‘Look...’ I soften both my posture and my tone ‘...we’ll have it cleared away very soon.’
He doesn’t look reassured, and if James wasn’t a captive audience I’d press him on what the issue is—the real issue. Because it’s not the boxes. And if we don’t have it out soon, those shadows under his eyes are only going to get worse—as is the atmosphere within the castle walls.
‘Just tell me you have a handle on the budget for this event. It does need to raise money, not lose it.’
And just like that I’m livid again. I’ve been working hard around the clock, and James has too, and he has the nerve to question—
The antique doorbell rings through the hall, silencing my inner rant as all eyes look to the entrance.
‘That’ll be Juan.’
Edward’s already moving off, hopping over the boxes to get to the door, unaware that he’s leaving me steaming.
‘We’ll take coffee in my study, James.’
‘Of course, sir. As soon as I’ve got these—’
‘Now, James!’
Why, the stubborn, obstinate—
‘Of course, sir.’
James hurries to put down the box he’s holding and I bite my tongue. I want to tell him to forget Edward’s rude request, but I don’t want to get him into any more trouble.
‘I won’t be a moment, Summer.’
I give him an understanding smile and off he hurries. My eyes snap to Edward, who’s pulling open the door, oblivious to the escalating heat behind him.
‘Juan, it’s so good to see you!’
His cheeriness is like lighter fuel to my already burning ire and I screw my face up, silently mimic him. Juan, it’s so good to...
Oh, crap!
Juan is looking past Edward, straight at me, and judging by the sparkle in his eye he saw every second of my performance.
I smile stiffly, eyes wide.
Edward catches his friend’s gaze, and if I’m not mistaken the slightest flush reaches into his cheeks. Is he embarrassed by me?
‘Juan, meet Summer. Summer, meet Juan—my good friend and colleague.’
‘I know who she is. We’ve already spoken.’
Juan strides towards me, leaving Edward at the door. Rich brown skin, carefully groomed black hair, eyes as friendly and warm as his smile. He is a sight for sore eyes—particularly as I glimpse Edward behind him, with an expression close to thunder.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, Summer.’
‘And you.’ I smile up at him and he leans in, air-kissing both my cheeks in a waft of very expensive aftershave. ‘I think Edward’s been hiding you away on purpose.’
He throws a teasing look back at his friend and I giggle like a teenager. The light relief is so much better than the anger. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still angry, but I’ll deal with Edward later.
‘Here, I have something for you...’
I sense Edward’s curiosity mounting along with the gathering storm as Juan pulls a slip of card from his inside jacket pocket and passes it to me.
‘I know you said we could email our RSVP, but I figured since I was heading this way...’