Marston reclines in a wrought-iron chair, legs crossed at the ankles. He’s staring out at the lake, but I get the impression he’s too lost in his thoughts to really see it. I wonder if he, like me, looks out at Lake Blackledge and sees the past.
“Good morning,” I say quietly, not wanting to startle him.
He pushes himself out of his chair and turns to me. His eyes are red-rimmed like he hasn’t slept, and his jaw is rough with stubble. He drops his gaze slowly from my face, over my belted sheath dress, and down to my toes, and leaves a trail of tingles in his wake. “Morning.”
I almost expect him to make a comment about my appearance. When we were together in high school, he said repeatedly how beautiful I was. I took it for granted.
He doesn’t say it today, and when he turns back to the lake, I tell myself that’s a relief. “It’s beautiful out here.”
“Thank you. I sure think so. The view makes it popular, but Abbi’s an excellent chef too. It’s really all about finding the right balance between mood, location, and price point, and . . .” I bite my lip. Don’t ramble. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“You shouldn’t be. I already told you I’m not going down without a fight.”
“So you’re working for my boss—why? To spend time with me?” He shrugs as if to say, Worth a shot. I fold my arms. “I’m engaged to be married.”
“You’re already married. To me.”
But would I be if he’d known about Cami? His reaction last night confirmed my fears, and yet here he is—beginning a job he most definitely doesn’t need and admitting he’s here to be close to me. “This is a bad idea.”
He quirks a brow. “Afraid you can’t resist me?” Now his crooked smirk stretches into an all-out grin as he moves closer, and fuck me, because he looks damn good in a smile, and I swear I can feel his warmth as his body blocks the breeze off the lake.
I roll my eyes. “I have no trouble resisting you.”
“I remember it differently,” he murmurs.
I gape. “Of all the guys I’ve been with, you have absolutely the biggest—”
He stops me with his fingertips to my lips. “You don’t need to say it.”
“Ego!” I say, laughing. “The biggest ego.”
He grins, but when his eyes burn into mine for a beat too long, I have to blink and look away. “I meant, I’m surprised the Wrights hired you. The family’s notoriously tight with money and planning to sell soon. I wouldn’t have expected them to invest in someone as . . . high-demand as you.”
“Let’s just say I had personal reasons for wanting the job, so they’re getting a hell of a deal.” The corner of his mouth twitches. “Mrs. Wright tells me you’re the one who’s responsible for bringing this place back from the brink of ruin.”
I shrug. “It’s been a bit of a passion project of mine.”
He shoves his hands into his pockets. “We should talk about last night.”
I shake my head. “Not here. Just tell me what you need to do your job.”
He stiffens then rolls his shoulders back as if trying to shake it off. “Okay. Why don’t you show me around, and I’ll explain the process?”
* * *
Marston
My job is partially in tours and interviews and inspecting amenities, but most of my time is spent with spreadsheets, numbers, and statistical models. After five hours with my laptop and some key files in an empty office at The Orchid, my shoulders are tight, and I’m mentally exhausted from dodging thoughts of Brinley all day. I offered this evaluation to the Wright family to help Brinley and get to know her world.
I understand why she doesn’t want to hash out our personal issues at work, but I suspect if I don’t catch her while she’s here, I’ll never get the chance to talk to her alone. She’s not in her office when I go searching, but a member of her staff catches me looking and suggests I check out the gym. I find her in the pool, swimming laps, and watch, mesmerized, as she glides through the water, her dark hair trailing behind her, her limbs pulling in long, even strokes. I don’t know how long I stand there, but when she stops and clings to the edge of the pool, she’s gasping for air, and I snap out of my trance.
“You swim like you’re trying to escape demons,” I say.
She smooths her hair off her face. “Yeah, well, I’ve found myself planning a wedding and a divorce all at once. It’s been a little overwhelming.” She gives a tentative smile. “Everything going okay?”
I tuck my hands into my pockets. “I wondered if I could have a few minutes of your time before you head home.” To Julian, I mentally add, if only to remind myself.