Chapter 6

▪️ Emily ▪️

If Ace thought he would rush right out and call his supposed reference, he was sadly mistaken. Emily fully intended to enjoy the rest of Olivia and Liam's wedding. Emily could see Ace shooting her looks, but Emily deliberately set her phone on the table and folded her arms.

Inside, however, she was a mess. Amber had been with her for over five years and knew her like a well-worn suit—in fact, she picked out most of her clothes. How was she going to handle everything without her? The Company had a big presentation at the end of the month, and she was handling all the minute incidentals leading up to it.

“We’re going to check out now. Our plane leaves at eight, and we’ve got last-minute packing.” Olivia slid her arms around Emily's neck and kissed her cheek. “I love you so much. Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have asked for a more magical wedding. Or a better sister. I wish Mommy could’ve been here.” She sniffled. “She would’ve loved Liam, don’t you think?”

It was a question she’d posed to Emily numerous times over the years, and she understood she needed the reassurance. Their mother would’ve adored Liam. And she would have despaired over Emily's solitary life. She shoved that thought away.

“Of course she would’ve. It’s the only reason I let him date you.” She winked, then stood and held her close. “I love you. Be happy. And let me know when you land.”

They were honeymooning in Paris. Planes and trains and rental cars…Emily wondered if she’d ever stop worrying about her.

“I will, simply because I know you won’t sleep until I do. And don’t even try to deny it. I know you.” Her eyes sparkled, and with another hug, she was gone.

What the hell was she was going to do now? Probably bury herself even further into the office. A list of potential clients she’d drawn up awaited, and she’d planned to sit down with Amber and discuss strategy. A swift glance at Ace found the man’s eyes on her.

The years had been kind to Ace, and with his sun-kissed hair, golden tan, and open, friendly smile, he looked more like a California surfer than a New York City native.

The man Emily had never been able to forget…it didn’t matter that Ace was the opposite of everything Emily should be attracted to. Ace had always been Emily's wildest desire and her deepest secret.

But thinking about Liam's younger, sexy brother didn’t get her anywhere. The crowd had thinned considerably, and it was time to leave.

Emily made the rounds of farewells, coming up last to Liam, who was giving his parents a hug. Emily waited patiently.

“Oh, there he is.” Danna, Liam's mother, gave Emily a bear hug. She smelled of her favorite Chanel perfume, and Emily had to smile.

Upon discovering their mother had passed away and they had no father, Silvia Reiner had appointed herself to the parental-surrogate role and waged an all-out campaign to marry Liam and Olivia. “I know you must be happy everything turned out so well. It was perfect. A beautiful wedding.”

“Thanks for all your help. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

She waved her hand at her. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the woman who can do anything. Once you put your mind to something, you always get what you want.”

“Danna, I wish I had your faith in me. Maybe you should come work for me as my new assistant.”

“What? Amber left?” Her heavily made-up eyes widened. “That’s terrible. She was like your second brain. What’re you going to do?”

Emily lifted a shoulder. “Not a clue yet. I have some prospects, so we’ll see.”

A gleam entered her eye, and she took her by the arm—none too gently—and steered her to a corner. “I have an idea.”

Her heart sank. “I know what you’re going to say. I should hire Ace.”

“Oh.” She blinked. “Well, yes. He needs the job, and you need the help. It’s the perfect solution. A real shiddach.”

Trying to be delicate—after all, Ace was her child—Emily prevaricated. “Liam and I have talked about it. I’ll have to see. There’s a lot to figure out.”

But she should’ve known that wouldn’t stop Danna. She was a force unto herself when an idea entered her head.

“Figure it out as it goes. I know you don’t have the highest opinion of Ace. And that’s with some justification. But I believe he’s changed.”

“So he said. He’s even given me the number of a reference to call. Someone he said he worked for as a personal assistant.”

“Yes, didn’t you know?”

“Know what?”

“He worked for Taylor Croft, UK’s largest real-estate developer. That woman's worth hundreds of millions of dollars.” She shrugged and adjusted her purse. “I’m sure if Ace could work for her, he can help you. Now I have to go, as I see Robert is sending me help signals. His great-aunt Bertha can talk your ear off about the price she paid for a dress in 1930.” And with a final kiss to his cheek, she was gone.

Emily sent one last lingering glance at Ace, who was chatting up a waiter, and ignoring the spike of annoyance, Emily left the banquet hall.

Taylor Croft Who hadn’t heard of the reclusive self-made millionaire?

Once inside her room, Emily pulled out her laptop and googled Croft. Several images popped up of a woman who appeared to be in her late sixties, her arms around men and women. With a gleaming white smile set off a thick head of silver hair, and laugh lines framed her light-gray eyes. Once married to a famous British movie star, Croft had taken up the party girl life and retired to her yacht.

Emily pulled out her phone. Let’s see what she has to say about Ace. Emily entered the number.

“Hello? Who is this?” a woman with a low throaty voice and a British accent answered.

“Hello. My name is Emily Lyre, and I’m calling about Ace Hollany Is this Taylor Croft?”