Finding Lily (Second Chances Book 2)

by Rachel Del

  “Fuck, sorry about that.”

  “Seriously! How does that mouth of yours not get you into more trouble?”

  “I’m more concerned with getting your mouth into some trouble,” Leah shot back.

  Chapter 4

  Lily agonized over her outfit for far too long earlier that Friday evening. She wanted to look good, but also professional; this was a business deal after all. She felt confident with her choice of dark, grey slacks, a low-cut white blouse and a black cardigan, but as she approached the restaurant, a wave of panic washed over her.

  The look that Nathan gave her when she caught sight of him only confirmed what she had feared.

  “Is it that bad?” she asked, sitting down on the tall barstool next to him.

  “You look like you’re dressed for work.”

  “Well, this is work,” she replied defensively.

  “Let’s put it this way. I did a little research on Mr. Young, and if we’re going to come even close to swaying him our way, I’m going to need you to step up your game, Gardner.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I’m hoping that you have a spare outfit in your car.”

  Usually, her emergency clothes were another work outfit, but having told some friends that she would be spending her Friday night down on the strip, they had roped her in to meeting up with them afterwards for dancing.

  This time her emergency outfit included black shorts, tall wedge heels and a white, low cut tank top. It wasn’t anything remotely close to what she usually wore, but she had to admit that she looked good… at least she had in the mirror in her bedroom earlier.

  “I’ll go change,” Lily said, retreating towards the exit.

  While she was gone, Nathan waved over the bartender and ordered two shots of Jaeger, a pint for himself and a dirty vodka martini for Lily. He had downed half of his pint by the time she returned.

  His blue eyes followed her as she maneuvered her way through the restaurant towards the bar. How had he never noticed her incredible, long legs before? He thought of how amazing they would look wrapped around him…

  “Better?” Lily asked, holding out her hands to side, palms up.

  Nathan licked his lips. “Definitely. Except, lose the sweater.”

  “Oh no. The sweater stays on,” she said, and then added, “but I’ll give you one more button.”

  She raised her delicate hands and undid a third button on her cardigan, and noticed with mild amusement that Nathan’s eyes darted right for her chest.

  “When are we expecting Tanner?” she asked.

  “His assistant said he’s a regular here on Thursday nights. I’m actually surprised he isn’t here yet. Anyways, it gives us time for a couple drinks to loosen up.”

  “I don’t need loosening up,” she said, but even as the words came out of her mouth she knew she was desperate for a drink.

  “I ordered you a vodka martini, but first you’re taking a shot with me.”

  Lily thought briefly about why he thought that a martini was a good chaser, but stopped herself. She didn’t feel like arguing. Instead, she found herself thinking how incredible Nathan looked. Maybe a stiff drink was just what she needed to catch her bearings.

  “To Tanner Young,” Nathan said, raising his shot glass into the air. He clinked it against Lily’s glass and they downed their liquor.

  “Ah!” Lily exclaimed, the liquid burning down her throat. “No more of those tonight, promise me.”

  Nathan laughed as he reached for his pint. “Deal.”

  Lily took a small sip of her dirty martini. She had to admit that she was already feeling better.

  Suddenly, Nathan perked up. “There he is.”

  Lily spun the stool around and looked towards the doors. It was him alright, except the pictures she had seen of him online clearly did him little justice; he was much better looking in person.

  His dark brown, almost black hair rested just above his shoulders, their waves perfectly coiffed, and she could see how green his eyes were from here. A heavy five o’clock shadow covered his square jaw.

  Nathan and Lily watched as he spotted his friends at a nearby table and sat down with them, immediately reaching out for the pitcher of beer in the middle of the table, pouring himself a tall glass.

  “What’s our plan of attack here? Should we just go up and talk to him?” Nathan asked.

  “Let’s wait until he’s a few drinks in. I’m sure he’ll be a little more hospitable then.”

  Lily spun back around to face the bar and reached for her drink. From the corner of her eye she glanced over at Nathan. Maybe now was a good time to talk with him about what had happened earlier in the week.

  “Hey, I wanted to clear the air,” she began. Nathan looked up at her, giving him her full attention.

  “Since we’re going to be working closely together with this Tanner thing, I just wanted to make sure that we’re on the same page.”

  Nathan look mildly confused. “And what page is that?”

  “Well… you know I’m married, right?”

  “Oh Geez. Is this still about me asking you to dinner? I felt bad about messing up your blouse and wanted to make it up to you,” he began, and then added, “and yes, I know you’re married. As I said, it didn’t have to be anything romantic.” But in his heart he knew it could be nothing but.

  Lily took another small sip of her drink. “No one at work knows this yet, and I’d like to keep it that way, but: my husband and I have been separated for a little while now. We’re in the process of getting a divorce actually.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” He reached out and placed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

  “Anyways, if I seem a little strange lately, that’s why.”

  Nathan didn’t remove his hand right away. Instead, he kept it there as he took a swig of his beer. “I can’t believe anyone would let you get away.”

  Lily felt her entire body heat up. When, after a few moments, she raised her eyes to look at Nathan, she found he was staring intensely at her. They sat in silence, their eyes locked and Nathan’s hand still on hers. His hand on hers left her feeling as though it was on fire, reminding her of just how long it had been since she had felt a man’s touch. She caught herself wondering what it would feel like to have his hands on other parts of her body.

  “Anyways, don’t worry about the dinner thing, I—“

  “Another round of shots?”

  Nathan stopped mid sentence, reluctantly tearing his eyes from hers and turned to the interrupting bartender. “No thanks, man.”

  He lifted his hand off of Lily’s and, suddenly feeling as if it were an alien limb that he didn’t know what to do with, set it down awkwardly on his lap.

  A sudden roar of laughter shot through the restaurant, and they turned to see Tanner’s table alive with activity.

  “A little while longer and he’ll definitely be welcome for a chat.”

  __

  Lily glanced discretely at her watch; it was getting late, and she still had to meet up with her friends. She was not used to staying up later than ten, especially not when there was drinking involved, but she couldn’t leave just yet. After two rounds of drinks with Tanner, they had finally gotten down to business.

  “You know we’re all dying to know why you’re not renewing with Waterhouse,” Nathan said.

  Tanner shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal. “It’s really nothing against them, but they’re kinda old school. They’ve been great, but I’m just ready for something new. You know: onwards and upwards and all that crap.”

  Nathan opened his mouth to respond, but Tanner interrupted him.

  “This is where you try to tell me why I should sign with Regan & Wiley, right?”

  He turned to Lily and smiled widely. “You haven’t said much tonight.”

  It was true. Lily usually thrived in situations like this, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of Nathan’s hand over hers and the feeling that had
spread through her body. It had left her practically mute thus far.

  “You said you’re looking for something new,” she began, pushing the words from her mouth. “Regan & Wiley may have been in business for over thirty years, but we have some of the youngest, smartest minds at work.”

  Now she was beginning to feel like her old self again.

  “We’re not going to sugarcoat it: we want you. We just need to know what it will take to make that happen,” she said.

  “You want me, huh?” Tanner said, raising his eyebrows slightly. “Well that’s the best news I’ve heard all week.”

  Lily snuck a peek at Nathan across the table, who shot her a look that told her they should wrap up their night.

  “Anyways, Tanner, I have to get going, but you have my card, so please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns.” She rose from the table. Nathan and Tanner followed suit.

  “Nate, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, and then turned to Tanner.

  She held her hand out to shake his, which he did, and then placing his other hand on her elbow he pulled her towards him and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. She briefly smiled at Tanner, turned and walked away from the two men, willing her body not to sway from the alcohol.

  She could just make out Tanner’s words to Nathan before disappearing out of sight.

  “Call my assistant tomorrow and have her set up a lunch meeting for the three of us. My treat this time.”

  Chapter 5

  “I think we’ve got this one in the bag.”

  Lily sat down across from Jason and crossed her legs. “No doubt in my mind.”

  He steepled his hands together, nodding. “I’m glad to hear it, but let’s not count our eggs before they hatch. “What do you think, Nathan?”

  “I think he’d jump off the top of the Stratosphere if Lily asked him to,” he mumbled. Lily looked at him, dumbfounded. Was he jealous?

  Jason chuckled. “You’ve got an admirer, do you?”

  “It’s strictly business, sir,” Lily said, shooting daggers at Nathan with her eyes. “He’s asked us to call his assistant to set up a follow-up meeting.”

  “Excellent. Let’s get on it then, the sooner the better.”

  Lily and Nathan rose to their feet and exited the room, heading off to their respective offices.

  “I’ll make the call,” Nathan said. The tone of his voice meant it wasn’t up for debate.

  What was his problem?

  There was a light knock on her door twenty minutes later. Lily looked up and waved Nathan in.

  “So this is new,” he said.

  “What is?”

  “Have you ever heard about Tanner’s Santa Barbara house?”

  Lily leaned back in her chair. “I’ve heard my fair share of trashy gossip about him taking an astonishing amount of floozies there. Why?”

  “He wants to have us visit one weekend. Well, he asked for you, but I told him we’re working together.” Something about the way he said working together gave Lily a strange feeling.

  “Seriously? Why does he wants us there?”

  “He spouted off some crap about wanting to really get to know the editors he’ll be working with. He said he wants us to prove to him that we know how to have fun. Apparently he’s done this with a few other companies over the last couple months, since word came up of his contract renewal.”

  “Did he say when?”

  “As soon as possible, apparently. He’s headed out there next weekend.”

  “Tell me that’s a quick flight away.”

  “It’s a six hour drive from here,” Nathan said. “But you’re more than welcome to ride with me.”

  “Let me see if I can shuffle a few things around.” She already knew how her conversation with Thomas was likely to go.

  __

  “I can’t do it, Lil. I’ve got plans. Besides, that’s your weekend with Ben.”

  Lily sighed heavily. “This is really important, Tom. Isn’t there any way that you can change your plans?”

  “I probably could, but that’s not the point.”

  “What is the point then? Because right now it just seems like you’re being an ass and trying to make this more difficult than it needs to be. I’m asking you to switch weekends with me. One lousy weekend.”

  “You’re always freaking out at me when I ask you to switch days with me.”

  “Fine, Tom. I was wrong, I’m sorry. Do this and we’re even, is that what you want me to say?”

  It was Thomas’ turn to sigh. He had heard all the nasty divorce stories, but had somehow hoped that his and Lily’s wouldn’t turn out that way. He had been so naïve.

  “Fine, Lil.”

  “You’ll take him next weekend?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Thank you, Tom. Really. I wouldn’t be asking if this wasn’t a big deal for the company and my job.”

  Thomas thought it sounded more like she was pawning off their son to take off on a weekend vacation right in the thick of their divorce mediation, but he knew better than to say that. Who was this guy anyways? Tanner something? What did she even know about him?

  “Don’t worry about it, Lil.”

  Thomas stepped off the curb and walked around to the driver’s side of his car. He stopped for a moment to look over at her. “I know I’ll see you before you go, but, good luck.”

  He didn’t wait for her response before he climbed into the car and shut the door. His engine roared to life and as he pulled away from the house Lily could hear the sound of his laughter mixing with Bens’.

  Would she ever get used to the silence while Ben was away? She had hoped that by now, nearly five months into their separation, that she would be used to it, maybe even embrace it. There were mothers all over the world who would kill for even a fraction of the alone time she got. Of course they too would probably forgo that time if it meant their marriage was alive and well.

  Despite the reason for the trip, Lily was happy to be getting out of Vegas, even if only for a few days. She had never been to Santa Barbara before, and would be lying if she didn’t admit that the thought of being out there with Nathan excited her.

  Maybe Leah had been on to something after all. Maybe all she needed to really move on with her life was with a shock to her system that only a man could provide.

  Sleeping with him would of course be a terrible idea, and could even put their jobs at risk, but that hadn’t stopped her from fantasizing about him every night since she told him about her divorce. Even then, she could almost feel his hair between her fingers, and his hot breath on her neck as he tugged at her panties. Lily had only to close her eyes then and she could feel her body pulsating.

  When was the last time she had felt this way? Where just the thought of a man’s breath on her skin turned her on? She couldn’t even recall the last time she had made love, or the last time she had felt connected on a deep level. Was she even ready to be having these thoughts for someone other than Thomas?

  It was a culmination of these thoughts that helped her drift off. She had, for the first time in months, fallen asleep to something other than her own tears.

  __

  “I’m totally jealous that you get to get out of here for the weekend,” Christina said, blowing into her coffee.

  “I want to say that it’s going to be all work and no play, but I’d be lying.”

  “Seriously, though, what am I going to do all weekend without you and Ben around?”

  “Doesn’t it say something about you if your weekends are spent following me and my two-year old around?”

  “Sure, it says I’m an awesome friend who’s trying to make her friend feel a little less lonely.”

  “Well this friend is very grateful,” Lily responded, absentmindedly stirring her coffee with a straw.

  “What’s up with you?” Christina asked. “You’re more quiet than normal.”

  “I’m surprised you noticed what with the way you blabber on all the time,”
she said, smiling. She took a sip of her coffee, cursing as it burned her tongue.

  “No, really though. What’s on your mind?”

  Lily contemplated how much she wanted to tell her.

  “Do you think it’s too early in the separation for me to move on?”

  “I think there’s no hard and fast rule, Lil. You just have to do what feels right… or not. I mean, is your separation still new? Yeah. But you said it yourself that your marriage has been over for a long time.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right..”

  “Did you meet someone?”

  “Kind of… but it’s kind of a bad idea. A really bad idea actually.”

  “That just means it will be hot as hell,” Christina said. “Fill me in.”

  “Nathan and I have been wo—“

  “Wait… you have the hots for Nathan?”

  “‘Have the hots?’ Do people still say that?”

  “I still say that. Now stop avoiding the question.”

  “I don’t know how I feel about him,” Lily answered honestly. “But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been thinking about him more than normal.”

  “I’ve only met him the one time, and I really don’t know much about him other than the way he looks and what you’ve told me, which hasn’t been much…”

  “That’s because I barely know him myself, Chris. Not outside of a work setting, that is. Anyways, it’s a horrible idea. I work with this guy.”

  “For what it’s worth, I think that it’s a good sign that you have feelings for someone else. Maybe that means you’re ready to start moving on.”

  “Yeah, maybe.”

  __

  Nathan rapped his knuckles on Lily’s open door. “You ready?”

  Lily was still surprised that Tanner had opted to come to their office instead of them taking him out for lunch, dinner or drinks, but she wasn’t about to complain. Here in the office, on her turf, she did her best work.

  She rose to her feet. “Yep.”