“I heard what you did down in the bar. The way you looked after Henry,” he says, not quite meeting my eyes.
“Yep.”
“Thank you.”
Beck just watches us with interest.
“You sure you don’t mind that I’m here?” asks Ethan.
“No,” says Beck, banging on the door some more. “You’re welcome anytime, brother.”
Henry slouches on out as per his usual. Only when he sees Ethan does he pause and frown. Guess they don’t spend much time together. Both of them seem suddenly even more on edge, shoulders stiff and expressions tight. This family is so damn complicated. My heart hurts for them. Mom would make everyone sit down and talk it out. I don’t know if that would work here, given how much bad history they have, but eating tacos together seems like a good start.
“Hungry?” I ask.
Henry’s gaze shifts to the bags of food and he’s in motion again. “Did you get Enrico’s?”
“Yeah,” says Ethan. “Carne asada still your favorite?”
A reluctant nod from Henry.
Beck just stands back, watching his brothers with wary eyes. When he catches me looking, he winks at me. “Why don’t we put a movie on?” he asks. “If you’ve got time, Ethan?”
“Sure. That’d be good.”
“Henry?” asks Beck. “Hang out with us for a while?”
The boy just shrugs, the smell of food luring him ever closer. “What movie?”
“Whatever you want,” I answer.
Henry grins.
“You’re going to regret that,” says Beck.
CHAPTER TEN
“This vehicle?” I ask. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, Miss Lawrence. Mr. Elliot was most specific.”
Holy shit. I can’t keep the smile off my face. The valet hands me a key fob with a red bow attached. Another gift from Beck. At least, it better be just from Beck. Because if Matías had to chip in for this as a “company car” there’s every chance he’d go into conniptions.
It’s big, black, and boxy looking. Kind of like a tank crossed with an SUV with a dash of cool thrown in for good measure. I have no doubt it could climb any mountain and contain any shopping trip. The interior is all soft gray leather with plenty of room and all the latest gadgets. Top of the line, obviously. As if Beck would buy anything else.
“Mercedes Benz G-Class,” says Aaron, appearing behind me. “It’s basically indestructible and has a great safety rating. A good choice.”
“I’m not that bad a driver,” I joke.
The valet watching us hides a smile. “Good for someone with maybe limited experience in the snow, miss.”
“That does make sense. Thank you for bringing it around,” I say, handing him a tip. He made a fair enough comment about a Cali girl, assuming I’ll still be here come winter. I hope I will be. No one has mentioned what the deal is when you live in the hotel, but I’ll just keep tipping hardworking people until I’m told otherwise. Another reason to get a job and have some cash flowing in instead of out.
I wait until Aaron and I are alone before speaking. “Smith is keeping an eye on Henry. I don’t think there’ll be any problems, but feel free to call me if there is. Beck is in meetings for most of the day so I’m not sure about his availability. But you shouldn’t have to deal with their family crap.”
“Are you sure?” asks Aaron.
“Absolutely.” My cell buzzes inside my black Birkin handbag. I rummage through the makeup, tissues, chocolate bar, book, and other highly necessary items.
“Excuse me,” I murmur to Aaron.
He nods. “I’ll leave you to it. Have a nice day, Alice.”
“You too.” The text is from Beck. My stomach does the swooping thing at the mere sight of his name. Even though I only saw him three hours ago. Even though I’ll see him again tonight.
Beck: Like it?
Me: It’s incredible. Thank you.
Beck: You can pay me back in kisses if you’re so inclined.
Me: You’re on.
Beck: Paperwork to transfer it into your name is on the passenger seat. Happy third birthday.
Me: ?
Beck: The clothes etc cover your first. The watch can be for your second. So this is for your third.
Me: I would have happily accepted the dick pic for all twenty-two, you know.
Beck: This is why I like you.
Beck: You’re going to do great at the luncheon. Try to relax and enjoy yourself.
Me: xx
Beck: Let me know how it goes.
Me: Will do. Good luck with your meetings.
I type the address into the GPS and get moving. Sure enough, the vehicle handles like a dream. A far cry from my old sedan back home. It even has the new-car smell,