Reunited in Love

“I don’t owe her anything.”

He laughed. It was still the warm and rich sound she remembered. A dangerously seductive one too. It was part of the reason she’d succumbed to his charm.

“So what did you owe her?” she asked.

His eyes narrowed slightly, though the corners of his lips quirked. “I almost cost her her husband.”

“Wow.” This was totally unexpected. “Does Alex play for both teams?”

“Ah, no. It was a business thing. I told Alex she was involved in some corporate espionage, which he didn’t take kindly. We were certain—well, I was certain—that she was working for the enemy.”

Kerri gasped. “That’s ridiculous.”

He shrugged. “A monumental screw-up on my part, and I don’t screw up often.”

“Let me guess. She forgave you for everything until she decided she wanted you to do something for her.”

“Something like that.” He made a quick left turn. “Do you still play the violin?” he asked suddenly.

“No, I quit years ago. No time once I got into investment banking.”

“Natalie mentioned something about that. VP, right?”

“Actually…” She sighed. Well, she’d have to admit her unemployed status sooner or later. “I’m a bum at the moment. Between jobs.”

“A bum?” He gave her a quick once-over, head to toes. “I’m sure you could find work if you wanted.”

Her face warmed, and whatever thoughts she’d held in her mind evaporated. She couldn’t believe she was acting like a silly teenager with the captain of the football team. She was twenty-eight, far too old and sensible for these kinds of feelings. If anybody other than Ethan had made the comment, she might have rolled her eyes or arched an eyebrow in silent reprimand.

But everything out of Ethan’s mouth sounded like bedroom talk. Maybe it wasn’t the words but the way he spoke, the way he looked at her, the way his voice hit her senses like the finest whiskey.

Damn, she needed to be more careful. It wasn’t just the girly clothing making her feel vulnerable and susceptible. A ski suit wouldn’t have negated the effect he had on her.

“Virginia isn’t the first choice destination for most bums,” he mused. “California beaches tend to be higher on the list.”

“A beach bum?” She forced a light tone. Regardless of the effect he had on her, this was just banter. “Too bad I don’t swim or surf.”

“Seriously? You never learned?”

“Never had the chance.” Not for the lack of desire. But what she wanted hadn’t always been a priority for her family. Still wasn’t. Everyone had more important issues to deal with than her.

Before he could probe, she said, “It sort of sucks, you know.” She leaned against the door, trying to put some distance between herself and Ethan. The BMW was supposed to be spacious, but not with him inside. The cool glass felt refreshing against her heated skin. “If I’d been free just a little sooner, I could’ve been Natalie’s maid of honor. You know, helped her plan the wedding of the century and everything.”

No, you would’ve found an excuse to avoid her wedding at all costs since a few Sterlings were invited.

In fact, Barron himself had been invited, and there was no way she was going anywhere near her grandfather. Nobody knew she was Barron’s only grandchild, and for good reason—she’d worked damn hard to keep it that way.

Ethan laughed. “She didn’t have one. Didn’t need one. She had a platoon of professionals working on every detail. It was what Alex wanted.”

“What was the rush? She wasn’t going anywhere.”

“Probably wanted to make sure she was his.”

“She’s been his ever since they got engaged. Maybe even before.” Kerri had heard everything her friend felt comfortable sharing about her romance with her billionaire boss. If he hadn’t made things right at the end, Kerri might have flown out—job or no—and kicked his ass herself.

“Well, you know. Engagement isn’t the same, is it? Lacks the official tie, the legal bind.”

“Marriage isn’t as permanent as it used to be,” she pointed out, almost unable to help it since so many of her friends and coworkers had gone through separations and divorces. She sincerely hoped Natalie would never have a reason to even consider one. “Did you spend time in England or something? Sometimes you sound almost British.”