21. Twenty-One
Twenty-One
Lila
James Harrison is charming. I’ll give him that. When he asks me out, his smile is so genuine and his tone so disarming that I don’t know how to immediately say no without sounding rude. I don’t want to lead him on, but James has been so instrumental in getting me high-profile clients that I’ll feel guilty if I refuse.
“Please tell me you’ll at least consider it?” He stands before the bakery’s counter, the perfect gentleman in full force, watching me adjust the baked goods in the display. “You know you’ve helped me as well. Those restaurant recommendations you gave me last month landed me two new clients. Let me thank you properly.”
I carefully arrange the row of cinnamon rolls, buying time. James has been nothing but kind since we met—Still...
“It’s just dinner,” he adds, correctly reading my hesitation. “No pressure, no expectations.”
The problem is, he’s exactly the kind of guy I should want to date—successful, thoughtful, uncomplicated. In another life, maybe, but he’s not Luke.
“Okay,” I find myself saying. “But just dinner.”
His smile widens. “Great! How about Azurea tonight? I hear their new chef is giving you some competition.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never eaten there.” I smile despite myself. “Alright. Seven?”
“I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”
Later, standing in front of my closet, I try to remember how normal dating works. The black dress I finally choose is pretty but not too suggestive—perfect for a casual dinner with a friend. Because that’s all this is .
James arrives exactly on time, looking polished in a well-cut jacket. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” I accept his offered arm, purposely not thinking about another arm, another man’s touch.
The restaurant is elegant and understated, with muted tones and soft lighting. The kind of place that practically begs for hushed conversations and whispered secrets. Azurea is filled to capacity, but James has secured a prime table.
“I’ve been looking forward to this,” he says as we settle into our seats.
I nod politely, picking up the menu. “It’s a beautiful restaurant. Thank you for inviting me.”
At first, the conversation flows easily, with James peppering me with questions about my work and recent events. It’s nice, normal, and exactly what my life should be right now. He’s attentive and complimentary, but as the meal progresses, I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing.
It’s not him, I realize. It’s me.
The conversation easily flows as we discuss upcoming events and shared clients. Then, the universe decides to test me.
“Luke, isn’t this perfect? All my friends have been raving about this place.”
My heart stutters, and I glance toward the source of the sound, my stomach sinking.
Crystal Davidson.
She’s standing at the hostess stand, her perfectly coiffed hair and designer dress making her look every bit the society queen she so desperately wants to be. And beside her, looking uncomfortable but devastatingly handsome is Luke.
He spots me almost immediately, his gaze locking on mine like a magnetic pull he can’t resist. For a second, the rest of the room fades away. It’s just us, caught in a silent exchange that says everything we can’t.
“Lila,” James says, pulling me back to the present. “Are you okay?”
I blink, forcing a smile as I turn back to him. “I’m fine. Sorry, I thought I recognized someone.”
“Small world,” he says, glancing around briefly before returning his attention to me.
I nod, my pulse still racing as I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip. But I can’t stop myself from glancing back at Luke .
He’s looking at me again, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable. Crystal is talking to the hostess, making sure they know she’s here with Luke Sterling, completely unaware of the silent war raging in the space between us.
When the hostess leads them to their table—just two rows over—I have to grip the edge of my chair to keep from bolting.
The meal turns into a slow kind of torture. Every time I look up, I feel Luke’s eyes on me. I try to focus on James, who is completely oblivious to the tension crackling around us.
“This wine is incredible,” James says, holding up his glass.
I nod, smiling tightly. “Yes, it is.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Crystal laughing at something, her hand resting on Luke’s arm. He doesn’t react, but the sight still sends a pang through my chest.
“You’ve gone quiet,” James says, leaning closer. “Are you sure you’re, okay?”
“Just tired,” I say quickly. “It’s been a long day.”
He nods, thankfully letting the conversation drift to lighter topics. But the tension in my shoulders doesn’t ease. I notice Luke’s presence is drawing looks from the rest of the patrons, which makes Crystal preen.
As we’re finishing dessert, she notices us.
“Oh, Lila!” she says, her voice too loud and too bright as she walks up to our table. “What a wonderful surprise!”
James looks up in surprise, his expression polite but curious.
Crystal smiles at him briefly before turning her full attention to me. “I thought that was you. Isn’t this place fabulous? Luke and I were just saying we need to come here more often.”
Luke stands behind her, having followed in her wake, his face carefully neutral. But I catch the slight tightening of his jaw when he sees James’s hand covering mine on the table.
I slide my hand free as naturally as possible. “Crystal, Luke. Nice to see you.”
“Isn’t it?” She practically vibrates with artificial enthusiasm. “Oh, where are my manners? James Harrison, right? Daddy mentioned you own a magazine.”
James stands to shake hands. “Ah, Crystal Davidson, Luke. Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you!” She clutches Luke’s arm possessively. “We’re just so happy, aren’t we, darling?”
Luke’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Ecstatic.”
“We shouldn’t keep you from your dinner,” I say quickly, desperate to end this interaction.
“Nonsense! I’m glad I caught you,” Crystal continues, her voice dripping with enthusiasm. “Luke and I are hosting a small dinner party next week, just a handful of close friends. We’d love for you to be the chef.”
My wine glass freezes halfway to my mouth. “I…”
“It sounds high-profile—it would be great exposure for you, Lila,” James says encouragingly. “Your food is perfect for intimate gatherings.”
“I’ll have to check my schedule,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “I might already be booked...”
“Please?” Crystal pouts prettily. “It would mean so much to have you handle our first hosted dinner party as an engaged couple.”
The word ‘engaged’ hits like a physical blow. I risk a glance at Luke and find him staring intently at the table.
“I’ll... check my calendar tomorrow,” I say finally.
“Perfect!” Crystal says, turning toward Luke. “We should let you get back to your date. James, it was nice to meet you. ”
“The pleasure was mine,” James replies smoothly.
As they walk away, Luke glances back once. The look in his eyes makes my heart stutter.
“They make a striking couple,” James comments.
I take a large sip of wine. “They certainly look the part.”
“Are you okay? You seem tense suddenly.”
“Just tired.” I force a smile. “Big event tomorrow.”
James proves himself yet again by shifting the conversation to safer topics. He’s attentive and charming as he signals for the check, and I hate myself a little for wishing he was someone else.
“I had a wonderful time,” he says later, walking me to my door.
“Me too.” And I did, mostly. Before...
He leans in slowly, telegraphing his intentions. I turn slightly so his kiss lands on my cheek.
“James...”
“Too soon?” His smile is understanding. “No pressure, remember? ”
“You’re a very nice man,” I start.
“But not the right man?” He squeezes my hand gently. “It’s okay, Lila. Friends?”
The relief makes me dizzy. “Friends.”
Inside, I kick off my heels and pour a generous glass of wine. I close my eyes, remembering the look on Luke’s face when he saw James’s hand on mine. The careful distance he maintained all night. The way he looked back, just once.
Tomorrow, I’ll find a polite way to decline the dinner party job. I’ll focus on my business and pretend my heart isn’t constantly wanting him.
But tonight, I let myself remember every stolen glance, every unspoken word, every moment our carefully constructed walls threatened to crumble and a pair of stormy blue eyes that even now threatens to steal my breath.
The afternoon sun filters through the window, casting long shadows across my kitchen counter. I stare at my phone, Crystal’s number glowing on the screen as my thumb hovers over the call button .
I’ve been putting this off all day, but I can’t avoid it any longer. I have to call her and politely decline the offer to cook for her and Luke’s dinner party. Even the thought of that evening makes my stomach twist into knots.
Just as I steel myself to make the call, my phone buzzes in my hand. The screen lights up with an unknown number.
Without thinking, I answer. “Hello?”
“Lila Jeffers? This is Jaxson Gibson.”
My pulse jumps at the PI’s name. “Is Luke—“
“He’s fine,” Jaxson assures me quickly. “I’m calling about Crystal Davidson’s dinner party next week.”
I sink onto my chair. “Yes, I was about to call and tell her I can’t—“
“I’d advise against that,” Jaxson cuts in.
His words make me pause, confusion knitting my brows. “Why?”
Jaxson’s voice is calm but carries a weight that makes it impossible to dismiss. “Because we believe Marcus Davidson will use that dinner party as an opportunity to solidify his plans. The guest list includes two key board members from Sterling Motors. We suspect Marcus will be sharing more of his intentions for the company with them that night.”
“And?” But my pulse is already racing with possibility.
“Marcus is careful, but he lets his guard down in his own home,” Jaxson explains. “If we can get a member of my team into his study while the dinner is happening, we may be able to uncover documents or communications that prove his plans to take over Sterling Motors.”
“You want to break in?” I whisper, though I’m alone.
“We want to gather proof of his illegal activities. The dinner provides a perfect cover—all eyes will be on the food, the conversation, the happy couple.”
I close my eyes. “Why are you calling me about this? Why not Luke?”
Jaxson’s silence speaks volumes.
“He doesn’t want me involved, does he?”
“He’s trying to protect you.” Jaxson sighs. “But we need someone on the inside, someone who can help create the right... distractions at the right moments.”
My chest tightens. “Which is why you called me anyway. ”
“We need you,” Jaxson says simply. “And I trust you can handle yourself. This is bigger than just Luke or his father. If Marcus succeeds, it won’t just hurt the Sterling family—it’ll affect everyone tied to the company. Employees, their families, and countless others. You’d be helping protect more people than you realize.”
“What do you need me to do?” I ask quietly.
“Accept the job,” Jaxson says. “Prepare the dinner, keep everyone focused on the event, and let us handle the rest. My team will handle the infiltration—we won’t ask you to do anything outside of your role as the chef. But your presence gives us the opportunity we need.”
I think of Luke’s careful distance last night, the strain around his eyes as he played along with Crystal’s performance. “What exactly would my role be?”
“Private chef. Create an elaborate meal, one that requires frequent check-ins from the hosts. Keep Crystal talking about the wedding. Most importantly, keep Marcus in the dining room at specific times.”
“And if something goes wrong?”
“Nothing will link back to you. You’re just the chef doing her job. ”
I stand, pacing my living room. “Why me? Why not hire someone else?”
“Because Crystal asked you. You already have a reason to be there and because you understand what’s at stake.”
He’s right. I do understand. I hesitate, and the knot in my stomach tightens. Luke doesn’t want me involved, and part of me knows he’ll be furious if he finds out. But another part of me—the part that can’t stand by and let Marcus win—knows what I have to do.
“Okay.” The word comes out steadier than I feel. “I’ll do it.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” I think of Luke’s face when Marcus mentioned escalating the wedding date. “Just... promise me one thing?”
“If I can.”
“Don’t tell Luke I know. Let him think I’m just doing my job.”
Jaxson’s quiet for a moment. “He’ll figure it out. He’s not stupid.”
“No, but he’s protective. This way, he can focus on his part without worrying about mine.”
“You care about him.” It’s not a question.
“Enough to help end this faster.”
“I’ll be in touch with more details soon. And Lila?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
The line goes dead, and I set my phone down on the counter, my hands trembling slightly.
For a moment, I just sit there, the enormity of what I’ve agreed to sinking in. This isn’t just cooking dinner or playing nice with Crystal. This is about taking a stand, about fighting for something bigger than myself.
And as much as I know, it’s the right thing to do. I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just stepped into dangerous territory.