Page 72 of Wild Hearts

"You were close to him when we were younger, and we figured if anyone could get through to him, it would be you."

"I'm interested in partnering with you guys and the resort itself. I'm excited to start this assistant services business, but I'm not sure about this. Killian and I don't have the same relationship we did as kids. We haven't kept in contact."

"He won't want us to hover around him. You can get away with it under the guise of being his assistant. It will be a great reference for your new business."

Noelle sighed. "It would be."

"We already talked to him about hiring a local assistant, and he said he'd pay the same rate as Riley." Walker tipped his phone in Noelle's direction so she could read it.

She whistled softly. "For that money, I'd be at his beck and call twenty-four seven. What about my donut business, the other guests who need services, and my family?"

Walker held up a hand. "I'll talk to him and explain the situation. I'm sure he'll be amenable."

She bit her lip. "I don't know."

"We'd really like it to be a family friend. You know how Killian can be, especially when he's injured."

Noelle considered him for a few seconds. "I'll do it."

Walker touched her shoulder. "Thanks. I'll be in touch about the contract." Then he turned his attention toward me. "Addison, can you see me after you meet with Noelle?"

I smiled as professionally as possible. "Sure."

Walker turned and walked away.

Noelle sighed. "I can't believe I'm going to be Killian Wilde's personal assistant."

We headed toward the room we'd be using for the event. "This is good, right? You wanted to start a new business, andwhat better then landing your first client, who's a bona fide celebrity?"

She scowled. "It could be awkward."

"Killian can be grumpy too."

A group passed between us, and when we came back together, I agreed. "Are you worried about working with him? You used to be friends, right?"

"I don't know about friends."

I held the door open for her. "Is there something you want to tell me about what happened when he left for college and you decided to stay?"

Once we were inside with the door closed, she said, "Nope."

I shook my head. "It's hard to understand what you're worried about when you won't talk to me."

Noelle walked farther into the room and did a slow circle considering the space. "Killian was the best. He deserved everything he got. But I gave all that up, and it hurts to be around someone who got to live their dream, ya know?"

"Oh, Noelle." I crossed the room to hug her. When I drew back, I said, "You never talk about it. I wasn't sure how you felt."

"It'll be fine. This will be great for my business." Then she smiled and lifted her notebook. "Now, what did you have in mind for your event?"

I didn't want to let this go. I wanted to know more about her past with Killian, but we were here about business. There would be other opportunities to glean information from her. Especially with Killian moving home. It would bring up a lot of memories, and she'd need a friend to talk to.

I wondered if Killian coming home would force her to deal with her past.

"What about a casino night?" Noelle pulled up her phone and showed me images of previous events.

I knew she ran a holiday-decorating business and made donuts for a store downtown, but I had no idea she was also aparty planner. I didn't know how she would do it all and have time to be Killian's personal assistant.

We sat down at one of the tables, and Noelle drew a plan for the room. Then we chose ideas for the decor.

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