“But?” I look at Maria’s pinched brow.
“But I couldn’t just leave it there when Earl called me.”
“So you brought it up here and got it an incubator?”
“I did.” Maria’s smile is maternal as she gazes at the little egg.
“You and Griffin are having a baby.” I giggle. “Can I please be here when you tell him?”
“What? No.” Maria laughs.
“Party pooper.”
I grin as I look at the egg. Griffin’s going to hit the roof. I’ve worked for him for years. He always has to be in control, and I know the pigeons living around the hotel wind him up like nothing else. He used to go mental over the amount of shit they left on the sidewalk by The Songbird’s main entrance. Then when Maria came along, he relaxed a little. I don’t know what she did to him, but he’s a lot less uptight. But still, the idea of him coming in after work later and finding an egg incubating in his kitchen. Classic. I hope Maria records his reaction. That would be something to play at the next staff party.
“Okay, I have to get back downstairs. Lunch break is almost over. Thank you for feeding us, Maria.” I give them both a hug and retrieve my laptop.
“Are you going to call Natalia?” Suze asks as I reach the front door.
“Did we not just spend half of our lunch deciding that I would? You can both help me if you like? Engineer some kind of accidental meeting?” I look back before I close the door. “Fine,” I huff when neither of them answer. “I’ll do it myself. Love you both!”
And with that, I head back to work, my mind whirling with possibilities of how I can get Reed and Natalia in the same place at the same time. It’s going to be amazing. They’ll be great together. And Reed’s heart will be healed.
I’m a genius.
“The Cavapoo is a toy breed, so great for the city because they don’t need as many long walks as a larger dog. You could just take them on a couple of shorter walks a day and they would be happy. They don’t shed, either.”
“Really?” I rest my elbows on my knees and lean toward Natalia. “Do you know any breeders, or any shelters that might have that breed for re-homing? It’s a bit hectic here with the election coming up, but if I talk to Reed, he can find the time to come and visit some with us. I’m sure it’s about finding the right fit with a dog, for both sides. A bit like when you’re dating.” I laugh lightly as Natalia carefully places her coffee mug down on the low table, her blonde hair falling forward over her high cheekbones.
“Has Reed changed his mind, then? At the dinner, I remember him saying he was happy with no pets for the time being.”
“Oh.” I wave my hand in the air. “Reed loves animals.Loves them.We went to a friend’s daughter’s birthday party recently and there was a petting zoo. I had to practically drag Reed away.”
“Really?” Natalia’s brows shoot up.
“Yeah. He was totally head over heels, especially for this little pygmy goat, Freddy. He just loved that little guy.”
I grin as an impressed smile passes over Natalia’s beautiful features. It’s not strictly a lie. Reedwashead over heels, sort of. Okay, he was on his ass after Freddy headbutted him. But there was love there. I could see it in Freddy’s little bulgy eyes. And Reed does love animals. He looked like he was living his best life the night we stayed up watching the movie together. Every time I looked over, he had this contented smile on his face.
Reed Walker, total animal lover.
“Well, you’re very fortunate. My ex didn’t care much for animals. He didn’t care much for me, either.” Natalia laughs without humor. “But that’s what gave me the determination to start up the business, and I’ve never looked back. Fuck him, I say.”
“Yes, fuck him!” I cheer enthusiastically.
“Fuck who?” A deep voice cuts in as Reed walks into the room from the hallway. He’s loosening his tie with one hand, his brow furrowed as he reads the front of the envelopes held in the other. He looks like sex in a suit, all big, broad shoulders, the mouth-watering scent that accompanies him only adding to his presence.
I sneak a sideways look out of the corner of my eye at Natalia. She’s watching him, her lips slightly parted. I knew it. She finds him attractive. This is going to be easier than I thought.
Reed looks up and smiles at me before he notices Natalia sitting on the opposite couch.
“Natalia? How lovely to see you. I’m sorry. I thought Harley was talking to someone on the phone.” He dips his lips to my ear and says, “Hi, Beautiful,” before kissing me on the cheek. He’s smooth, I’ll give him that. He slips into fake couple mode so easily when we have an audience. No wonder the whole of the city’s press thinks we are on the verge of getting engaged.
“Hi,” I reply, my eyes glued to the two of them as Reed steps toward Natalia and she stands to shake his hand and kiss him politely on both cheeks. I’m grinning like the Cheshire cat as Reed steps back and then sits next to me, where I’m patting the sofa.
“Good day at work?”
“It was productive.” His voice is so dreamy, it can vibrate to places in your body that you don’t even know exist. I glance at Natalia to make sure she’s experiencing the full Reed Walker effect.