“Not really. I mean, I would like more responsibility, I guess. I really enjoyed putting that presentation together.” Her words permeate my brain. I’m not sure I agree with her, but it is something to think about.
Am I having a hard time because of just being an assistant?
“And you solve that by talking to Ledger.” She shrugs.
I take another sip of my wine as we sit in silence.
“Well, I think I’m going to call it a night. I’m exhausted after that long drive.” Standing up, I deflect instead of looking internally at something I’m not sure I’m ready to face yet.
“Sounds good. Do you want to do brunch with the girls tomorrow?” Larkin asks.
Her and her three best friends have been thick as thieves since college and still do almost-weekly brunches. They’re an amazing group of women that I admire a lot, both because of their professions and their personalities.
“I’d love to.”
I give her another hug before I go crash in the guest room.
Chapter 28
Ledger
I’ve been texting Rina on and off all day. It’s family dinner tonight, and I’ve begged her more times than I can count to keep what she saw between us. I fucking hate everything about this, but I don’t want to jeopardize my very new relationship with Ainsley. It feels like I’m picking between my family and Ainsley.
I spent most of yesterday just twiddling my thumbs because Ainsley is in Austin. My life is utterly boring without her here.
Rina:
I’m just confused about why this all needs to be a secret. You know the entire town would be fucking ecstatic about this, right?
Me:
And that’s the problem. Ainsley doesn’t want everyone in our business, and I agree.
Rina:
So, you’re acting like teenagers and sneaking around… Yeah, that sounds like a much better option.
I don’t want to admit I agree. Don’t want to admit that the secrecy is wearing on me, or admit that I’m fully in love with a woman who wants to hide everything we’re doing together.
Me:
Just keep it to yourself. Please, Rina.
Rina:
Whatever, big bro.
She’s exacerbating, but I know she’ll keep it to herself even if it kills her.
Tonight’s dinner is Willow’s favorite: fajitas. I already have the meat marinating, and I’ve cut up all the fixings so we can just cook and assemble when everyone gets here.
The door flies open, and I cringe that Lennox probably put another damn hole in my wall.
“I didn’t dent it this time!” he yells triumphantly from the front door.
“Good job, Lenny.” I smirk as he narrows his eyes at me when I use his nickname. Some days, he’s too easy to mess with.
“What’s for dinner?” Willow asks as she walks through the door.
