Love Redesigned (Lakefront Billionaires #1) by Lauren Asher

I message the family group chat again.

ME

Has anyone seen Dahlia?



LILY

Since the last time you asked five minutes ago? No.



LILY

Try Cisco’s tent?



I already did twice, along with all her other favorite local food stands. I’m about to reply, but then my phone buzzes from an unknown number.

“Dahlia?” I ask before the other person has a chance to speak.

“Nope.”

It takes me a moment to place the voice. “Vittori.”

“Please, call me Lorenzo. Vittori reminds me of my uncle, and he’s a real dick.” Lorenzo’s mocking tone only irritates me more.

“How did you get my number?”

“You’re not the only one with connections.”

Something that sounds distinctly like Dahlia’s laugh has me nearly crushing my phone within my grip. “Is that Dahlia?”

“Yup.”

“Put her on the phone.”

His deep chuckle lacks any warmth. “I don’t think so.”

“I’m not asking you.”

“Unlike the majority of this town, I’m not on your payroll, so treat me accordingly.”

I take a deep breath to stop myself from cursing him out. “Fine. Please put her on the phone.”

Something muffles his question, although I can distinctly hear Dahlia rejecting his request.

“She’s not available right now.”

“Where are you?”

He releases a big, dramatic sigh. “I’ll tell you once you promise to end your personal vendetta against me.”

My teeth grind together. “Extortion won’t make you any friends.”

“Maybe, but it will get me a house.”

The soft rattling of ice in the background has my ears perking up.

“Speaking of houses, I’m curious why you need one to begin with…” I let the thought drift like chum in the water.

He scoffs. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

I pause to listen for any other clues about his location. “I’m trying to figure out if you’re competition or not.”

“If I wanted to compete with you, you’d know it.”

“So that only leaves one other reason.”

“Sounds like you have it all figured out.” Ice rattles again at his end of the call.

“You can’t run for mayor without actually being a taxpaying citizen, can you?”

Blissful silence greets me.

Who knew Lorenzo was capable of such a thing?

“One more. Please.” Dahlia’s plea is followed by a rough voice I’d recognize anywhere.

“I’m cutting you off,” Henry replies in that serious tone of his.

I hang up the call and head toward the one place I’m kicking myself for not checking.



“Dammit.” Dahlia’s plastic cup clatters to the floor while Lorenzo lands his perfectly on the first flip. The speakers blare a female singer’s voice, making my ears ache.

“What the hell is going on here?” The door slams shut behind me.

“Julian?” Dahlia turns on her heels so fast that she loses her balance.

Lorenzo reaches out to stabilize her.

“Get your fucking hands off her.” I practically snarl the words.

He lets her go. “Would you have preferred for me to let her fall?”

“I would have preferred for you not to take advantage of a woman. Period.”

Henry knocks his hand against the counter. “Hey. I was here the whole time watching them. Lorenzo did nothing but keep Dahlia company.”

Lorenzo places a hand over his heart. “Henry? Are you defending me right now?”

He looks away with an eyeroll.

“I’m touched. Truly.” Lorenzo taps his fist against his chest.

My patience snaps. “Someone tell me what’s going on.”

“Nope.” Dahlia returns to flipping her cup and failing miserably.

Lorenzo must possess at least a quarter of a brain because he doesn’t return to his part of the game.

“What’s wrong? Keep going.” She points at his cup.

“I think it’s time you go home.”

“You suck.”

“Hey.”

She pouts. “I thought we were friends.”

“You’re not,” I answer for him.

Lorenzo scowls at me. “That’s not for you to determine.”

“Yeah.” Dahlia crosses her good arm against her chest.

“You’re drunk,” I add.

“I’m barely tipsy.” She taps her nose and spins in a circle like that means anything.

“Either way, it’s a bit early to be drinking, don’t you think?”

“You sound like Lorenzo.”

“Over my dead body.”

Lorenzo covers his smile with a fist.

Cabrón.

I situate myself between him and Dahlia as I pass their cups to Henry. “Get rid of these. And him while you’re at it.”

Lorenzo’s gaze flickers from Dahlia to me. “I’m the one who called you, asshole.”

“What? Why?” Dahlia whines.

Nice to know she feels so strongly against being around me at the moment.

She’s obviously struggling, so don’t take it personally.