Something Real (Whiskey Men, #2)(21)

I grip on to her shoulders. I’m holding her too tightly, and I force myself to loosen my hold. “First of all, Lucas is not going to be mad. When he knows what… happened, he’ll back up my decision. And second, you need to know this right now. I will never be okay with someone treating you like that man did back there.”

“But…”

I cut her off. “No buts. Was Victoria okay?”

She nods. “She has everything in place already. She was leaving him after their son graduated, but she’s moving it up now. And get this, she’ll get half of all the stores.”

“Good. When it’s all said and done, we’ll give her our business. I’ll never do business with Jim again.”

She breathes out a sigh of relief, and she seems happy, but I can’t get over the guilt I feel. “I’m selfish, Lily. If I hadn’t brought you, this wouldn’t have happened.”

She searches my eyes. “Why did you bring me?” When I don’t answer immediately, she says, “I mean, in two years, you’ve never brought me on a business trip. Never asked me to come. Why now?”

I suck in a breath. “I don’t know if you want to hear this or not, Lily.”

She nods. “I do.”

I know that what I say next can change everything. But even knowing that, I can’t keep it to myself any longer. “For the last two years—since the day I hired you—I’ve had feelings for you. You said you didn’t date and now, out of the blue, you’re dating. I want to be the one you go on dates with.”

A soft gasp escapes her, and she looks at me in shock. “You want to date me?”

Fuck, there’s more I want to do with her, but I figure I’ve surprised her enough. I lean forward and lower my voice. “Yes. I want to date you.”

She’s speechless, and it’s obvious she doesn’t know what to say. I turn her wrist over in my hand before lifting it and pressing my lips to the slight red marks there. “I’m sorry about your wrist, honey. Good night.”

I lay her arm in her lap, forcing myself to get up and walk away. I’m almost through the door when I hear her soft voice. “That’s it? You’re going to drop that bombshell on me and then what? Walk away?”

I grip the door frame and turn to look at her. Fuck, she’s so beautiful it takes my breath away just looking at her. “Yes, I brought you here, and you’re dealing with a lot of shit, Lily. There’s no pressure. Think about it. There’s no rush or deadline with us. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I get halfway across the suite and then stop. Walking away is not what I want to do. I want to hold her in my arms and show her exactly what I’ve thought about doing to her these last two years. I want her to know that this isn’t some fling… that I don’t want to just date her. I want her in my life in every way possible. I want everything she’s willing to give.

I turn on my heel to go back to her, and the image of Jim Ogle grabbing her wrist fills my head. My whole body tenses, and my hands fist at my side. She needs time. So much has happened today, and I know she needs time to process it all.

I walk toward the door to the suite and walk out into the hallway. The temptation to go to her is too much, and I know I need to put some distance between us before I do something foolish. I don’t drink a lot, but I can use one right now.





Lilian





I tossed and turned most of the night. Since I was eighteen, I’ve done the right thing. I was responsible, and I tried to base every decision on how it would affect Carrie. I don’t blame her by any means for the decisions I made. I knew what I had to do, and I did it. But if there’s ever a time to start living for myself and what I want, it’s now.

I get ready the next morning with determination. Now if I can just keep this attitude all day, I’ll have it made.

With a smile on my face, I walk into living room of the suite. It only takes a moment for me to realize that I’m alone. “Ford,” I call out.

When there’s no answer, I look around the room and notice the silver domed plates set up on the table. Instead of going to the food, I walk to the edge of the living room area and stand in the open doorway of Ford’s room. His cologne fills the air, and I breathe it in. I’ve always appreciated his manly scent that reminds me of being outside in the sunshine. “Ford,” I call out to the empty room.

The bed is made, and everything is tidy. I turn back out of the room before I do something crazy like roll around in the spot he slept in last night or lay my head down on his pillow. When back in the living room, I spot the note on the counter.

I pick it up and instantly recognize the small, neat writing on the hotel notepad.

Lily,

I went down early to try and meet up with a few clients. I’ll see you at the conference. I ordered you some breakfast. I also had the gift shop bring up two swimming suits. I’m sure you can find time to swim while you’re here. See you soon. Call me if you need anything.

Ford





I read the note again, trying to analyze it and see if I can read anything more into it than what’s already on the paper. He called me Lily instead of Lilian, which is something. The shortened nickname is new, and I like hearing it from him.

I’m not surprised that he ordered me breakfast or the fact he had swimsuits brought up from the gift shop. He’s always been considerate and would probably do the same for anyone.