Where the hell is Lucy? I could use some reinforcements of my own.
The front door of the colorful bungalow opens, and Lucy steps out, her dark curls pulled up in a high ponytail. She’s dressed casually in a loose tank top and cropped leggings, which hug her curves and reveal far more warm golden skin than she’s ever shown in the office.
I freeze, chickens momentarily forgotten.
This is a side of her I’ve never seen before. Despite the casual dress code at Triada, Lucy’s always favored neutral, high-collared blouses and plain black pants. It was practically her own self-imposed uniform.
She stalks toward me, full lips pressed into a grim line.
“Good morning,” I call out, striving for enough sunshine to offset the incoming grumpy. “Mind calling off the guard chickens?”
“And why would I do that?” she demands, skipping the usual pleasantries. “You’re trespassing. I should let them peck you to their hearts’ content.” To my relief, she leans down and gently ushers the squawking birds away. They seem to calm in her presence, as do I. Right until she turns and fixes me with a haughty glare. “Perhaps then you’ll get it through that thick skull of yours that I am not returning to Triada.”
So much for being a morning person.
Lucy sighs. “What are you doing here again, Miles?”
“I brought coffee.” I extend the beverage carrier and offer her a cup.Everything’s better with caffeine.“I hear it’s crucial for road trips.”
“You—” Lucy’s gaze locks on the luggage at my feet, and her umber eyes go round. “Why do you have a suitcase?”
I flash her a winning smile. “I’m coming with you.”
Her jaw drops, revealing a row of straight white teeth, but she recovers quickly, snapping her mouth shut.
“No.” She shakes her head vigorously. “Absolutely not.”
I’d expected resistance, but I’ll win her over. I always do.
Not always.
I wouldn’t be in this mess if that were true.
“What do you mean ‘no’? This was your idea,” I remind her. “You’re the one who said ‘watch me.’ I’m just taking you up on the offer.”
Her mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens again.
I wait a beat, but still no words come. She’s literally speechless.
That’s a first.
“I need your help. If the only way to get it is to join you on this little adventure,” I say, nodding toward the camper, “then so be it.”
“Little adventure?” she echoes, planting her hands on her hips. “There’s nothing little about what I have planned.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.”
But if life has taught me anything, it’s that having dreams and making them reality are two very different things. My brothers and I poured everything we had into Triada, knowing full well that success was a long shot. And while I believe Lucy can achieve just about anything she sets her mind to, I’m not convinced her life’s dream is to be a travel influencer.
Hell, I’m pretty sure she plucked the idea out of thin air that day in my office.
“What about Triada?” she challenges, eyes glinting with triumph. “In the two years I’ve worked for you, you haven’t taken a single vacation.”
Has it really been so long since I took time off?
Focus, Hart.
“Who said anything about a vacation?” I wink at her. “I can work remotely. All I need is my laptop and hotspot.”
