Page 34 of Bling

“No, Sir. I’ll stay here and wait for Isabelle.”

Garrett and Patrick started with the bar and dungeon, checking to make sure everything was secure. When they finished with the interior, they went outside and climbed into a golf cart.

“We only had one cabin rented this weekend and they already left, so this should be quick,” Patrick said as he drove them down the path to the cabins at the back of the property.

“How’s life in New York?” Garrett asked, making small talk.

Patrick grinned. “The married life is pretty great, and I’m enjoying running the New York branch of Eastman Enterprises. The part where I suddenly became the poster boy for feminism because I took my wife’s last name is getting kind of old, though. It feels like I’ve done every daytime talk show on the planet.”

Garrett laughed. “Regina watches those from her desk at work. I’ve seen your face a few times.”

Patrick rolled his eyes as they approached the first cabin. Hopping out, he checked the locks and made sure everything was secure. A cleaning crew would come in on Monday and get the place ready for next weekend.

After securing the cabin, they made a lap around the ones that had been unoccupied for the weekend.

Is that a glass on the porch?” Garrett asked as they passed the last one in the row.

Patrick stopped the cart and hopped out. Sure enough, it looked like a rocks glass from the bar. “Maybe someone wandered out here and sat on the porch for a drink. If so, that means our door staff aren’t watching people close enough when they go in and out.” He tucked the glass into the golf cart cupholder, and Garrett typed a note into his phone to bring it up at the next board meeting.

Back in the main building, Isabelle was talking to Austin. She gave Garrett a shy smile when her eyes met his.

“We should get going,” he said as he headed for the stairs.

“I brought the bags down,” she said, stopping him. Garrett scowled. He could have done that. He strode to the couch and slung the bags onto his shoulder before holding his hand out to her.

“Bye, you two. Come to New York and see our new place sometime,” Austin said.

Isabelle snorted. “I might be able to afford a New York trip if I save for a year, but I would love to see pictures.”

Garrett would gladly take her to New York, but after the fight over whether he could buy her a dress, he decided not to say as much.

In the SUV (which had been replaced after the hit and run), he slid an arm around her and smiled. “I’ve enjoyed our weekend, Isabelle.”

She lowered her gaze as crimson colored her cheeks. “Me too, Sir. I’m worried work will be weird next week, though.”

“We’re both capable of being professional,” he said, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Plus, we have tomorrow evening to look forward to.”

The trip into the city was short and Isabelle spent it with her head resting against Garrett’s shoulder. When they arrived at a small boutique, a designer was waiting for them.

“Garrett Oliver, it’s lovely to see you again,” the woman said, kissing both his cheeks. “I spoke to Governor Andrew’s wife about your diamonds and we’re going to work them into her next design for the inaugural ball.”

Garrett smiled. “Thank you, Jasmine. It’s a tremendous help.”

“Enough about things that don’t matter, what are we going to put this gorgeous girl in?” Jasmine asked, grasping both of Isabelle’s hands.

“Turn, turn,” the eccentric designer said, shoving Isabelle away from her.

Isabelle gingerly turned and gave Garrett a pained look as she faced him. She wasn’t used to being fussed over.

“What are you wearing, Garrett?” Jasmine asked as she absently began digging through a nearby rack.

Garrett laughed. “The usual. Black tux, bowtie.”

Jasmine rolled her eyes. “I could put you in so many more interesting outfits. I’ll just have to be satisfied with the beautiful women you send my way.”

He tried not to cringe. He didn’t want Isabelle thinking he brought tons of women here.

“Though,” she continued, “I do have to say, none are as beautiful as this gorgeous creature in front of me.”

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