Total pages in book: 146
Estimated words: 142214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 711(@200wpm)___ 569(@250wpm)___ 474(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142214 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 711(@200wpm)___ 569(@250wpm)___ 474(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 26
“No better reason for us to rush this holiday crush, I wanna be cuffed”
Wren pranced into The Haven Monday morning, her heels clicking a triumphant rhythm against the polished floors. Energy crackled through her veins like champagne bubbles.
“Good morning,” she sang, her voice carrying the honeyed warmth of a woman thoroughly fucked for the first time in thirty years. “How was everyone’s weekend?”
“Not nearly as good as yours, apparently.” Lilly sipped a macchiato from a signature juice glass.
“I did have a great weekend.” Rich, dark caffeine perfumed the air. “Did Freya add something new to the menu?”
“Oh, this? No, the CEO dude made it for me.”
“Mr. Drummond?” Wren’s brow furrowed. “Have all of his charges been calculated?”
“Not yet. He’s decided to extend his stay.”
“What?” Wren’s smile plummeted. “Why?”
“He said he’d finally started to understand the charm and wants to grasp the immersive experience more fully. A guy like that could really help us, Wren. He invests in companies all over the world.”
“We don’t need any help.”
“I mean, not right now. But all those expansion plans you discussed? That stuff’s expensive. Getting involved with a venture capitalist like Greg might not be bad.”
“Greg?” Feeling like this was rehearsed, Wren stiffened. “Lilly, what we discuss in meetings is private. Mr. Drummond doesn’t understand the first thing about disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with nature.”
“That’s why he wants to stay. He wants to understand.”
“Well, he’s welcome to shop the service menu, but we’re not looking for investors.”
“You can tell him yourself. Here he comes.”
Wren spun as the doors swept open and Drummond breezed in, completely transformed. Gone were the tailored suits. He now looked like a cover model for a luxury winter retreat, his cashmere jogger set hugging his frame with bespoke precision.
“Wren, just the woman I was looking for.”
“Mr. Drummond,” Wren greeted with unshakable professionalism. “Lilly informed me you extended your stay.”
“Please, call me Greg. I’ve had a change of heart.” He smiled with an edge that promised trouble. “I was hoping to convince you to have lunch.”
“I’m afraid I can’t. I have yoga class—”
“After.”
“I’m scheduled for a shift—”
“Your schedule’s empty.”
Wren shot Lilly a glare.
“Just sayin’.” Lilly held up her hands.
“So you have time?” Greg’s smile widened.
“Only for client services.”
He plucked a brochure off the rack and flipped to the service menu. “One-on-one yoga sounds perfect. Two o’clock?” He stuffed the brochure back in the rack and tapped the counter as if holding an invisible gavel—decision made.
He didn’t wait for confirmation and as soon as he left, Wren deflated. “Why won’t he go away?”
“I can’t believe you’re complaining. He’s paying tons to stay here and booking private services. When did you become allergic to money?”
“You’re right.” She didn’t know why he irritated her so much. She was used to pushy men. “I’m going to take a walk and reboot.”
After her afternoon class, Noah lingered as usual.
“Have you thought about my dinner offer?”
She finally had a legitimate excuse that wouldn’t damage their teacher-client relationship. “ I’m flattered, Noah, but I have to confess, I’m involved with someone.”
He didn’t appear surprised. “The guy on the boat, right?”
Heat flushed her cheeks. “You saw?”
“Kind of hard to miss a display like that.”
“I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner, but this is very new. I wouldn’t want anything to make coming here awkward.”
“Fair enough.” She appreciated how easily he accepted her decision.
To make things less awkward, she said, “You’re almost getting the sirsasana pose down.”
“I’ve been practicing.”
She smiled. “That’s great. Soon enough, you’ll be able to lead the classes.”
“Nah. No one has your special touch. I’m just here for the experience.” His words filled her with great satisfaction.
After Noah left, Wren refilled her water when a hand suddenly swooped around her waist, scaring the hell out of her.
“How come every time I visit, there’s a stray sniffing around you?” Greyson’s voice rumbled possessively against her ear.
She melted against his strength. “What can I say? I’m charming.”
He bit at her throat. “Mmm, and salty.”
“I just taught a class.” She shoved out of his arms. “I’m sweaty.”
“I don’t mind.” He backed her into the shadows, eyes burning with intensity.
“Grey, I have another appointment in less than an hour.”
“Cancel.”
“I can’t. It’s a one-on-one with Drummond.”
His expression darkened. “Hasn’t it been a week yet?”
“He extended his stay. Apparently, he’s had some enlightenment.” Skepticism colored her voice.
“I’m not buying it.”
“Me neither. He mentioned to Lilly something about being a venture capitalist.” She rolled her eyes.
Greyson’s scowl narrowed. “Watch your back with him, Wren. Guys like that always have ulterior motives.”
“I know.”
Greyson left just before Drummond swaggered into the studio, wrapped in thousand-dollar ath-leisure wear.
“You can leave your shoes at the door, Mr. Drummond.” A loud buzz erupted outside, and she flinched. The unmistakable roar of a chainsaw cut through the air.
Greyson.
Drummond scowled. “What is that?”
“Sorry, we’re having some... maintenance.” Ignoring the disruption, she lowered to her mat. “Let’s start with gentle seated twists.” She directed him through poses as the saw obnoxiously roared against the glass. “Good. Loosen your shoulders and relax,” she said, louder than usual.