Page 32 of Marrying a Billionaire
Reed snorted as he got dressed. Just like his mother to feel like the wedding equated to seeing the dentist. It was something to check off the list.
“Get Lillian and meet us at your grandfather’s estate this evening at five. Everything will be taken care of. We just need you to show up.” The phone grew silent indicating that the message was over.
Reed reached over and played the next message.
“Reed. Where are you? Why aren’t you answering? Call me as soon as you get this so I know you are coming. I don’t need to remind you how important it is make sure this wedding happens. I would hate to hear what your grandfather would do if Mason decided to up his wedding. Thank goodness, Hannah is in Milan sorting out a clothing debacle this week and has given us time. I’ve been so stressed trying to juggle all of this.” She sighed. “I’m ready to get this over with.”
Reed buttoned-up his shirt as he rolled his eyes. His mother always had athe sky is fallingmentality. He rolled the cuffs of his sleeves and grabbed his phone.
Three rings and his mother answered.
“Where have you been?”
“Well, good morning to you, too.” He pressed the phone to his ear as he turned the door handle and headed out into the hall.
“Reed, I am not amused. I’ve been running around since five this morning, trying to make sure this wedding is going to be perfect. The least you could have done is answered my phone calls.”
“Mom, calm down. I was in the shower. I figured you didn’t want me calling you while I was in there.”
There was an exasperated sigh on the other end of the call. “I’m not in the mood for this. Please just tell me that you and Lillian will be at your grandfather’s estate tonight.”
Reed walked into the kitchen where he grabbed an apple out of the bowl. “We’ll be there.”
“Thank you.”
“Love you.” Reed said.
“Love you, too.”
Reed hung up the phone and set it down on the counter. He turned and pulled open the fridge where he grabbed a jug of milk. Soft music carried from down the hall. After Reed poured glass of milk, he replaced the container and followed the music.
He paused just outside of his old office and listened. A whirring sound contrasted against the classical music. A smile played on his lips. Lillian was using the studio.
Reaching down, he turned the handle and pushed open the door. Lillian’s back was to him. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun at the top of her head. Her elbows were brought up and rose and lowered in a smooth movement. She was humming along with the music.
Reed’s gaze fell to the cut off shorts she had on, accentuating her long, slender legs. As his gaze made its way up, he saw that the collar of the oversized t-shirt she wore would slip off her shoulder every time she brought her arms down. His heart pounded in his chest when he remembered how smooth her skin had been under his fingertips.
He shook his head and stepped into the room. “You seem to be enjoying this,” he said.
Lillian yelped and let go of the tall vase she was working on. It bent and began flopping around as the wheel continued to spin. She grasped her heart as she whipped her gaze over to him. “You scared me,” she whispered as she took calming breaths.
Reed raised his hands. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to distract you.”
She pushed some of her hair away from her face with the back of her hand. Despite her best efforts, she wiped a streak of clay across her cheek. The wheel stopped spinning as she stood. “Did I wake you?” she asked as she scraped the clumped pile of clay off the wheel and brought it over to a bucket and dropped it inside.
“No,” he said as he leaned against the wall and watched her.
She glanced over at him. “I should have known that. You look more prepared for the day then I do.” She waved toward her clothes.
“How long have you been at this?”
She squinted as she placed the lid on the bucket. “Since six.” She wiped her hands on her shorts and smiled over at him. “I forgot how amazing this was. So,”—she took a deep breath and closed her eyes—“relaxing.”
Lillian looked calmer and more at ease. Better then she’d ever looked.
“It suits you,” he said, taking a step toward her.
She glanced over at him and her expression grew serious. “Business meetings today?” She nodded toward his clothes.
