she’s smiling at me.
“How’d you sleep?” she asks as Tom turns from the stove to face me.
“Fine, thanks,” I start but I’m not looking at her. I’m looking at Tom and he better start talking.
“Kat, this is Emerson Andrews. Her father and uncle built Andrews International from the ground up, and she currently deals with short- and long-term real estate investments.”
Emerson slides off her stool and offers me her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Tom bribed me with Alfredo in return for manual labor.”
I shake her hand and return her smile as Tom pulls a couple of plates from the cabinet. “Emerson is going to help with the bags.”
“Oh, that’s?—”
“No problem at all,” she says as if she’s not running a billion-dollar company. “I’m happy to help.”
“She’s also early,” he says pointedly. “I thought you would be up before she got here so I could explain.” He places two plates on the island before turning his full attention back to me. “We need help to get this done, and Emerson doesn’t need to be vetted.”
“I’m also really fun,” she says around a mouthful of pasta, a moan spilling from her lips as she does a little dance on the stool.
“She’s family,” he says, the rest of it cut off by her well-timedawwand a groan from him in response.
It’s adorable.
