Free Uncovering You 6: Deliverance by Scarlett Edwards

gal, and I promise you that you won’t see a penny of the bill.” He locks eyes with Fey and speaks directly to her. “Make it as extravagant as you want. Think of it as an early wedding gift for one of Lilly’s old friends.”
    “Wow,” Fey mutters. She reached for the card. “Thank you, Jeremy. That’s very gracious …”
    “And unnecessary,” Thalia says. She places her hand on Fey’s outstretched arm, stopping her. “Thank you, Mr. Stonehart. But I am sure my husband and I can take care of our own daughter’s wedding.”
    “I have no doubt you can,” Jeremy says smoothly. “And please don’t take this gesture as me suggesting anything of the sort. I am simply aware that I am guilty of having kept Lilly so occupied that she has not had time to dedicate to old friends. If you do take me up on the offer, it will just be a way of me saying sorry. Nothing more.” He directs that charming smile towards Fey. “It’s unfortunate that I did not get the chance to meet Robin today. He sounds like a very accomplished, intelligent young man, to be picked up by The Economist at the start of his career. Next time we meet, I would love to make his acquaintance.”
    “As I’m sure he’d love to meet you,” Fey replies. I notice that she’s picked up the card, even though Thalia hasn’t released her grip.
    “But seriously,” Jeremy says. “Call my wedding planner.” He looks over and smiles at me. “Seeing Lilly in a bridesmaid’s dress might give me some unintended inspiration.”
     
    ***
     
    The rest of brunch goes by without a hitch. I’d been wrong before. I didn’t have to be cold and distant to make it through the meeting. In fact, most of it was spent reminiscing about old times.
    Jeremy’s humor and inherent charisma also came through. He shone in the moment just as much as he had last night, on stage. By the end of it all, the last traces of Thalia’s hostility had vanished.
    Afterwards, when we’ve all said goodbye, and I reaffirm my promise to Fey to keep in touch, I feel light as a butterfly. I’ve just spent a magnificent few hours with an old friend, with Jeremy Stonehart at my side, and nothing at all has gone wrong. It’s been light, breezy, and fun. My earlier trepidation about it had been all for naught.
    “Come here,” Jeremy says when we reach our car. He pulls me into him and surprises me with a warm, passionate kiss. “You were wonderful,” he says. He lifts his shades so that I can see his eyes. The smile that’s on his lips extends to them, making the corners crinkle and making him look so very human. So very accessible.
    “You weren’t bad yourself,” I counter. “You know, there were a few times, especially at the start, when I thought we’d get a showing of your temper.”
    “Temper?” Jeremy sounds amused. “What temper?”
    “Don’t tease.” I slap his arm. I feel like spinning and laughing. The sun is shining. I’ve re-established ties with Fey, and I’ve just been the recipient of a toe-curling kiss.
    Suddenly a shadow clouds his eyes. “Lilly,” he says seriously. “You know that this was a one-time occurrence. Even though you were perfect, I can’t risk meetings like that again.”
    My spirit falls. “I know,” I say softly.
    “It’s not . . . It’s not because of you,” he growls. “You’ve proven to me time and again that I am right to trust you. It’s because of me. As you learned last night, Stonehart Industries is going public. Everything I do is scrutinized. I was able to arrange that enough of my men were present at the café to ward off problems—”
    “Wait! What?” I stop him. “What do you mean, ‘your men’?”
    “Security, Lilly.” He frowns. “Surely you don’t think I can go out in public without security!"
    I feel an uncomfortable itch between my shoulder blades. “We were being watched?” I hiss.
    “Yes,” Jeremy says. “Don’t tell me you take offense!”
    “Take offense? Take offense? Hah!” I scoff.