Second Chances

Best laid plans

Issac

I walked into the office, and Lily greeted me with a cup of coffee from my favorite coffee place. "You only grab coffee from my favorite coffee house when you're plotting something. What is it?"

"Who says I'm plotting anything? You make me sound like I'm devious," Lily feigned offense.

"You never get me my favorite coffee unless you want something. What is it?" I walked into my office and sat behind my desk.

Lily sat across from me. "Fine. I stalked your ex."

I choked on the coffee I had drank as it came out of my nose. Damn, that burns. "You did what?" I grabbed Kleenex and wiped my face.

"You didn't give me any choice since you won't let me near her."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "Because you're a figment of my plan! Madison can't meet you! If she does, it will ruin everything!"

"Won't it ruin your plan if Madison doesn't meet me?" Lily raised her brow.

I closed my eyes, trying not to lose my shit before opening my eyes. "The whole point of this plan is to have you in the background, far in the background, where no one ever sees you."

"Issac, when a couple plans a wedding, it's usually together. When have you ever heard of a groom planning the entire wedding without his precious bride?" Lily clasped her hands together, held them up against her chest, and fluttered her lashes.

"No, Lily."

Lily's smile vanished before she dropped her hands. "You suck."

"Is that any way to speak to your boss?"

"Yes, since you don't listen to reason." Lily nodded.

I leaned on the desk and looked at Lily. "I don't plan to show up at the altar with my fake fiancée. I figure we'll break up way before that happens after convincing Madison we're end game."

"Then perhaps you should tell your blushing bride, who doesn't know she's the bride, the truth about your company."

"What truth?"

"You're not a freelancer, but a billionaire tech guru who runs a multibillion company."

"Madison doesn't care if I'm a billionaire or a struggling freelancer." I waved Lily off. "She cares about love."

"But it doesn't hurt to have a little nest egg to fall back on." Lily moved her finger and thumb inches apart.

"I'll tell Madison after I marry her." I stood up from my desk. "Now, excuse me, I need to go home and pack for my trip to the wedding destinations." I headed for the door.

"Have fun. Make sure you pack protection!"

I glanced at Lily and rolled my eyes before leaving the office.

******
Madison

When I arrived home, I grabbed my travel bag from the closet and started packing clothes. I would need outfits for three nights and four days. Once I had packed my bag, I added items to my toiletry bag.

I managed to secure two hotel rooms in a central location for Issac and me. Visiting all three venues without staying at each location was the perfect distance.

I set my bags by the front door, gathered my planner, and checked to ensure I had everything. After double-checking everything, I opened the door to find Issac standing at my door. "What are you doing here?"

"I thought we could drive together to save on gas instead of taking two vehicles." Issac smiled.

"Oh, there's no need for us to ride together. I'm perfectly capable of driving myself."