She was at The Phoenix Three now, and she wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but she was impressed. The three-story building was rough-hewn brown brick, the windows mirror tinted so you couldn’t see in, and the landscaping around the building was perfectly manicured hedges and colorful flowers.
A young security guard nodded as she and Cooper entered the building. “Good morning, ma’am, Mr. Devlin.”
Cooper nodded back. “Morning, Josh.”
They rode the elevator to the third-floor lobby where a professionally dressed, middle-aged woman sat behind a high counter. Above her head was the company’s name in large chrome letters.
“Veronica, this is Kendall Hart,” Cooper said. “Kendall, this is the woman who keeps us organized.”
Kendall smiled. “I bet that’s a job in itself.”
“You don’t know the half of it.” Veronica grinned at Cooper. “And this one is the worst of the lot.”
“Hey, now. Don’t forget I sign your paychecks.”
The fondness between them was obvious. “It’s nice to meet you, Veronica.”
“And I you.” She shifted her gaze to Cooper. “Grayson’s in his office, and Liam’s on the way.”
“Thanks.”
“Veronica seems nice,” she said after they went through the door into interior offices.
“She is. She was a part of a case Gray was working a while back. Her daughter was murdered, and she was alone without any family. We offered her a job as our receptionist. One of the best decisions we’ve ever made. She really does keep us organized.”
“That’s sad that her daughter was killed.”
“Yes, it is. Harlow’s ex-husband is in prison now, for among other things, being behind the murder. Even though she had nothing to do with it, Harlow felt guilty about that, which was primarily the reason Gray wanted to offer Veronica the job. Turned out to be a win for us.”
“And for her, I imagine. Gives her a purpose. I’m guessing she mothers you three.”
He chuckled. “That she does. In here.”
“This is your office?”
“Yes.”
“Nice.” She walked to the window and looked out. “I can see the ocean.” Their building was higher than the ones between them and the water, giving him a nice view.
“It’s a four-minute walk to the beach. There’s a good restaurant right on the sand we can have lunch at.”
“That would be nice.”
“Morning, people.”
She turned from the window to see an extremely handsome man smiling at her.
“You must be Kendall,” he said. “I’m Grayson, or Gray. Either works.”
“I am Kendall.” He’d already left when they stopped at his house to drop off Livie and Ruby. “I met Harlow this morning, and I must say, she’s lovely.”
“Yes, she is. I just got off the phone with her. She said to tell you that your daughter and my son are besties already.”
“Thanks. I was worried about leaving Livie after what she’s been though, so it’s good to know she’s having a good time.”
Another man walked in. His black hair and striking blue eyes made for a mighty fine-looking man. Where did they grow these guys? Her gaze swept across the men, and although the newcomer was the hottest of the three, it was Cooper who made her heart flutter.
“You must be Kendall,” he said with a warm smile.