Page 53 of Tangled in Temptation

“Maybe not, but it would certainly make me feel better.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Amber always had a knack for defusing tension with some lighthearted humor. “Thanks, Amber. You always know how to make me feel better.”

“Someone has to do it,” she said with a wink. “So when are you talking to Timothy?”

I let out a deep sigh, my heart pounding at the mere thought of seeing him again. “I don’t know. Tomorrow maybe?”

Amber nodded approvingly. “Good. You’re going to the gala?”

“I need to talk to Timothy first,” I said. “I’m going to go up to the Manor and ask if he still wants me to go. He keeps saying he wants to talk. We’ll talk.”

“Good girl!” She got to her feet. “But before you go, please shower.”

I laughed. “Duh. I don’t think sweaty mess is the way to win him.”

After she left, I rushed upstairs to shower and put on a little makeup. I told myself it wasn’t about impressing him. I drove to the Manor, nervous and anxious at the same time. I knocked on the door, debating how to start the conversation.

The housekeeper answered the door. “Hi.” I smiled. “I’d like to talk to Mr. Hastings.”

“I’m sorry, but Mr. Hastings and Paisley left yesterday.”

My heart dropped, assuming they were going to Germany. “Left? To Germany?”

“No, New York City,” she answered. “They’ll be back next week.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

I walked back to my truck. He was going to the gala. An idea formed in my head as I drove back home. I was going to that gala. I was going to show him that I could be there for him just like he’d been there for me. Anxious to speak with Timothy, I went home to get ready for a trip to the city. I was going to dress to impress. He was going to look at me and swallow his tongue. If he wanted to work through this, I was willing.

As I walked back into my house, the buzz of determination filled me. I knew I needed to look absolutely stunning at the gala.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Catherine

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I TOSSED MY SUITCASE in the truck and headed for my dad’s shop. I stopped to fill the tank and get a few snacks for the trip. I had barely slept last night. I couldn’t wait to talk to Timothy. I was counting on him still wanting me. If he’d changed his mind and decided Regina was the one for him, it would kill me. But at least that would be closure. I wouldn’t have to feel guilty for being the one to turn him away.

I parked my truck in the parking lot of the shop and walked inside. My dad was running some wood through the table saw. I stood back, waiting for him to finish. When he was done, he turned off the machine and glanced up.

“Catherine,” he said with surprise. “Here to get more material?”

“No, actually I need to talk to you about something important.”

He raised an eyebrow, concern on his face. “All right, what’s on your mind?”

I hesitated for a moment before blurting it out. “I’m going to New York City.”

He frowned. “Okay. Any particular reason why?”

“I need to talk to Timothy.”

“And a phone call won’t do?”

I smiled and shook my head. “No. Not for this.”

“What’s going on, Catherine?”