Ryker and Cole approached us too.
“You survived,” Ryker said seriously. “I’m impressed.”
“Means he doesn’t even need the talk, does he?” Cole added.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Ryker said quickly.
Hunter patted my shoulder. “Liam, full disclosure. I completely agree with your approach.”
“So do we,” Cole said.
Ryker nodded. “But a lifetime of dealing with our sisters taught us that we actually have no clue what to advise you.”
Isabelle groaned. “You lot are no help.”
Hunter smiled at her. “No. Hence why we suggested he listen to you.”
“Why don’t we all listen to me and actually eat some of these goodies? Maybe we can come up with better advice after that.”
I loaded my plate, not really caring what I was eating. I looked over my shoulder, willing Tess to come out of the changing rooms. I just needed to try talking to her one more time tonight. Isabelle’s advice made sense, but I didn’t want to let this evening go by without making things right with Tess.
But at five o’clock on the dot, the rest of their VIP customers came running inside the store. Skye and Tess only emerged from the changing room to walk customers out before heading back.
I was forced to admit defeat. Isabelle was right. This was not the time to talk to Tess. I wanted nothing more than to wait and take her home once the evening was over, take care of her in all the ways I knew. But the longer the evening stretched on, the more I realized that wasn’t likely to happen. The party just refused to end. Their VIP customers didn’t show any signs of wanting to stop shopping.
As an investor, that was excellent news. But I just wanted to be alone with her.
As the family started to filter out, leaving Tess and Skye with their customers, Josie and Isabelle approached me again.
“Oh no, no. That’s a determined look,” Isabelle said.
“I’m calculating the risk of Tess still wanting me if I throw her over my shoulder and take her out of here,” I replied. I was only half joking.
Josie patted my shoulder. “You don’t want the answer to that. Why don’t you focus on what you’ll do next time you see her instead?”
“Just a tip, but having her favorite food around might not be a bad idea,” Isabelle added.
Josie nodded. “Like ice cream.”
“And cheese,” I said.
Josie grinned at me.
Isabelle nodded approvingly. “I think you’ll do just fine.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Tess
The next morning, I woke up with a pit in my stomach. My head felt heavy. Last night had stretched until the morning hours. Our customers had so much fun that they hadn’t wanted to leave, and there was no way we could chuck them out.
It had been a glorious evening, and only one thing had kept it from being perfect. Whenever I thought about the pre-opening night, I envisioned Liam by my side, unable to keep his hands off me—of course— whispering sweet and naughty things. Instead, we fought in the back room and then barely made eye contact the rest of the night.
My poor heart was hurting.
I dragged myself out of bed. Those orders to the factory couldn’t wait just because I’d gone to bed late, or because it was Saturday. The shower didn’t really help wake me up, and neither did the first cup of coffee.
As I made myself a second one, I noticed a text on my phone.