Chapter 13

“Anything else,”Kayla asked, her attention touching on each team member seated at the long conference room table.

Their seasoned intern Gemma Niles piped up. “Tommy O’Connor called right before our strategy meeting.” The smooth dark skin on her nose crinkled at the memory.

“Let me guess,” Phin said. “He wants another face-to-face status update.”

Gemma nodded.

Some clients, like Tommy, had an almost obsessive need to know every minute step the firm took on their campaign. Which was their right, but Tommy’s check-ins had morphed from weekly to every other day to every day.

“He’s growing concerned that we’re not going to secure the final three votes needed to pass SB623,” Phin said. “I’ll give him a call.”

Tommy’s nonprofit was supporting legislation that would loosen housing regulations across the state in order to combat the substantial rise in housing costs caused by inadequate inventory. A recent census indicated North Carolina was the third fastest growing state. Many attributed the growth to domestic migration, people leaving their home states for Tar Heel’s more temperate climes and what used to be affordable housing.

“He, uh,” Gemma hedged, “wants to hear from Kayla.”

Phin’s eyes narrowed. “Does he?”

Sometimes clients needed the extra reassurance only the top decision-maker could give. It sucked, for everyone, but part of Kayla’s job was acting as a buffer between her staff and their clients.

“I’d hoped to be in Raleigh today to add some pressure to the holdouts, but—” No sense stating the obvious. Everyone knew why Kayla was still in town. She’d given the team a brief summary of Vicky’s murder, cautioning them to be alert for anyone suspicious hanging around the office building, while also assuring them that the extra measures were likely overkill.

Given that Krowne and Associates occupied the ninth floor of the Robinson building in downtown Asheville, it would be difficult to identify strangers. Most of the businesses who leased space here had done so for a number of years, so they knew, or at least recognized, most of the employees. However, visitors were coming and going all of the time.

“I’ll make some calls later this week.” Not ideal, but Kayla couldn’t leave Asheville, right now.

“Last night, I came across some information that might help sway two of the votes,” Ryan Sorrano said with enthusiasm. He was a recent graduate of UNC and eager to make his mark. “I could head down to the Capitol, present it to Cindy, and assist with rallying the votes.”

Cindy Barry had been with the firm for seven years. The veteran lobbyist would much prefer assistance by way of face-to-face meetings than long-distance phone calls. And Kayla knew Phin wouldn’t make the trip. Not until Ash released him from guard duty.

Even so, she turned to Phin. “Your call.”

He appeared to go through a mental debate before agreeing. “Keep me updated, Ryan.”

“Will do.”

“Thank you, Ryan,” Kayla said. “Let me know if you hear any scuttlebutt on HB821.”

“The Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Act, right?” At her nod, he said, “You got it.”

She looked from Phin to Gemma. “I’ll update Tommy.”

Phin nodded, though he didn’t appear too pleased by her decision.

Kayla glanced down the long conference room table and checked the clock above her office manager, Luke Handler’s, head.

It was 12:42.

She’d picked this vantage point specifically so Guard Dog Phin wouldn’t get suspicious if he caught her time-checking once too often.

A kaleidoscope of butterflies took flight in her stomach. A phenomenon that didn’t happen to her much anymore. She’d survived so many skirmishes during her stint as a lobbyist that she’d gained a hard-earned confidence that allowed her to tackle almost any problem head-on.

Her anxiety hadn’t bloomed out of fear but guilt. Guilt for what she must do. And to whom.

As if waiting for this exact moment, a stomach growled.

Kayla smiled at the woman sitting to her right.

Natalie Bryant, the firm’s attorney and Kayla’s BFF since college, placed a hand over her middle. “Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast.”

Kayla fought to keep her polite smile from turning into a knowing grin. Natalie had a new man in her life. Her normally buttoned-up, never late for an appointment employee had been acting and looking a bit disheveled of late.

Not in an I’m-in-over-my-head-stressful way, but in an I-can’t keep-my hands-off-you-let’s-do-it-one-more-time-before-work way.

She noted one side of the attorney’s shirt collar was outside of her navy suit jacket, while the other side was still tucked neatly inside, and her normally smooth updo had several half-escaped strands in the back. Yeah, she’d been thoroughly pleasured before starting time.

Kayla couldn’t have been happier for her friend. Like Kayla’s, Natalie’s love life was nonexistent, save for the random bed partner she’d pick up at after-hours cocktail parties. Exciting for a time, but nowadays, Kayla longed for something more meaningful, something more intimate than a one-night stand. She knew Natalie felt the same.

“I’m sure your stomach isn’t the only one feeding on itself right now.” Kayla gathered her phone and laptop. “I think that does it for now.” Her gaze touched on each of her team members for confirmation. One by one, they nodded their agreement.

“Is anyone going out for a bite to eat?” She made sure her attention didn’t linger on her office manager.

“I am,” Luke said on cue. “I have a taste for a Reuben from Bailey’s deli.” He stood. “Want me to grab you something?”

“I’d love their strawberry spinach salad. Easy on the feta.”

“You got it.”

“Thank you, Luke. I’m going to be tied up in video conferences for the rest of the afternoon.”

“No problem. Any other takers?”

“Since I kept y’all so late,” Kayla said, “lunch is on the firm.”

As expected, everyone chimed in with their order, including Phin.

“I’ll call it in.” Luke turned to Phin. “Wanna get some fresh air? I could use some help carrying everything back.” He gave the youngest Blackwell a smirk. “Or has Romeo gone to fat now that he’s off the market?”

Maddy Carmichael had swept the handsome charmer off his proverbial feet. Something many a gorgeous lady had tried and failed to do.

From day one, Phin and Luke, who were barely a year apart in age, had hit it off. Every team meeting seemed to be a competition on whose verbal slam would elicit the biggest reaction.

Luke’s comment dislodged a chorus of whistles and anticipatory wide-eyed stares.

Phin didn’t disappoint. “Juliet keeps Romeo far too busy for him to go to fat.”

Kayla laughed as she made her way to the door. “Got your company credit card?”

Grinning, Luke gave Phin a good-hearted shove to the back of his shoulder. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Try to behave yourselves at the deli. I don’t want to lose access to my favorite salad.”

She was nearly out of the room when Phin called her name. A question in his tone.

“I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

Phin assessed her for a long, uncomfortable moment before he said, “I won’t be long.”

“Oh, by the way,” she said as if the thought just occurred to her. “Could you let Cilla and Cruz know that I spoke to my contact at the EPA? The attorney general’s office is about to file a suit against Randolph Industries.” The news would no doubt be bittersweet for Cilla, since her father was the CEO.

“So, it’s happening.”

Kayla nodded. “My source indicated the AG has a stack of evidence against the company. They’ll likely settle out of court.”

“Timeline?”

“Probably by summer.”

“I don’t know whether to celebrate or give Cilla a hug.”

“Both might be in order. The hug especially. They just got the news that Brittany Tate, the little girl living on the farm Randolph wanted to buy, is cancer free.”

“Cilla will be so relieved.” He tilted his head, considering her. “You don’t want to deliver the good news yourself?”

She shook her head. “I’ll leave that pleasure for you, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.”

“Good.” She waggled her fingers toward the door. “Vinaigrette dressing, please.”

Phin turned away, already texting Cilla with the good news.

Diversion accomplished.

Leaving the conference room, she went back to her office and busied herself for five full minutes before swiveling toward the bank of windows behind her.

She peered down at the sidewalk. Waited for a sandy blond head and light brown head to appear. Ten seconds later, Luke and Phin emerged and their tall, lean forms turned toward Bailey’s.

Kayla opened the desk drawer where she kept her purse. She speared her hand inside to retrieve two items, then as casually as she could manage, she closed her office door and strode through the firm’s common area.

Thankfully, everyone had returned to their desks or were using the restrooms after the long meeting. She left the offices of Krowne and Associates and headed for the row of elevators. The ride down seemed to take an eternity. When the doors pinged open, she shot for the front entrance.

The moment she pushed through the glass door, a breathtakingly handsome man wearing a tailored coat over a white button-down and black slacks pushed away from the granite column where he’d been leaning. Waiting for her.

Mason Wade nodded, matching her quick stride.

“Which way?” she asked.

“Left.”

They strode side by side until they reached a sleek black Mercedes Benz EQS 450+ sedan parked along the road. He broke off, increasing his speed in order to open the driver’s side door.

A commotion across the street snagged their attention.

“No handouts, I said.” The thick-chested man inside the food truck shooed a mother and two small children away, like they were dogs begging at the table.

All three wore heavy backpacks and their clothes appeared to carry months’ worth of grime. Kayla’s heart contracted at the sight.

Asheville was a beautiful, eclectic city, full of warm people and live music on every corner. Like any tourist destination though, the mountain town had a number of homeless people populating parks, empty storefronts, and busy intersections.

Kayla had done what she could in the way of supporting local shelters, food pantries, and backing elected officials determined to execute real solutions.

“Asshole,” Mason muttered before turning back to her. “Got your key fob?”

She held it up for him to see. “I knew better than to ask for yours.”

His smile was full of mischief and sexy as hell. “Finally got you trained, did I?”

“Behave, or I’ll drive through a mud puddle.”

“Good luck finding one. We haven’t had any rain for three weeks.”

She gave him a sidelong glance. “Which means I have my pick of dusty gravel roads.”

He made a sound in the back of his throat.

Grinning, she said, “Enjoy your extra-long lunch.”

“I don’t like this situation at all.”

“I know. But sometimes I have to play the boss card. Today’s one of those days.”

“Phin’s going to be pissed.”

“With any luck, I’ll be back before he notices I’m gone.”

Her driver, friend, and, when needed, bodyguard gave her the you’re dreaming stare.

“I’ll make it up to him—and you.”

“Don’t forget Luke.”

“Especially Luke.” She nodded for him to step back. “Now buzz off. I’m going to be late.”

“All the more reason I should drive you. I could drop you off at the door.”

“Some secrets a woman has to keep to herself. See you soon.”

“Text me when you’re leaving,” he ordered as she shut the door.

Waving her agreement, she hit the Start button and pulled away. It didn’t take long for Mason’s large figure to appear in her rearview mirror as he stalked across the street to the food truck. He drew bills from his wallet, said a few harsh words to the vendor, and motioned the small family closer.

Kayla smiled. “That’s my softie.” She pushed the accelerator and put the sedan’s 329 horsepower to work.