She rolled her eyes. “So demanding.”
He lifted her chin with his fingertip. “We established that last night.”
A heavy red blush covered her cheeks.
“You’re blushing, and I didn’t even take out my—”
“Stop.” She jabbed her fingertip at his chest.
He caught her around the waist to kiss her thoroughly. “You stop.”
“You’re smooshing me,” she said against his shoulder.
His phone buzzed with a new voicemail. One glance and he winced. He jabbed the play button, and his father’s curt voice echoed through the phone. “William. No time for attorneys. The Colorado Springs station received another offer. They’re entertaining it, and the whole thing doesn’t look good for Crestone. Their managers are headed to Confluence, and I’m meeting with them this afternoon. You’re expected to attend. Call me when you get this.”
Damn. Damn. Damn.
Damn.
His father’s irritating command seriously grated. Of course William would attend, but not because his father commanded. He wouldn’t be left out of a meeting that important. Which meant his plans for the day just changed.
He tossed his phone on the bench a bit harder than necessary.
“Everything okay?” Lucy glanced up from under her eyelashes.
He felt her gaze straight in his chest.
“We’re headed back.” He stomped inside.
He had a feeling that even if the meeting was a success, he’d need to make a few trips over the mountain to ensure the buyout moved forward.
Chapter Nineteen
A quick wrap-up with the management at Twin Lakes, a chat with the local deputy, one arrest warrant issued, and William and Lucy loaded the truck. They were on the road in record time. Once they saw the video there wasn’t much management could say. The desk clerk admitted to the double-bookings but held out on the thefts until she realized there was a video. The resort had a load of bad publicity coming their way once the story broke. At the moment, that was the least of William’s concern.
They turned into the KDVX parking lot, and he glanced across the cab of the truck to Lucy. Her forehead leaned against the glass, her expression tense.
The connection they had started to build would be strong enough to survive reality. William hoped.
Didn’t he deserve to be happy? He’d screwed up a lot in his life. He’d also spent years redeeming himself. Enough was enough. He wanted to be with her. Whatever she was willing to give, he was ready to take.
“I have to wrap up a few things here. Stick around, and I’ll follow you home?” He threaded his fingers with hers.
She pulled away and shook her head. “I need to get back to my cat. Simon didn’t make it over this morning.”
He tried again. “I’ll check in on you when I get there.”
“After I feed Mitzy, I’m going to crash.” She opened her door before he came to a complete stop.
He climbed out of the truck. “Lucy.” Her name lay heavy on his lips. “I’ll only be a minute.”
She retrieved her keys from her purse and hopped down. “Seriously, home and bed. That’s my plan. I’ll text you when I get there. Thanks for the trip. It was really fun.”
Reallyfun? The woman was maddening.
He grabbed her suitcase and followed her. “What’s going on, Lucy?”
“This is inappropriate. You’re going to be my boss.” Her slightly terrified gaze met his.
