Page 228 of Enthrall Shadows
Reese sat back. “You bought them! You own Community Development?”
“Yes,” I said. “Construction has been halted.”
“For how much?” she asked.
“That’s undisclosed.” I threw a stern glance her way. “We’ll find a more positive mission for the company.”
“Thank you.” Reese sounded breathless as she reached out and rested her hand on mine.
Shay noticed, as did Woo.
Not wanting to embarrass her, I turned my palm around and squeezed Reese’s hand.
She smiled at me. “You just saved the preserve!”
Shay pushed back from the table and stood. “That’s Henry Cole for you. Always saving the day.”
I waved off the compliment. “Let’s have lunch by the pool. Kinsley, we’d love for you to join us. Shay, stay for a while, if you like.”
In all honesty, I didn’t want any more time alone with Reese. It didn’t feel right having her here and not telling Lotte about it.
Reese got up. “I’ll go tell Lilly.”
“Sure,” I said. “Go take a swim with her before lunch. I’ll have Diana bring out drinks.”
Reese remained at the door, her expression a mix of adoration and confusion.
It made me wonder how she’d behave now that she’d gotten what she wanted.
“We have a Cole Gala coming up this Saturday,” I said. “You’re both invited.”
“We don’t have anything to wear for something like that,” she said.
“We’ll take care of it,” Shay replied.
“That’s amazing of you,” she said, face flushed.
Shay had intercepted her with his usual panache.
Reese returned to the terrace.
Shay stood there a bit longer, studying my face, probably wondering why I’d invite her to our annual event. I could see how this would appear.
But that old saying about keeping your enemies closer fit better than Reese would ever sense.
Respecting my decision, Shay gave a nod and followed Kinsley out, leaving me alone in the conference room. I was pondering how smoothly things can go when you have the best team to help solve the world’s problems.
The meeting had ended, leaving us aware we had done something meaningful—even if the road that led to this problem had been paved in pain.
I pulled out my phone, my finger gliding to the photo of that adorable baby raccoon I’d taken at the preserve.
“Your cute face just cost me millions,” I said out loud. “But you’re worth it, little rascal. You’re safe now.”
The impressive iron gate leading to Henry’s Beverly Park Terrace home swung wide for a Range Rover exiting the driveway.
Shay Gardner sat behind the wheel.
I threw him a wave. He threw one back.
