My One And Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors 5)

“See? Stay here. I’ll be quick.”

I nodded, because she had a point.

I checked my phone in the meantime, going through my agenda. Very boring compared to Tess’s.

Just a list, no colors or stickers. I had a new request for a meeting from my lawyer. There was a note too.

Mapped out some options. The sooner we meet the better.

He suggested several time slots. Becca and David had already agreed on one. I had a meeting then, but I’d postpone it, because I didn’t want to miss this. I wanted to know every option to fight that fucker and protect everyone I cared about.

“I’m ready,” Tess exclaimed a few minutes later.

I dropped the phone on the couch, heading toward the bathroom. I was determined to push my troubles to the back of my mind.

But the sight of Tess smiling from ear to ear only brought to the forefront that she could also be among those damaged by Albert’s ego. No way in hell was I going to allow that. Tess was mine to protect, and I’d do that no matter the cost.

She walked to me with a seductive swing in her hips. Stopping in front of me, she frowned.

“Oh! What happened? Your shoulders are all rigid again.”

“My lawyer suggested time slots for a meeting.”

“Well, that’s good. Means you’ll know all the options.”

“Exactly.”

“Which also means today isn’t for worrying.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Oh it’ll be easy. Because you’re going to get the Tess Winchester treatment.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Tess

“Should we buy something to eat? For Isabelle too? It’s going to be lunchtime by the time we get there,” I told Skye one week later. Ever since Josie asked us to meet up with Isabelle, we tried to find a time that worked for all three of us. Today was the day.

“Good idea.”

Isabelle worked long hours, moonlighting as a tour guide as well. I wanted to pamper her a bit.

First step: getting her something delicious to eat.

Second: dish some encouragement once I was there.

Third: help plan an outing for her current clients.

The third was why we were officially meeting. Skye and I had experience planning events—primarily the charity galas our family ran. This was different from what we usually did, but we had some insights that could be helpful.

Forty minutes later, a gust of wind snaked between us the second we stepped out of the subway station, blowing my hair all over my face. It stuck a little to my lipstick, but Skye helped me untangle it.

Isabelle’s practice was in a high tower in Brooklyn, and it was bathed in sunlight. She smiled as she welcomed us in. Her fiery red hair was falling in waves around her shoulders.

I loved Isabelle. She was practically family to me, as was Josie. I was also close to Josie’s two brothers, Dylan and Ian. They didn’t live in New York though, so we only saw them on special occasions, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, and sometimes they even showed up at the galas.

Isabelle’s practice was very cozy, with two vintage armchairs in front of her desk. Black-and-white sketches of the city hung on the walls. Behind her desk was a huge golden bow lamp.