Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 312(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
By the time they parted ways, Knox felt like Asher had calmed down about his sister, the friendship between the two men had been saved, and Knox could set his attention back on Jade.
* * *
Jade had her hands full. Holly wasn’t a Bridezilla, but she was a very hands-on bride to be. Lauren had given her a list of places the bride who’d cancelled her wedding had hired for her event, because they knew those vendors would be available. They’d already been in contact with the florist, baker, caterer, etc. to let them know they’d have to meet with a new client and the choices would be different. Holly wanted those appointments scheduled immediately.
Jade and Lauren did their best to accommodate her timeframe. She’d specifically asked for Jade to accompany her to the cake-tasting on Tuesday, and she’d agreed. Lauren was meeting with a new bride and her mother, and they hadn’t cared who their initial appointment was with.
Jade glanced around her office, grateful for the window view. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and fluffy white clouds filled the sky. She smiled. Today was a good day. The even barometer ensured her headaches would remain at bay and her anxiety was under control. She knew there was a deeper reason for her good mood, but she didn’t want to delve too deeply into the sweet messages Knox had been sending her each night since she’d left him Sunday morning.
Lauren stepped into the doorway. “Knock knock.” She smiled and walked into the room. “Someone looks happy.”
“I was just admiring the view.”
Lauren settled into the chair across from Jade’s desk. “Are you sure you don’t want me to handle the cake tasting, and you can meet with the potential bride?”
Jade shook her head. “Holly requested me, and you have the presentation down to a science. I’m not worried.”
“Is that the reason? Or are you secretly hoping Knox shows up with his sister today?” Lauren drummed her fingers on the arms of the chair and grinned.
“I’m pretty sure Holly and her fiancé are the only ones coming. She wants him to be part of the decision.” And Knox hadn’t said anything about seeing her today when he’d sent his ten-p.m. goodnight, beautiful. Sweet dreams text last night.
She’d told Lauren about leaving with him last Saturday night, but nobody knew they’d been exchanging texts every night since. Although Jade usually replied with a simple you, too and a cute little sleep emoji with a zzz beside the tired yellow face, or something along that line, the short interactions made her feel special. And she wanted to keep those messages to herself.
“So why that dreamy look on your face?” Lauren asked.
That was the problem with working with your best friend. It was hard to keep a secret. Before Jade could offer an answer Lauren would believe, Jade’s office phone rang.
Her administrative assistant, Nancy, had already gone out for lunch, so Jade picked up the phone. “Hello, this is Jade Dare at Meridian Hotel Events. How can I help you?”
“Jade.”
The familiar voice caused an immediate rush of shock and anger to rush through her. “Theo, why are you calling me at work?”
Lauren sat up straight in her chair.
“Because you blocked my number on your cell, and I have no other way to reach you.”
She blinked in surprise. “Why would you even want to?” She gripped the receiver tightly in her hand.
“Because I know what game you’re playing, and I’m warning you to stop.”
“Game?” She had no idea what he was talking about but wasn’t about to ask. She didn’t want to be on the phone with him a second longer than she had to be.
“You’re trying to make me jealous by cozying up to my brother and making sure there are social media pictures for me to see. I didn’t think you had it in you to play the revenge game.”
Jade opened her mouth and closed it again, unable to find the words to reply to his preposterous assumption. Finally, she formulated a reply. “Jesus, Theo. Not everything I do is about you. In fact, nothing I do is about you anymore.” Her heart pounded hard in her chest, and the anxiety she’d been so proud of keeping at bay came thundering back.
“So you aren’t staging those photographs with Knox just to piss me off?” He scoffed as if she were a liar. “Please. I’m not that naïve.”
“Apparently, you are.” She let out a laugh she couldn’t control.
“What’s so funny?” Theo asked, clearly angry.
“I’m not doing anything. Trust me, I’m not allowing my picture to be taken with Knox just to piss you off. Just like I’m not sleeping with him to get revenge. I promise, you’re the last person on either of our minds. Goodbye, Theo.”
When he started yelling, she disconnected the call. “Oops,” she said to Lauren, meeting her friend’s startled gaze.