Page 28 of One Little Kiss
He lied.
I desperately need this job.
He lied.
To me.
Tears prick the back of my eyes. Blinking them away, I dart into the restroom to my right before he notices me.
This was all just a game?
Peter Pan.
Think, Winnie. You need this job.Having a vacation fling with Colton could jeopardize that, and that’s obviously all he’s interested in.
Law school. That’s my priority, so even though it’s a dick move, I can’t risk getting caught up in Colton Westbrook.
I scroll my contacts with a heavy heart and pull up Lanie’s name. I call her before I can get too caught up in how stupid I am for feeling so sad.
“Lyn!” She uses the name I go by at work. “How are you, chica? How was your flight? We’re waiting for you near the Corona stand.”
“Oh, oh really? That’s so strange. I must have missed you. I-I didn’t see anyone, so I just got in a taxi.”
“Oh, no! That’s going to cost you a fortune. I’m so sorry. All the guys are here and everyone’s so excited. We must have gotten to talking, and I didn’t pay close enough attention.”
Lanie is seriously one of the kindest women I’ve ever met and I’m definitely going to hell for this. “I had kind of a rough flight. I might have just walked past you in my rush to get some fresh air.”
“Ugh. One of the guys was on your flight. He was just telling us how bad it was. I’m so sorry. Well, listen. We’ll be back at the villa soon, and you have tonight off. Like I said before, this really will be like a vacation for you. We only need you for a few nights, and the rest of the time is yours. I hope you’ll be able to relax a little. Betty Anne told us you’ve been working yourself ragged.”
Betty Anne. She’s the mother of one of my mom’s friends from the hospital. She’s completely crazy, but not as nuts as Lanie’s grandmother, GG, who insists on calling me Wendy. The two of them together are trouble.
“I actually have a ton of studying to do. Being able to do it in shorts instead of thermals will be vacation enough.” I try to keep my tone light, but it’s nearly impossible with this new ache crushing my chest.
Lanie laughs, and it’s a sweet, gentle sound. “Okay, I’ll get these animals rounded up, and I’ll see you soon. Thanks again for doing this. I can’t tell you how much of a help it is to have you here.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye, chica.” Lanie Cross has this way of truly making you feel like a friend, even when you’re the hired help. It’s crazy to think not that long ago, she was in my position.
“You guys go ahead. I need to find Winnie.” Colton’s voice carries over the quiet space, and I freeze. “She should have been out by now. Sir? Are there still passengers coming from flight 1918?”
“We’re all clear back there,” a heavily accented man replies.
“What the hell?”
I pace the small space. Why is he still waiting for me? There are like fifteen people there to greet him.
“Winnie? Are you in there?”
My eyes grow wide with alarm as a woman walks past me. I shake my head wildly and the woman pops her head back out the door.
“Sorry, it’s empty. No one in here.” She shuts the door and gives me a smile as she heads into the stall, tipping her head when I mouth a silent thank you.
I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing or not. I don’t know how billionaires work, but I do know my only priorities are Weston and law school. The money I’ll make working for Lanie will ease the financial burden of my first semester.
Weston and law school. That’s what matters. That, and avoiding Colton Westbrook for the next two weeks.
God, give me strength.
