She smiled and snuggled into me. I didn’t mind the sting when I put my arm around her.
“So are you.” She dropped a kiss on my chest.
I punched start for the movie. “No. I’m not.”
Trailing her fingers along the ridges of my stomach, she met my gaze. “Why wouldn’t you think so? You do a lot for others. Seriously, you’d have to hurt a kid for me to hate you.” She switched her attention to the TV.
Mom’s screams rang as clear as the day it had happened. You almost killed your sister again!
Chapter 12
Flynn
I wrapped up a call with a prospective client looking to build a large-format retail store. That was one thing Minneapolis and the surrounding areas didn’t slack in. Winning bids and finishing projects would keep me at the top. Clients loved that I was local, a homegrown kid, and it helped that Abe had built a prime reputation during his years. I was using that momentum to bid for educational facilities. The way the population grew, I’d never run out of work between retail, new builds, and renovation projects for schools and athletic facilities. It’d been a market I’d set my sights on as soon as I gained control.
A message from my executive assistant popped up on the monitor. Someone brought you lunch? But she’s not leaving.
Dammit. I jumped up. No one knew I was seeing anyone and my assistant was ferocious about who gained access to my office. My personal assistant was almost as bad. If Matthew ever got ahold of Tilly, she’d get an interrogation just short of violent.
Tilly had commented that I probably worked through lunch. And yes, if I didn’t have a meet and greet over a meal, it’s not like I packed anything. I hadn’t thought she was serious about bringing me food.
I rushed to the door and took a second to smooth my clothes and check my hair. It wouldn’t do to let my staff see me lose my cool over Tilly.
I froze with my hand on the doorknob. It was Monday. Wacky Monday. Oh god, what if she was dressed for it?
Did it matter?
No. But my heart rate didn’t get the message.
I opened the door in a smooth motion. Tilly, dressed in jean shorts and a plain purple top, stared out the window, commenting on the view. Professional pride spiked. I had been with Abe when he’d picked this location for his new office building, using it as his gateway into corporate construction, proof of his abilities. Our offices took up the top two floors. The four floors below us were filled with financial advisers, lawyers, and various consultants. Many of them I used in my own business if I didn’t staff them already.
“I mean, look at that sky.” Tilly’s breath fogged the window. My assistant, Mrs. Silverstein, tightened her hand around her pen. “It’s like there’s not even glass here, it’s so clear.”
“Not anymore,” Mrs. Silverstein said evenly. Tilly took an abrupt step back and clasped her hands behind her back.
I was caught between irritation at my assistant for making Tilly feel unwelcome and my need to rescue Tilly without making a scene. “What’s that delicious smell?”
Tilly spun around a wide smile on her face. That grin was fast becoming the reason I looked forward to each day. Her laughter buoyed my spirit after days of catering to people, trying to win their business, and be congenial and efficient enough to have them recommend me to others. The three weeks after vacation had been Groundhog Day, the same routine over and over again. Even if my actions weren’t identical to those of the day before, my goals and outlook for each day were.
In contrast, the three weeks after tracking Tilly down at the movies had been a blur. I’d delegated more duties to both my personal and executive assistants, receiving inquiring looks that I ignored. Work still went late, but I was out of the office by eight p.m. at the latest. Tilly didn’t tutor past seven, and I had a driving need to taste her every night, even if we fell into bed without having sex.
Tilly adjusted a narrow headband that shone suspiciously like a small tiara. “I made chicken alfredo, but I left the pasta out of yours. So really, you get chicken and sauce.”
My stomach rumbled as soon as she finished the description. Tilly picked up her tote bag full of food and shot Mrs. Silverstein a smile. The woman’s lips were pursed, and her gaze darted from the food to Tilly to her tiara.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Halstengard. I didn’t realize you were expecting company.” Ah, so Mrs. Silverstein was more upset that I hadn’t updated her on my plans than how Tilly looked or acted. I hoped.
I inclined my head. As much as I respected Mrs. Silverstein, she could be overbearing. She was no-nonsense, and after having raised five boys, she didn’t put up with much bullshit, even from me. All traits I normally appreciated and relied upon. But when it came to my personal life, I…couldn’t figure out why I was so defensive about Tilly.
“Thank you, Mrs. Silverstein.” I gave Tilly a reassuring smile. “Come on in, Tilly.” I placed a hand on the small of her back and led her in.
“Ohmigosh. I almost got stopped at the front door because they thought I was delivering the pizzas they’d ordered. Then her. I thought she was going to haul me out by force. I was like, seriously, just ask him if I can visit.”
I guided her to my conference table. She set the bag down and started setting out the stuff. Her mouth was set in a line and hurt glimmered in her eyes.
“Did she insult you?” I asked sharply.
“No. It’s nothing. Just not what I expected when I wanted to bring you lunch.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot you even mentioned it, or I would’ve informed Mrs. Silverstein.”
“No problem.” Tilly
