Page 526 of His Virgin Romance Series

SETH

THREE MONTHS LATER

“Iunderstand it’s irregular,” I said. “But the kitchen on the island wasn’t made to withstand heavy cooking. I need the hotel to bear the brunt of the cooking. Cover over the food with foil if you must and get it on the boats as fast as possible.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Thank you,” I nodded, before I hung up.

Sighing, I sat back down in my chair just before Ben walked in. He was looking at his clipboard with a frown on his face.

“Please tell me that everything is going smoothly?”

“Uh… I could tell you that,” he replied. “But it wouldn’t be true.”

“Fuck,” I swore. “What is it now?”

He smiled. “I’m kidding, everything is fine,” he said. “You worry too much.”

“Can you blame me?” I asked. “Planning this thing has been a nightmare.”

“You should have let Emma plan it.”

“Oh sure,” I nodded sarcastically. “Brilliant idea, that would have gone down really well.”

“I didn’t expect to find you here,” he said. “I thought you’d still be with your mother.”

“Shit,” I said, jumping out of my seat. “I completely forgot.”

“You forgot to welcome her to your resort?”

“I got a call from Alfonso, okay?” I said. “I’d better head down there. Has she been checked in?”

“Of course.”

“Great, thanks.”

I ran down the hall and into the elevator. When I arrived at the lobby, I saw my mother standing by a huge bouquet of flowers, admiring the view while she sipped a cocktail. She was wearing an ivory skirt suit and high heels that looked painful.

“Hi, Mom,” I said, as I approached her. “Sorry I’m late.”

She embraced me with a smile. “Business meeting ran late?” she asked.

“Actually, no,” I said. “I was just sorting out some last-minute arrangements for the engagement party.”

“Really?” she said, raising her eyebrows.

“Uh…yeah,” I nodded. “Why?”

“I didn’t realize you had planned this party yourself.”

“Well, it was meant to be a surprise for Brie,” I admitted. “Except that she found out two days ago, so the surprise part didn’t work out. But I didn’t want her to have to do the work for this dinner. I just want her to enjoy herself; she’s been working so hard lately.”

Mom looked at me with surprise in her eyes. “Do you realize that it’s been a year since I’ve seen you.”

“That can’t be.”

“It is.”

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