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)
“Don’t worry. I’ll check in,” she promised.
He let out a groan. “Okay. I see you have your bag with you. Take my driver to the airport.”
She knew better than to argue with him. “Thanks. Will you let Mom and Dad know I’m fine? Tell them I just took a little vacation, okay?”
“Sure. If you decide you want to talk, I’ll be there, okay?”
She nodded. “You’re a good brother.” She squeezed his hand in thanks.
He picked up his phone and called his driver. And before she knew it, Jade was on her way out of the country for some serious self-reflection and a whole lot of panic.
* * *
After the meeting with the florist, Knox took a taxi to Jade’s apartment, only for the doorman to tell him she wasn’t home. The information was contrary to what Lauren had said, and he got back in his car, frustrated. She didn’t return any of his texts or calls and his worry grew.
On Wednesday, he arrived at Jade’s office by ten a.m., only to be greeted with the news that she wasn’t in the office today. Unwilling to give up, he asked to see Lauren instead, hoping she’d open up to him. Because he was damned sure something was wrong.
When Lauren stepped out of her office, she didn’t appear surprised to see him. “Come on in, Knox.” She gestured for him to follow her into her office.
He waited until she closed the door behind him and turned to face her. “Where is she?”
“I told you she’s not feeling well.” She walked around him and sat down behind her desk.
“Then why isn’t she home?” A panicked thought hit him. “She’s not in the hospital, is she?”
Lauren shook her head. “No, nothing like that.”
He ground his teeth together. “Then what is it like, Lauren?” He braced his hands on her desk and leaned over until he was edging into her personal space.
“Believe me, if I could tell you, I would. But best friends protect each other. Just give her some time.”
He lowered his head and groaned. He didn’t want to respect Lauren or her loyalty, but he did, and he was glad Jade had a best friend she could trust. He just wished it wasn’t at his expense.
He drew up straighter. “Fine. Give me something. Please.”
Lauren rolled a pencil between her palms, obviously thinking. “I can’t tell you anything, but there’s someone else you can ask. If you can get past him, then I figure you deserve to find her.”
“Cryptic,” he muttered.
“But not difficult.” She raised her eyebrows and smiled for the first time. “Good luck, Knox. You’re going to need it.”
He wondered if she was referring to him having to deal with Asher? Or Jade.
He met Lauren’s gaze. “Thank you.”
She treated him to a brief smile. “I hope you’re as good a guy as I think you are. Jade deserves that in a man.”
He inclined his head and walked out, heading to the elevator. When he stepped onto the street, he pulled out his phone and called Asher’s work number. Knox wouldn’t bother his friend on his cell in case he was tied up… which ended up being the case.
According to Asher’s secretary, he would be in meetings all day. With no other leads or people to ask, Knox hailed a taxi and asked to be taken to the Warriors’ stadium. Keeping focused wasn’t easy and the day dragged on. In the car on his way home, he dialed Asher’s cell, but the call went straight to voicemail, and Knox resigned himself to having to wait until tomorrow.
He ordered in dinner and had a shitty night’s sleep. First thing the next morning, he called Asher’s cell and asked if they could meet. This wasn’t a conversation Knox wanted to have over the phone. Asher said to meet him at the new office space he’d described in proud detail while they were in Vegas.
Knox took a ride share to Midtown West where the renamed Dirty Dare Spirits offices was located. The interior architectural design was impressive. Four bars were spread out on the ground level, serving a variety of coffee and alcohol, depending on the time of day. And a separate floor held a lab where mixologists created craft cocktails. Asher’s description hadn’t done the place justice.
Once inside, Knox checked in with the security guard and handed the man his identification. The guard called upstairs, confirmed his appointment, and returned the license before directing Knox to the bank of elevators.
A few minutes later, he met up with a receptionist, who led him past the glass-enclosed offices and stopped at the door at the end of the hall.
She knocked, and when Asher’s voice instructed her to come in, she turned the knob and motioned for Knox to step past her.
“Thanks, Grace. Shut the door, please.” Asher rose from his desk and walked around to greet Knox.