Several more days passed, and Greyson watched the tension build in Belle’s eyes as her spring break ended quickly. Though she tried to hide it, her having to step in and save Greyson ate at her. She didn’t give him the cold shoulder, but that would’ve almost been better than what she was doing. The over-cheeriness was not like her at all, and he gritted his teeth every time he heard her answer the phone at work.

He asked her if she was holding up alright under the workload, but she brushed off his worry until he wanted to drag her butt back to his house and force her to relax. As far as he was concerned, she didn’t need to finish school. She had a job with him at his company, and, if she would go for it, he had just the position for her.

His cell rang, but he ignored it, watching Belle work at her desk. Her shoulders slouched, and she rubbed her eyes, trying to stay awake. She’d been working through the night again, and guilt tore at him. He stood, ready to tell her to go home, he’d survive for a day, but his cell rang again.

Muttering, he snatched it up and gripped it tighter when he saw Aiden’s number. “What?”

“I found a lead, but need an advance on the next payment,” she said, getting straight to business, and Greyson sat back down.

“How big of an advance?”

“Enough to get me to Sister Bay in Wisconsin and from there, three more stops. I’m onto several leads, but they’re all out of state,” she informed him. “Look, these leads have some meat to them. I think I may have found her mom at the first place and possibly both parents alive at the rest, so if you want me to find out, I need several tickets and money for a rental car and hotels.”

Greyson ran his fingers through his beard, debating his next move. He didn’t trust Aiden, and the amount of money she’d need was more than he’d already paid her. “Are you sure it’s her?”

“I won’t know unless I go,” she told him, and he heard the honesty in her words. They might have only been lovers, but he’d known her for a long time. She wasn’t lying, and she’d skipped her usual flirting. She was definitely onto something. “Greyson? I need to know ASAP. Found a plane leaving this afternoon, and it’s going to take me a few days.”

“Fine, I’ll get it to you, but I’m coming with you,” he grunted.

“Why?” she asked harshly, but then she gasped and laughed. “Oh, I see, trouble in paradise perhaps? Do you need a stress reliever?”

“I’m coming with you to ensure you’re actually doing what I’m paying you to do,” he growled. “I am happy with Belle, and I’m going to continue to be happy with her. This is nothing more than a business trip, and if you try anything, I’ll find someone else to hunt down her family.”

Silence filled his ear before Aiden finally spoke again. “Plane leaves in two hours. Meet me there.” She hung up, and a moment later, texted him the flight they needed tickets for.

Greyson bought them quickly and said he would be there as soon as he could. The airport wasn’t far away, at least, but he needed an excuse to leave for a few days. Not a chance in hell was he telling Belle what he was really up to, not yet. No point getting her hopes up just to have them dashed if this were another false lead. He didn’t even want to tell Tim. The second Greyson mentioned Aiden’s name, Tim would insist he go in Greyson’s place to avoid that woman finding a way to get under his skin again.

His cell phone in hand, he dialed his personal office phone, tucking the cell under his leg. He answered it after the first ring and made sure to look disgruntled when he spoke to the fake person on the other end.

“What do you mean there’s an issue at the warehouse?” he snapped loudly enough to make Belle turn around. “I don’t care. That’s not an excuse.” He drummed his fingers on the desk, counting off the seconds in his head before he groaned and leaned back in his chair. “That’s not acceptable. We have deadlines, and you promised this would be taken care of. I’m flying out there so we can get this sorted.”

He hung up and tapped a few keys on his keyboard, pulling up a flight to California. “Belle, could you get Tim for me?” he called out his door.

“Sure. Everything alright?” she asked, poking her head into his office.

“No, but I’ll tell you both when he gets over here,” he said and watched her hurry to Tim’s desk. “God, if you ever find out, I hope you forgive me.”

If she found out what he was up to before he had the chance to explain, it would be the end of their relationship. She had forgiven him for so much already. Going behind her back like this was worse than dealing with his lack of office skills or putting up with his overbearing attitude. This could change her life forever, for good or ill.

“What’s up?” Tim asked when he returned with Belle.

“Problem out in California,” he lied. “I'm flying out this afternoon to take care of it personally. They’re threatening to not send the next shipment if we don’t sort this out by the weekend.”

Tim cursed, but Belle’s eyes flared with suspicion for a second before it disappeared. “How long are you going to be gone?” Tim asked.

“A few nights, not sure yet,” he told them, “but I’ll call you, keep you updated. Think you can hold down the fort for me?”

“I think we can manage now that Belle’s back to keep your shit in order.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “I guess I’ll head back to the dorm after work today.”

“Nope,” he said and handed over his keys. “Stay at the house and take care of my car. I’ll be back soon for all three of you.”

“Are you sure?” she asked as he folded her fingers over the keys and hugged her tightly, lifting her off her feet until she giggled. He kissed her hotly until Tim cleared his throat and Greyson set her back on her feet.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Call Carrie to come over if you want, or there’s always my mom,” he said, and she tilted her head as if seriously considering it. “I’m sorry I have to rush off like this.”

She shrugged and shoved him out of his office. “It’s your job. Just go so you don’t miss your flight. I want you back home as soon as you can be.”

Greyson’s chest tightened, the truth on his lips. She stood on her toes and kissed him before he could say anything. The elevator doors opened, and he backed into them. He called a cab once inside, and by the time he reached the curb, it was ready and waiting. The drive to the airport was quick; he could pick up a few necessary items once they landed.

When he reached the airport, Aiden waited outside for him wearing jeans and a plain t-shirt, out of character for her. “Ready?” she asked, carrying a small suitcase.

“How long do you think we’ll be gone?” he asked.

“It depends on how cooperative this woman is and if we get lucky and don’t have to hit all four stops,” she told him. “Did you happen to tell your dear, sweet Belle what you were up to with your ex-lover?”

“Why would I? We’re not starting anything, remember that, or I’ll strand your ass in Wisconsin,” he warned. “Let’s go find Belle’s mom.”

“Whatever you say, lover,” Aiden whispered behind him, and he ground his teeth but didn’t turn around. It was going to be a long night, but he was not going to let her get to him.

Just think of Belle and you’ll be fine, he told himself once they boarded the plane. Think of her smile when you tell her that you found her mom.

Greyson settled back in his seat, closed his eyes, and waited for take-off.