“I’ll keep that in mind.” I finally leaned back and stretched my shoulders. “But I think that’s as clean as this agreement will get tonight. You should head out. I still need to stop at Oste before I lose my chance at tiramisu.”
Kaylee stood, smoothing her skirt, but she didn’t head for the door right away. She lingered, her fingers tracing the edge of my desk. “You sure you don’t want me to stick around and proof everything one more time?”
“I’m good.” I shut down my monitor. “Go enjoy your evening. You’ve done more than enough today.”
She hesitated for a second, then gave me a small smile. “Okay. But if you change your mind later, you know where to find me. Tell Lila I said hi.”
Her tone was light, but there was something underneath it I couldn’t quite place as I watched her leave, the door clicking shut behind her. But Kaylee was friendly with everyone in the office. She joked with assistants, remembered birthdays, and somehow knew everyone’s coffee order. That was just who she was.
Alone in the quiet office, I packed up my laptop and files, my mind already shifting to Lila. I couldn’t wait to get home to her. I’d grab her favorite mortadella pinsa, open a bottle of the red wine she liked, and listen to whatever wedding details she wanted to go over tonight.
The office took from me all day. Being with Lila always felt like getting something back.
I grabbed my keys and headed for the elevator. The doors had just started to close when a hand shot through, and Julian stepped in, loosening his tie with a tired exhale.
“Hawthorne. You get that new retainer agreement cleaned up?”
I nodded. “Should be signed tomorrow.”
“Good.” He flashed me a rare smile. “Keep this up and your name will be on the door of this place before you turn forty.”
His recognition felt good. I’d worked my ass off to get here, closing nine-figure deals while building the kind of reputation that made A-listers call me directly.
“That’s the plan, sir.”
As the elevator descended, my thoughts drifted back to Lila. All the late nights and long hours were supposed to build the life we wanted together.
“But I’m trying to get better about leaving at a decent hour.” We stepped out into the parking garage. “Got a fiancée waiting on me tonight.”
“Smart man.” Julian clapped me on the shoulder. “Don’t fuck that up like I did. The work will still be here in the morning.”
I’d heard enough office rumors to know the divorce had been ugly, but the details depended on who was telling the story.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I used to tell myself every late night was temporary. One more year of grinding and then I’d slow down.” He gave a humorless laugh. “Funny thing is, there’s always another deal waiting.”
“Too true,” I murmured.
“At least the woman you’re marrying seems a fuck of a lot sweeter than my ex.” Julian’s usual stoic expression softened for a moment. “But when the time comes, don’t be too proud to have someone look over the prenup. Send it to my assistant whenever you’re ready. I’ll give it a read before Lila signs.”
I dipped my chin in acknowledgment as I climbed into my car. “Appreciate it.”
The engine purred to life, and I pulled out of the garage. After one quick stop at Oste, I’d be headed home to Lila.
3
LILA
Ilet myself into Reid’s house with my key, staring down at it for a moment after I shut the door. The day we’d exchanged keys had been such a happy one. Reid’s friends had been surprised he’d taken that step since he’d avoided committed relationships before me. Then he’d stunned everyone when he proposed only six months later. Including me.
Tucking the key back in my purse, I set my bag down on the console table and flipped on the lights in the living room. The three-bedroom house in Hancock Park was undeniably beautiful but highlighted the differences between us. His home was twice the size of mine, worth about three times as much, and had vaulted ceilings, lots of light, and pale hardwood floors. My place was a rustic cabin surrounded by trees in Laurel Canyon.
Even with our contrasting tastes, Reid’s house had come to feel like a second home to me because we spent so much time here. But tonight, I felt a bit like an interloper since I got here first.
Kicking off my shoes with a sigh, I padded into the kitchen, my stomach twisting in knots. I’d spent the whole drive from the set rehearsing what I wanted to say tonight, but the closer I got,the more I talked myself out of it. Tonight could be good, and I wanted that so much. I needed to believe we were still solid if I was going to walk down the aisle to him in three months.
The sound of the garage door opening made me jump. I smoothed my shirt, took a slow breath, and forced a smile I hoped looked natural. Reid was home. And for the next few hours, I was going to let myself pretend that Kaylee didn’t exist.
