Forbidden Love

15

Lourde

Somehow half the week had rolled past, and it was now Thursday. The new owners of the townhouses were moving in tomorrow, and we had so much to do between now and then.

I finished shopping at a new designer I suggestedfor the foyer vignettes, buying unique pieces to complement the cabinetry and furniture. Shopping on a budget, although very healthy, was something new, and shopping with a time restraint, I found to be challenging—a positive one—and I achieved it. Well, for the most part.

“Thank you, Ms. Diamond, for the business.” Genevieve, the owner, had appeared after I purchased half the store, dressed in a plaid jacket and purple pants suit. She was just as cutting edge as her luxury items.

“Pleasure. These pieces aren't for me, personally, but rather, a luxury multi-townhome development in Brooklyn by the award-winning construction company, ZF.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely, all eight of them. Perhaps there could be the possibility of a collaboration in the future if you’re open to that?”

“Are you kidding? I mean, of course.” She cleared her throat and opened a drawer to her desk. “Here's my card. Call me, and we can discuss it over lunch.”

“Perfect.”

“Boys,” she signaled for her carriers. “Ms. Diamond is ready.”

“Thank you.” I smiled and walked out to the van where Jeremiah, my driver, waited.

Waiting for nearly two hours inside, Jeremiah quickly jumped out as he saw me exit the store with bags and the men behind me.

“Lourde, let me take that.” Jeremiah took the parcels from my hand then assisted the men with the other items, loading them into the van.

“Thanks, Jer.”

Before heading back, I wanted to get the team some sustenance. I noticed the little shop a few doors down. The sweet baking smell called to my attention.

“Jer, would you mind finishing loading? I’ll be back in ten minutes,” I said.

“Of course.”

Pastries of all types stared at me from the glass counter. I’d purchased most of the items, knowing how hard everyone had been working and likely had not had time to stop for lunch.

Then I ordered ten coffees, ranging from lattes to macchiato. I didn’t know what everyone drank except Olivia. She lived on espresso, easily three times a day.

I handed over my black Amex and waited, taking in my surroundings, full tables, idle conversations, and not-so-subtle glances.

People stared. That wasn’t new, but there were definitely more stares since news broke that Barrett and I were together.

I quickly stepped outside just to break from the stares and whispers, almost crashing into a chest.

“Sorry!” I said, sidestepping the oncoming person.

“Lourde?”

“Finigan… hi.”

He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek, my skin heating under his touch.

Dressed in an open white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and tan suit pants, he looked decidedly handsome. “So, did we ever stand a chance?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Oh, shit, the photos.

“I don't know,” I said, looking down. “Perhaps if Barrett and I weren’t together, yes,” I said, and it was probably the truth. Why was I getting all flustered?

At the dinner, Finigan and I got along. Sure Barrett had been sitting opposite, and I was trying to make him jealous as hell, but it turns out, in the process, Finigan was an all-right stand-up guy and good-looking.

He held my arm. “Hey, it’s okay. Barrett’s one lucky guy.”

“Thanks.” I smiled, feeling relieved. “Hey, and for what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you or mislead anyone.”

“I know, Lourde. You're one of those rare special breeds that have a heart. Not like all the sharks out there.”

“Sharks?”

“Yes, they either want you for something, or there’s always an agenda. And with my dad as the governor of Massachusetts, women want me.”

“And you’re complaining?”

“I’ve had enough of that to last me a lifetime. Is it wrong to want to settle down?”

Oh.

“It’s not wrong at all. I hope you find your ever after, Finigan.”

“Thanks, but I think she may already be gone.”

I blushed from ear to ear. “That’s not true,” I said in a low tone. “You're handsome, kind, and intelligent.”

He grinned. “Am I?”

Shit, now I was flirting. “Yes, well, I’m sure you know all of that.”

“Lourde.”

I'd never been so relieved to hear my name called.

“Hey, my order’s ready,” I said, flustered.

“Clearly it is.” He stared at me, and my heart rate quickened.

“I'll see you,” I said, breaking the stare.

“You will, at your family’s upcoming ball. I look forward to it.”

“You’re coming to that?”

“Of course.”

Of course. My family invited the richest, most prominent families in and out of town.

“Okay, see you there.”

“I look forward to it, Lourde.”

“Yes. Me… okay. Bye,” I said, waving my hand in a flustered flap.

* * *