Honestly, I didn’t want Tommy to leave either, but it was necessary. I refocus on my bid. Pride and elation flow through me. I’m so excited, but I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. All I know is I’m in the top three for this project and the final decision will be made in the next few days. After a few too many moments enjoying my progress, I plop into my chair and finish the stack of plan reviews on my desk. A little past four, I stop for the day and drive home. My phone indicates new texts along the way. The notification is generic, so it’s either work or Tommy. He deserves a dedicated one.
As I park, a familiar though unfriendly truck pulls up to the curb. Just want I need right now—Liam.
“How did you pull it off?” he shouts. He may tower over me despite my height, but I’m not afraid. Luca made sure his sisters could protect themselves if it were ever necessary.
“I didn’t do anything, Liam. Please leave,” I respond calmly.
“How long have you been sleeping with him to get the job?”
The sheer chauvinism in his question angers me even more. “Is that what you really think? The only way someone could successfully bid on a large project is to sleep their way to the top?”
Thankfully, Smithson, my neighbor across the courtyard and friend of Luca’s, pulls into his assigned spot. Liam hasn’t done anything overtly stupid yet, but there’s still time. I don’t mind a little backup from one of York’s finest men in blue.
“No, it’s the only way I think you could beat me,” Liam spews.
“Well, you have overestimated your skills or severely underestimated mine. That’s on you. As I tried to explain to you, I ran into Mr. Thornton at soccer. Please leave, Liam.” I take a step closer to my door and add more space between us.
Smithson, still dressed in his uniform, causally crosses the street, walks up to me, and slides his arm around me. “Hi, babe. How was work?”
“Pretty good. You?” I play along, even though the last thing I want is to date Smithson. He’s a great guy and has a stable career, but he’s friends with Luca. I don’t want to be in Lina’s shoes. If it isn’t him, only Gugliotti and Davis remain as options. Considering Davis is friends with benefits with Willa’s bestie, Tabi, and has been for a while, I’m leaning toward Gugliotti. It could be the newest one, Craven. I doubt she would be worried if it were him; Luca barely knows him.
“Not too bad. Sorry, we haven’t met. I’m Zack, and you are?” Smithson extends his hand to Liam.
“I’m leaving. I’ll prove you’re still in the running for the project because of Thornton.”
“Good luck.” I wave, and Smithson walks me to the door. Once Liam leaves, he follows me inside.
“Who was that jackass?” he asks.
“There’s a really long professional history between Liam and me. His attitude right now is because we have competing bids on an expansive project and he was cut today, but I wasn’t. He thinks I slept with the project manager to further my chances of landing the contract. Before you ask, I didn’t.” The more time I spend with him, the more time I want with him.
“Wasn’t going to suggest anything like that. Will he come back?” Smithson’s tone sounds concerned.
“I doubt it. Thanks for coming over.”
“No problem. I’m not going out, so if he comes back, call me.”
I hug him and he leaves. I appreciate the charade, but I’m staying in as well. I arm my security system and continue with my evening. After eating and cleaning up, I curl up in the corner of my couch with a book. I’m dozing on my couch when my phone rings.
“Hi.”
“Hey. How was the rest of your day?” Something in Tommy’s voice sounds off.
“It was fine.”
“What happened?”
Apparently, I sound off too. I share what occurred with Liam and Smithson. “What about you?”
“I’m glad he happened to be nearby, not that you couldn’t handle him yourself.”
“Thank you. What happened for you? Is Ellie okay?” Silence. I wait almost a minute. “Tommy?” My voice comes out higher than usual.
“I’m here. I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”
“It isn’t burdening me; it’s helping you. What happened with Tess?”
He pushes out a strong exhale. “She didn’t come back from house hunting yesterday for her parenting time. It’s odd because she filed to relocate Ellie, and our mediation is Thursday.”
“I’m sorry. How does Ellie feel about it? Does it matter what Ellie wants?” I don’t know Tess, but it seems counterintuitive to file for relocation and not show up.
“You amaze me, Sunshine.”
Even though he can’t see me, I wrinkle my nose. “Why? Ellie is the most important aspect of your relationship with Tess.”
“I agree, but most women—at least the ones I’ve met—see drama, not my daughter. Thank you for being different and true to your word.”
“You’re welcome.” I imagine him pacing the floor while we’re talking.
“Ellie doesn’t want to move. As far as your other question, I don’t know. I have a telephone conference tomorrow with my lawyer. Ellie is aware of the motion, and Tess even sent her a link to the house they bought. I’m sure she offered a bedroom makeover to Ellie. However, Tess indicated she was considering sending Ellie to a fancy boarding school. If Ellie isn’t going to be living in the house and Tess won’t be there to parent her, why does she have to move at all?”
The anguish in his voice is heartbreaking. While I don’t have children of my own, Lina had to fight for Antonio and Emilia despite Derrick’s criminal behavior. “Does Ellie know or did Tess decide beforehand?”
“No, she doesn’t know. Tess dropped the boarding school bombshell on me Saturday night in a text.”
“What can I do to help?”
“You already are. Thank you for listening.”
“You’re welcome. Tell me something good from today.” I urge him to focus on something other than his parenting issues for a little while. There isn’t anything he can do at this time of the day. I’m sure he won’t sleep much until it’s resolved.
“I experienced the best first kiss of my life.”
Wow! It wasn’t just me. “You can’t take mine!”
A soft laugh meets my ear. “Is it taking yours if we shared the kiss?”
“You have a point. I’m willing to share with you.”
“I’m glad. Maybe we can top it on Saturday.”
My heart squeezed. “I’m not sure it’s possible. I mean, the first is always special.”
“Challenge accepted, Sunshine.”
Oh boy! A better kiss than earlier today, is it even possible? Of equal measure for the rest of our lives would be fine with me. I’m willing to let him try. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
“I know.” He yawns. “I should get some sleep. Will I see you in the morning?”
“How did I not see you before last week?” I wonder aloud.
“I don’t go daily. I’m later when it’s only me. I adjust my time to bring Ellie to school. She uses her mom’s address, so school is near there not here.”
“You don’t live near Sweet Face?”
He replies, “No, I don’t. I actually prefer the Perk, but Sweet Face is closer to work and Ellie’s school.”
“My friend Kelsey, the owner of the Perk, is married to Luca’s former captain. She’s awesome, and their son, Ben, is super cute.”
“The Ramirezes are great people. Kelsey’s scones are delicious. I dare say maybe better than Talia’s apple muffins. It’s difficult to have two favorite pastry shops so close to one another.”
I consider inquiring how he knows William and Kelsey but don’t. “I agree. Please don’t tell Tal. She will be offended.” I chuckle.
“Your secret is safe with me. Hopefully, you’ll be at your table in the morning when we arrive. Good night, Sunshine.”
“Good night, Tommy.” I sigh and end the call. Peeling myself off the couch, I trudge upstairs to my bed.