Across from her, Liam was watching her with that irritatingly calm Sterling focus. “You need to make a call?”
Laura:Just call Mateo and let him know you double booked
Laura:Texting regrets is rude
Laura:And let me know what is happening
“Need to make a call?” Liam asked.
April held up her phone an inch. “Mateo, my friend is staging a hostage negotiation.”
“Then call,” Liam said, like this was the easiest problem she’d had all day.
Liam leaned forward, thigh still not leaving hers and spoke to the driver.
"Change of plans. Take us to Rossi's, the service entrance on Bleecker."
April froze. His thumb kept moving. That maddening back-and-forth.
April made a sound that was half laugh, half plea, and hit Mateo’s name before she could think herself out of it.
It rang once.
Twice.
“April.” Mateo’s voice didn’t come through her phone. It came through the town car speakers.
April flushed in embarrassment “Oh my god—no—”
Liam’s brows lifted. Amused.
April lunged for the screen, jabbing at the audio icon like it was a live grenade. “Mateo—hi—sorry—my—”
“Sorry?” Mateo murmured, velvet-warm. “Why are you sorry,cara.”
Liam’s mouth curved, like watching a play he'd already seen and knew would end well.
April hissed, mortified, and finally managed to get the call back on handset.
"I… I have a conflict," she said, voice still breathy. "I have the Sterling Gala tonight, and I realized I double-booked you. I'm so sorry."
He was delivering her to another man, smiling, after touching her likethatat the boutique.
Why isn't he jealous?
Why is NO ONE jealous?
She couldn't decide if this day was her confidence manifesting or the world's most elaborate trust fall.
Mateo's voice came through. “Then come now."
“Are you sure?”How did Liam know?
He chuckled, “April,cara mia, that is the best news I have heard all day. It means I do not have to wait until eight o’clock to have you in my kitchen. You are coming to me now.”
"I don't want to rush your preparation," she whispered.
"Preparation? My kitchen is prepped, my wine is decanted, and I am... very ready. Come to the back entrance, the one with the black awning. I've already told the staff I'm closed for a private 'consultation'."
