Chapter 4
REID
Since it was the biggest he’d gotten in his career, Ryder had invited the team out to celebrate the deal we’d closed for him.
He’d booked private dining at Craig’s, which was only about a mile from my office, but traffic was bad as my rideshare driver headed toward the restaurant.
It gave me some downtime to think about how the past week had been quiet on the personal front, though.
Things had felt a little off with Lila ever since she mentioned Kaylee acting overly familiar the other night, but neither of us had brought the issue up again.
I kept telling myself it would pass. Lila was under a lot of pressure as the key makeup artist on the film she was working on, and I was buried in contracts.
Once things settled, we’d be back to normal.
But a thread of guilt shot through me every time I thought about how hurt she’d seemed that night. Even though I hadn’t crossed any lines with Kaylee, the last thing I wanted to do was cause Lila pain.
At least she seemed genuinely excited about the bridal shower my mom was throwing for her next month. Each time she’d mentioned the event this week, her voice had its usual spark. Which had given me a great idea.
I booked us a bungalow with vineyard views and in-room wine service in Temecula.
I figured we could drive up together on Friday, come back on Sunday, enjoy the shower on Saturday, and have the rest of the time to ourselves.
A couple of long mornings in bed with no interruptions, just the two of us.
I couldn’t wait to surprise my beautiful bride-to-be with it.
There were fewer than three months until she was my wife. I’d work impossible hours, like I did as a junior associate, if it meant building the future we wanted together.
I was smiling as the driver pulled up in front of the restaurant, doubly glad I hadn’t driven. There were no open spots on the street anywhere nearby, and it didn’t look like anyone was at the valet stand, since they only offered to-go lunch unless you booked private dining.
I slipped on my suit coat and headed inside, scanning the room after I was told Ryder had booked a room on the second floor. My client stood when he saw me, flashing me the same grin that had sold out theaters for the past few years.
“Hawthorne! My favorite dealmaker.” He pulled me in for a back-slapping hug. “Come on, everyone’s here.”
I was the last to arrive. Ryder’s agent and manager flanked him on one side, his publicist on the other. My junior associate, Marcus, sat across from them, looking a little starstruck but holding his own. Kaylee was seated next to him.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Ryder waved off my apology. “You’re right on time, man. The rest of us only beat you up here by a few minutes, that’s all.”
Kaylee lit up when he turned toward the table again. “Ryder, you have to tell us the story about the stunt gone wrong on your last set. I’ve been dying to hear what actually happened.”
Ryder launched into the tale with dramatic flair that had helped the actor make a name for himself in Hollywood, along with his good looks.
Kaylee hung on every word, laughing at all the right moments.
I watched the interaction as I took my seat and ordered a drink.
She was sociable, quick-witted, and unafraid to engage.
Exactly the kind of energy clients responded to.
Ryder tilted his chin toward me. “This guy right here made the whole deal painless. I owe you big time, man.”
“Only because the studio wanted you badly enough to concede on just about every important point.” I smiled, quickly settling into the rhythm of the lunch.
This was my world. Closing massive contracts, keeping high-maintenance clients happy, and steering conversations exactly where they needed to go.
Kaylee caught my eye across the table and gave me a quick, conspiratorial wink before returning her attention to Ryder.
The conversation flowed easily around an expensive family-style meal and even more expensive wine.
Ahi tuna tartare, caviar bites, and mushroom truffle appetizers followed by branzino and wagyu steak for the mains, and the best brussels sprouts I’d ever eaten.
All served alongside bottles of excellent wine that Ryder kept ordering.
The conversation flowed easily between deal talk and Hollywood war stories.
Ryder had us all laughing with tales from his last film set, where the stunt coordinator nearly quit after Ryder kept improvising dangerous jumps.
Marcus was quiet, but Kaylee laughed at all the right moments, asked intelligent questions, and charmed everyone at the table. Her energy kept things lively, and I had to admit she was excellent at this part of the job.
We were waiting for dessert when Kaylee leaned forward. “Ryder, would you mind taking a quick selfie? I normally wouldn’t ask, but my friends will absolutely die if I get a picture with you. They’re huge fans.”
He tilted his head with a quirked brow. “Only them?”
“Oh, me too. Obviously.” Her cheeks turned pink. “But I’ll understand if I’m overstepping.”
“Not at all.” Ryder flashed her a smile and stood. “Let’s do it.”
They stepped a few feet away from the table, posing near the shelves of books lining one wall. Kaylee held her phone up, angling it perfectly while Ryder threw an arm around her shoulders. They took a couple of shots, laughing the whole time.
When they finished, Kaylee came back around the table toward her seat between Marcus and me. As she pulled her chair out, one of the legs tangled with mine. The chair scraped loudly against the stone floor.
I stood quickly. “Here, let me fix that.”
I adjusted both chairs, making sure they were properly spaced again. Kaylee smiled up at me. “Thanks, boss.”
“No problem.”
“Hey, as long as you’re already standing and I’m taking pictures”—she wiggled her phone—“can I get one with you too? I never would’ve been invited to this incredible lunch if I wasn’t on your team.”
I hesitated as Lila’s face flashed through my mind. Then I pushed the thought away. It was a team lunch, not a big deal. “Sure.”
She positioned herself beside me, and I placed one hand on the back of her chair to steady myself, being careful to make sure I wasn’t actually touching her. She held the phone up high, angling it downward for the most flattering shot, just like she’d done for her selfie with Ryder.
“Smile!”
I gave a professional smile as the camera clicked a few times. She checked the screen, nodded happily, and slipped back into her seat. “Perfect.”
After we indulged in chocolate bread pudding, lunch wrapped up on a high note. Ryder was clearly thrilled with how everything had come together, clapping me on the back again and telling the whole table that this deal felt like the start of something big.
The final terms we’d negotiated were even stronger than the original draft, and the energy in the room was electric.
I said my goodbyes to Ryder’s team and then turned to Marcus and Kaylee. “Great work, both of you.”
Kaylee’s smile widened. “Thanks, this was so much fun.”
Marcus nodded. “I can’t believe Ryder included us in the invitation.”
“Which is why he’s one of my favorite clients,” I murmured.
Kaylee pressed a hand to her chest. “And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so gorgeous.”
“I’m sure Reid doesn’t care what his clients look like.” Marcus rolled his eyes. “Just how much money they can make the firm.”
As they bickered, I headed downstairs. My client was thrilled. The deal was another major win for the firm and my reputation in this town. All was good on the professional front.
I just needed to get back on solid ground with Lila.
As my rideshare drove away from the restaurant, I leaned forward and asked, “You mind if I make a call?”
“Please, go ahead,” the driver urged.
Settling back in the seat, I put my earbuds in and pulled up Lila’s contact.
She answered on the third ring. “Hey.”
Just the sound of her voice made me smile. “Hey, baby. How’s your day going?”
“It’s been busy. I’m still on set, but we’re wrapping up soon. How was your lunch with Ryder?”
“Really good.” My smile widened. “He’s happy. The deal is even stronger than we expected. I think this one’s going to open a lot of doors.”
“That’s amazing. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you.” The warmth in her voice eased the tightness in my chest. “Listen, I know things have been a little weird. I hate that and want to make it up to you.”
There was a small pause on her end. “Yeah?”
“I want to do something this weekend. Just us.”
“I’d love that,” she quickly agreed.
“Good. I’ll figure something out.”
I ended the call feeling better than I had in days. She would soon be my wife, and I would spend the rest of my life making sure she never doubted how much I loved her.