Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
But I can’t, and we both know it.
Sighing, I swipe to accept the call. “Hey, Kay.”
“Oh my God, you’re alive! It’s been forever, Lemmy.” It’s actually been about three days, but Kayla’s attention span rivals a goldfish. “How’s it going?”
“Um, it’s fine.”
“Just fine? I’ve heard The Cardinal is to die for. It’s their big new thing, you know. The brothers’ money-maker.” She practically squeals with delight. I hold the screen away from my ear. “And now you’re working there! How glad are you that I got you this gig?”
“Super glad,” I gush, knowing she won’t pick up the sarcasm.
My heart sinks into my stomach.
That’s the real reason why I can’t ignore the call—Kayla put me here. And because it’s Kayla, she acts like I should fall to my knees in gratitude for this magnificent act of charity.
“What’s it like? Is it as lush as everyone says it is? Are the people nice?”
“It’s gorgeous. We’re just getting up and running, so no customers yet,” I say, and for once it isn’t a lie. “Especially the pool. They have these cute little igloos on their rooftop bar where you can sneak away. You’d love it. Very private.”
“Ohhh, cool. Yeah, I know I would. I’m tempted to come stay to see what it’s like.” She giggles. “Maybe I could show it off on my Instagram. I’m sure the Rory bros would appreciate that if I tag them.”
Oh, the things rich people do to get in each other’s good graces.
I’m not sure if Patton Rory even has an Instagram, though. He doesn’t strike me as the type to leave much time in his life for the rampant social media addiction that’s swallowed Kayla whole.
“Sure,” I say cheerfully. “Nobody as driven as them ever passes up free PR.”
“Have you met them yet? The younger one, I mean—”
“Patton Rory?”
“Patton, yeah.” I can practically hear her holding her breath. “Who else? There’s no one else interesting there. I know Dexter Rory’s married off now and the older one, he’s like divorced or something. Woof.”
Charming.
“Oh, okay. You know I don’t keep up with the local gossip mill. Patton, I’ve met.”
“Oh my God.” This time she holds in a squeal, and I wince. “So what’s he like? You need to tell me everything, Lemmy. He’s pretty much the hottest goods in KC. Did you know I had him at a party years ago and I stupidly dipped out before I said hello? Daddy got on my case for being rude.”
I keep walking, heading for the elevator, and press the button for the rooftop. Just to make sure everything’s in place, I tell myself, but I know the real reason.
The view. I could use some serenity now.
“Um, well, let’s see, he’s tall.”
“Duh! Nobody’s jonesing over a guy if he fits in a cabinet. I know what he looks like, Lemmy. But what’s he like? He’s a walking thirst trap and I bet his personality—mmmm.”
Holy hell, this hurts.
I want to tell her what a monumental prick he is, but honestly, she’d probably love the ‘challenge’ more.
“We just had a quick business meeting, Kay. There wasn’t a lot of small talk,” I tell her. “It was pretty down to brass tacks. He wore a suit and tie. We discussed The Cardinal. He tried to give me a rundown on my job.”
Tried, yes. I don’t elaborate. She doesn’t need to know Arlo ruined said suit.
By the way, did I mention he’s the father of my son?
“He wasn’t shirtless?” She pauses dramatically before she bursts in my ear. “Kidding!”
Ha-ha.
I force a laugh so awkward my throat hurts.
“I mean, you could have discussed other stuff,” she says. “You know, small talk. Smiled.”
“He’s my boss. It’s my job. That’s how this works.”
I hate that I have to explain what it’s like to work for a living. But honestly, I do when Kay’s powerhouse father has pulled the strings for everything she’s ever done.
“So you can introduce us?” She steamrolls right over me. “You’ve got an in now, lady. Help a girl out. I need to get serious. These good looks won’t last forever.”
I step out on the rooftop and stroll past the heated pool.
On the edge of the balcony, the breeze feels a touch chilly, but they’ve done a remarkable job of keeping this place warm.
“Look, Kay…” I stop to consider my next words.
Telling Kayla Persephone ‘no’ is not something that happens.
She takes it about as well as you’d expect. I’m pretty sure there are still royals in the world who can hear it without throwing a tantrum bigger than hers.
“I’m not trying to let you down, but this is my job. And it’s new for me, y’know? I’m trying to keep things professional.”
“Your job, yeah. Which I got you. You’re welcome, Lemmy.” Her voice is flat.
“Believe me, I know—and I appreciate it, Kay. This is such an amazing opportunity. But you know my dating life. I’m just not much of a matchmaker when I’ve been on the shelf for so long. Also, um, I don’t want my boss to think I’m trying to hook him up with my friends.”