Healed with a Kiss (Bride Mountain 3)

Dropping her arms immediately, Alexis looked at her assistant with a too-bright smile. “Sure. Just wanting to beat my head against this desk over some of the requests Ellie Reid has come up with for her daughter’s sweet sixteen party. Definitely a case of champagne tastes on a beer budget.”

“Oh.” Gretchen looked a little skeptical about the excuse. “You’ve been a little off your game this past week. I’ve wondered if you’re coming down with something.”

“I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

“You should have taken a longer vacation in Seattle after the seminar.”

“Trust me, that’s just what I should not have done,” Alexis replied flatly, a pang shooting through her with the reminder.

Gretchen’s eyebrows rose, but she let it go. “Did you get a chance to sign that letter I left on your desk? If so, I’ll get it in the mail.”

“Yes, it’s here.”

The phone buzzed and Gretchen started to rush toward her desk, but Alexis signaled that she’d take it, instead. She handed Gretchen the signed letter as she picked up the phone and answered professionally, identifying the company and herself.

“Hi, Alexis, it’s Kinley.”

Her pulse gave a little jump before she reminded herself that she and Kinley were still business collaborators. She doubted that this call had anything to do with Logan. “What can I do for you, Kinley?”

“I have the numbers for you on that catered retirement party you asked about. Just letting you know I’m emailing them to you now.”

“Thank you, I’ll watch for the email. I’m sure my clients will be satisfied with the estimate. You’re always fair.”

“Thanks, I hope you’re right. We can always make adjustments as needed to bring costs down if they want.”

“I’ll discuss it with them. How are things at the inn?”

“Getting crazy as the summer creeps up on us, but I guess you know that feeling.”

“Absolutely.”

“We still haven’t had a chance to have that lunch together. Are you free next week? Thursday, maybe?”

Was she really ready to have a chatty lunch with Logan’s sister? Though she felt like a coward—again—she prevaricated, “I’ll get back to you on that, if that’s okay.”

Kinley didn’t seem to take offense. “Of course. Check your calendar and let me know.”

“I will.”

“So, how have you been, Alexis?”

A little surprised by the other woman’s searching tone, Alexis answered brightly, “I’m fine, thank you. As you said, busy, but that’s a good thing, right?”

“Of course. Although Bonnie and I are both about ready to strangle our brother.”

“Oh?” She tried to speak with only casual interest. “Aren’t your new protocols working out?”

“Oh, he’s staying away from the clients, for the most part. He’s just snapping our heads off. Not to mention his crew. I think his dog is the only one who hasn’t had a chewing-out from him this past week.”

“I see.” She honestly couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Just in one of his moods, I guess.”

“I guess so,” she agreed lamely. “I’m sure it will get better soon.”

“I certainly hope so. Let me know about lunch next week, okay?”

“Yes, I will. Thanks for calling.”