“I did,” she says. “But I’m serious about working. I’m a fast learner, and you’re pretty much the only person in this stupid city who will hire me.”
As much as I don’t want her to have to work, I can tell the idea of feeling independent is important to her, so I nod in agreement. “I’ll speak to Elouise about training you.”
She beams with satisfaction and wraps her arms around me. “Thank you!”
After we get dressed, she heads upstairs to start dinner while I head over to Noah’s office, which is next to mine. He’s on his computer when I walk in and a shit-eating grin splits across his face.
“You fucking cradle robber.”
I roll my eyes and drop into the guest chair across from him. “Like you’re one to talk.”
“Yeah, I fuck ’em, but I don’t date them.”
“Actually…” I clear my throat and throw my ankle over my leg. “I moved her in.”
His eyes go wide. “Jesus, Isaac, you’re totally going to wife her.”
“You already know I am.”
He shakes his head and chuckles. “I don’t even know how we’re friends.”
“My dad knew my mom was the one seconds after he met her and they spent over twenty years together, happy and in love, before their lives were taken. When you know, you know.”
His jaw tightens and he looks like he wants to say something, but instead just nods and changes the subject. “Have you taken a look at the email I sent you?”
“I did. The parcel in Rochester looks to be the best suited for what we want to do…” We spend the next hour going over the different pieces of property he looked at, until I get a text from Camilla letting me know dinner will be ready soon.
“Let’s go. Dinner awaits.”
Noah laughs under his breath. “I still can’t believe you’re playing house with this chick. What is she? Twenty?” He means it as a joke, but he’s spot-on.
“She’ll be twenty-one next week.” Speaking of which… “I was thinking of flying to Monte Carlo for the weekend to celebrate her birthday. You game?”
“Hot Mediterranean women and gambling? Always.”
I lock up the office and we head upstairs, where I find Camilla setting the dining room table that rarely ever gets used. There’s music playing on the television as background noise, and she’s setting a bowl onto the table. When I get closer, the smell hits me, along with a million memories of my life before my parents died. “Did you make Lula kebabs and rice pilaf?” I mentioned to her it was one of my favorite dishes my grandma on my dad’s side of the family used to make.
“I did. I hope it’s good. I found a recipe online.”
She leaves the room to grab the rest of the food, and I glance at Noah, grinning from ear to ear. He shakes his head and laughs under his breath. “Jesus, you’re going to be wifed up by the end of the damn week.”
The thought of sticking a ring on Camilla’s finger doesn’t scare me in the slightest, but I’m not going to rush it. I don’t want to scare her or send her running, and I know she’s having trouble with the fact that her dad is behind bars. With any luck—and money—my guy will be able to find out the shit the Pruitts are up to and maybe I can figure out a way to flip shit on its head.
“What would you like to drink?” Camilla asks us, when she sets more food on the table—several skewers of perfectly grilled lamb and tortillas. She must’ve found my grill on the terrace and used it.
“I can grab the drinks,” I tell her, kissing her temple. “Have a seat. Would you like water or wine?”
“I bought sweet tea. It’s in the fridge.”
I pour her a glass, filled with ice, then make Noah and me each a glass of scotch. We all find our seats and dish out the food. Camilla eats quietly while Noah and I discuss some more business. When he brings up the industrial park, mentioning how pissed Clint must be that I got the green light, she freezes in her place, giving me a pleading look to heed her warning. I reach over and squeeze her thigh, silently telling her it’s all good, then change the subject.
“Camilla’s going to be working with us so Elouise can retire, at least until she starts back at school.”
Noah nods. “What are you going to school for?”
“Fashion. I’m majoring in merchandising and business. My dream is to open up a boutique that sells the latest trends in fashion.”
“What prompted that?” he asks.
“My mom was a model. She traveled all over the world, modeling for different designers, and later, worked for a designer. When I was little, she would bring home clothes and let me play dress-up in them. I love everything about the industry. The clothes, the designs, accessories. Nothing makes a woman feel more secure and beautiful than when she’s dressed for the occasion.”