Passion Play
Iris followed his gesture. “You don’t usually look depressed over your sales proposals.”
“It’s a particularly challenging one.” Donovan smiled reluctantly at Iris’s persistence. Despite her nod of understanding, he had the sense she wasn’t buying his cover story.
“I’m on my way to meet Ty for lunch, but I wanted to drop off the proposal for the sales campaign and rollout schedule.” She passed him the manila folder she’d carried into his office. “Let me know what adjustments you want me to make or if you need clarification on anything.”
Donovan took the folder from her. “I’m sure it’s perfect, like your other proposals.”
“Thank you, Van. I hope it is.” Iris hesitated. “It seems that Xavier’s gotten over his breakup with his girlfriend. I asked Ty whether that was true. But I thought I’d ask you as well since you’re usually more observant.”
“Ty’s better at noticing the world around him now, thanks to you. He actually steps away from his desk and talks to people face-to-face occasionally.”
“It’s nice to hear that I’ve had a positive impact on him.” Iris’s cheeks grew pink. “Ty thinks Xavier has recovered. What do you think?”
“Are you concerned because of Xavier’s obvious interest in Lily?”
“You’ve noticed that, as well?” Iris sat on one of the guest chairs in front of Donovan’s desk.
“I don’t think Xavier’s trying to be subtle.” Donovan dropped onto his executive seat.
“Let’s hope not because, if he is, he’s failing miserably.” Iris chuckled. “In fact, I think the only person who hasn’t noticed is Lily.”
Donovan grinned. “Are you going to tell her?”
“Rose doesn’t think we should. I think she wants to be there when Lily finally realizes it on her own.”
At the mention of Rose, Donovan’s chest tightened. His grin faded and he sat straighter on his chair. “You don’t have anything to worry about. Xavier wouldn’t ask Lily out if he was still hung up on his ex-girlfriend. We’re not players.”
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Iris gave him a curious look. “I know that. You men are the good guys.”
“Thank you.” How can I convince Rose of that?
“Are you and Rose ready for her reunion?” Iris got to her feet. “It’s less than three weeks away.”
Donovan stood with her. “Rose isn’t going to her reunion.” Iris’s question caught Donovan off guard. Surely, Rose had told her sisters that she’d changed her mind about the event. The three women were so close.
“Yes, she is. She made me sit through a run-through of her panel presentation the other night.” Iris made a face. “What makes you think she isn’t?”
“Because that’s what she told me.” Donovan crossed his arms over his chest. What was going on?
Iris blinked her surprise. “You must have misunderstood.”
“I’m sure that I didn’t.”
“Why would she tell you that she isn’t going if she is?”
“I’ll ask her.”
Chapter 13
“Van, is something wrong?” Rose let Donovan into her house on Monday evening.
She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon. With Iris dating one of Donovan’s best friends and Xavier making eyes at Lily, she knew she couldn’t avoid Donovan forever. But she’d hoped to have a bit more time to prepare herself. Right now, her pulse was beating so fast she couldn’t catch her breath.
Donovan turned to face her. “You lied to me.”
She crossed into the living room. Donovan followed her. Her mind was racing for a response. There wasn’t any point in lying again. He’d only call her on it. Besides she didn’t like lying to him at all.