but her softness is an illusion. She’s a high-powered consultant that helps startup companies get their infrastructure and operations in place so they have a strong foundation to drive rapid growth.
She’s a workaholic shark that cannot sit still. She practically vibrates with energy.
At her words, I experience a surge of panic. Because I don’t have a marketing plan. I know I’m supposed to have one—it’s on my list—but it’s been on my list for the past year, and every time I go to tackle it, I find something else to do.
My excuse is that I’m pulled in so many directions, always putting out fires, so I take things as they’re thrown at me instead of being proactive.
This is not the way I’m supposed to do things. I’m supposed to be strategic. I have good intentions. I just haven’t gotten there yet.
I can’t admit this, nor can I mumble some sort of polite yes, and then blow her off. Hope is the kind of woman that once you agree, she’ll be at your door, banging it down at six AM to get started.
Luckily, I’m saved from having to answer because Wyatt gives Hope a sidelong glance. “Cat’s got everything under control just fine.”
Wyatt isn’t a fan of Hope. He tolerates her, and the feeling appears to be mutual on her end, so I guess it works out.
Her shoulders tighten. “I wasn’t suggesting she didn’t, just offering my services.” She flips her hair. “Services other companies pay ridiculous sums of money for.”
Wyatt crosses his arms over his chest, unimpressed.
Gwen twirls her wine glass, twisting at the stem. “Here’s an idea, Hope. How about you be a normal person and take the weekend off?”
Gwen’s other sister, Payton, grins. “Yeah, like me. My only plan at the moment is to sleep until at least ten.”
Hope glares. “I’m perfectly capable of relaxing.”
Everyone laughs.
Hope’s spine straightens. “I am!”
Gwen points at her. “Put your money where your mouth is, baby sister. Cancel all your conference calls tomorrow and spend the day doing absolutely nothing.”
Hope huffs. “Like you’re one to talk. You work seventy hours a week.”
Gwen shrugs. “But I’m not one big ball of stress like you are.”
She flounces back in her chair. “I am not a ball of stress.”
Jillian sits forward, inserting herself into the conversation. “Remember that time when we were in college and we kidnapped her and wouldn’t let her study for twenty-four hours?”
Gwen laughs. “We got her drunk, and she danced on the bar. God, that was fun.”
Wyatt raises a brow. “You got video of that? Because I don’t believe it.”
Hope’s shoulders straighten. “I made sure every copy was deleted.”
“That seems a real pity,” Wyatt says in his slow drawl.
Hope scowls. “Maybe you should all just shut up.”
Payton puts her hands on her knees. “I have the video.”
Everyone turns to look at her. She’s just as pretty and blond and blue eyed as her sister, although she’s lean like Gwen. Not as tall, but slightly built—unlike Hope, who’s built for porn.
Hope glares at her sister. “You do not.”
“But I do,” she says sweetly. “I’ve been saving it for when I need to blackmail you.”
“I don’t believe you,” Hope says.
Payton looks at her perfectly polished nails. “Suit yourself.”
This seems like the perfect time to make my escape, so I clear my throat before they get caught up in some other tangent. “Actually, I’m going to head to bed. I have an early day tomorrow.”
Thankfully, nobody tries to stop me—I’m extraneous to the conversation anyway—and amid a chorus of goodnights, I make my way to the safety of my room.
Once I’m there, I go through my nighttime routine, taking off my makeup and slipping on a nightgown. I sit on the bed, and I have every intention of lying down, because I am tired. But I’m also restless and out of sorts.
I slide a glance over to the French doors that lead to my private balcony.
I bite my lower lip. I just want fresh air; it’s got nothing to do with Caden.
It’s not like he’ll be out there on his porch, watching and waiting for me.
The night’s warm breeze will do me good, that’s all.
It’s got nothing at all to do with him.
I want him; I don’t need him.
My fingers clutch the comforter. I should go to bed.
My gaze skitters to the balcony.
I’ll just go out for a little bit.
I pick up my Kindle and my phone. I’ll read a little bit.