Page 64 of Caught in the Axe
I ordered two glasses of champagne, and we toasted.
“To grad school success,” I said, clinking her glass.
“Can we talk about your success for a second?”
She licked a drop of champagne off her bottom lip, and the room spun around me. I’d probably give her my social security number and bank PIN if she asked while licking champagne off her glossy lips. Who knew I was a lip guy?
“I heard that name, GeneSphere, thrown around all day, but I don’t actually know what you’ve been doing.”
“We call it a skyline project. A building so significant that it will alter the skyline of the city.” I rubbed at the back of my neck, suddenly a little uncomfortable. I didn’t want her to think I was bragging, but I was damn proud of this project. “Long after we’re gone, this building will be part of Boston, the fabric and the visual of our city and what it represents.”
Her eyes were wide and full of honest excitement. “Wow.”
“We’ve been working on it for almost three years. When we first bid, we were underdogs. Enzo had just taken over the company, and it was a big swing. A brand-new multi-building research facility and campus for one of the world’s largest biotech companies. It was a dream come true.”
She grasped my forearm. “It’s incredible. And you guys did it.”
I laughed. “Sort of. We’re mid-build right now, which is when the shit usually hits the fan. We’ve encountered somany setbacks, permit issues, weather, a couple of strikes. You name it, and we’ve faced it. But we’re close to the finish line. And then these buildings will be there for generations to come, and all our hard work will have been worth it.”
“You know, deep down, I think you’re a romantic, Owen Hebert.”
A surprised huff escaped me. “Me?”
“Yup. Maybe not in the cheesy, stereotypical way, but no one could do what you do and not be. Putting in years of hard work and sacrifice for the skyline of the city you love?” She splayed a hand over her heart. “It’s beautiful.”
Her words ricocheted through me, lighting me up. Lila found the beauty and the good in everyone and everything. Even me, a grumpy thirty-eight-year-old accountant.
I surveyed her, memorizing the lines of her gorgeous face, racking my brain for a response. But words escaped me. All I could think was that I was so happy to be standing here with her. This tiny moment in the grand scheme of my life somehow felt significant.
“There you are.”
Amara’s words jolted me out of my stupor. I sucked in a breath and blinked, only then realizing she was standing beside us.
“Lila.” She threw her arms around her and gushed. “I have been waiting to meet you.”
God, she had the worst timing. This woman lived to mess with me. I didn’t have an annoying little sister, but with her around, I didn’t need one.
“Lila, this is Amara DiLuca, our general counsel and Enzo’s sister.”
She elbowed me. “And one of Owen’s closest friends. You’re so pretty. Let me introduce you to everyone.” She looped her arm through Lila’s. “My mother is dying to meet you.”
My stomach bottomed out. Mama DiLuca was a force to be reckoned with. She’d probably have Lila and me married by dessert.
Without giving either of us a chance to object, Amara dragged Lila away. As I watched them go, that dread morphed into something like hope or anticipation. Because it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if I got to keep her.
Only Lila did not want to be kept. My brother had learned that lesson the hard way, but I was determined to protect myself. It was one more reason to resent Cole. He’d had so many years with her, years he wasted and didn’t appreciate, while I would likely only get tonight.
Lila working the room at a Boston charity fundraiser like a professional socialite was a sight to behold. She charmed every person I introduced her to, asked thoughtful questions, and left an incredible impression each time.
My chest was so filled with pride I thought I might burst.
She didn’t have the first clue how spectacular she was. How smart and capable she was. Hopefully being here, even if only for a couple of days, could remind her of that.
My heart sank. A couple of days. That was all we had here. Soon, she’d be headed to New York, where she’d no doubt kick ass and have a line of young, successful guys desperate for a chance with her.
I clenched my fists at my sides and choked back the jealousy clawing its way up my insides. I couldn’t logic myself out of this, no matter how hard I tried.
Lila wasn’t mine. And I had no right to even consider the possibility.
