Page 73 of Mail Order Valentine (Hawthorne Billionaire 2)

“Imogen, it’s not a big deal. Nothing to worry about, just some travel details and such,” I said, glancing down at my cell. “I’m gonna need to answer a few of these emails while we’re driving. Please don’t get upset.”

“No drama, I’ll just slide up front and have a chat with Gunner,” she said, smiling at me to let me know it was ok. “What are you going to do about lunch?”

“I’ll eat something at my first meeting. Why don’t you and Gunner drop me at my office and go get some lunch?”

“Great idea, I think we’ll go see the Notre Dame Cathedral too,” she said, then slid to the dividing window.

I heard her and Gunner discussing where to get lunch and where they were going to sightsee. It was the first time in years I didn’t want to work. I wanted to kick back and have a casual lunch and sightsee hand-in-hand.

Maybe I can relax with her when I get back from China. What am I talking about? I may be turning her over to Asher by then.

I sent Asher a text to call me in an hour, then texted Kellan about the trip to China.

“Hey August, I was going to text you in a few minutes,”Kellan texted back.

“What were you going to text me about?

“Poppy had this idea that we could fly to Paris, and she could stay with Imogen and shop while we fly to China.”

“Asher had the same idea. Well actually, Sawyer had the idea and told Asher.”I said.

“What’s Sawyer doing in Paris?”Kellan asked.

“He’s not. Asher flew to Sawyer’s new island to do a design for a house he wants to build.” I lied too easily.

“He didn’t at least take Imogen with him? She may have liked to go.”

“Yeah, but you know Asher. Now I’ve been entertaining her.”

“Jeez man, does your mother know?”

“No way, she would have both our heads. Anyway, fly here and let Poppy keep her company and we’ll take my plane.”

“Actually, I need to fly straight to China. I have a meeting to get in before you get there. Poppy will be flying to Paris alone.”

“That works too. I’ll meet you there day after tomorrow,”I agreed.

“Better warn Asher, Poppy is excited to shop for wedding dresses.”

“I don’t think they have a date set yet,”I texted back.

“Not what I heard. Poppy was telling me your mother wants it to be next week.”

“I’ll let Asher know. Thanks for the heads up. Talk to you soon.”

“Later.”

No, no, no that will not work. Asher isn’t coming to Paris to switch for another week. I can’tkeep lying to Imogen either. I need to end this.

I sent Asher a text.“Ash, I just heard through the gossip chain that mom wants you to get married next week. What are we going to do?”

Chapter 55

IMOGEN

Gunner and I had a fun afternoon. We had lunch at a little café near Notre Dame Cathedral, then walked around sightseeing. We’d been able to walk around without being photographed, most likely because Asher wasn’t with us, and that was okay with me. A yawn escaped me as we were walking back to the limo.

“Why don’t you take a little nap on the drive back? You still have a night out to be awake for,” Gunner said, holding open the door for me. “I’ll put the shades down and play you some Frank Sinatra.”

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