Scandalous Engagement

“Mom, let’s not order any party decorations just yet,” he stated. “Josie is swamped with work and I’m busy with the Manhattan opening. Let’s get on the other side of these two weeks and then we can talk. Okay?”

Silence on the other end was all the warning he needed to know she did not like his idea.

“I promise,” he quickly added. “You know how important this next opening is. I’m starting a new chapter and I need to focus solely on that. Josie completely understands.”

“Of course she does,” his mom agreed. “That’s why the two of you are so perfect for each other. You’re both workaholics.”

Well, that was definitely true. Reese took after his father—well, after Martin. He devoted nearly every moment to making sure their upscale restaurants maintained the highest prestige and top-notch reputation people had come to appreciate from them.

“I’ve asked Josie to cover the event, too,” he quickly told her, turning the conversation toward

business. “I figure since she’s going as my date, and there’s no one else I’d rather give an inside scoop to, this would be a win-win for everyone.”

“I can’t wait to see you guys,” she exclaimed. “You give Josie a big hug and kiss from me.”

A hug and a kiss? Sure, no problem. Everything else that came to mind? Yeah, that was the problem.

“We will see you at the opening,” she told him. “Love you, Reese.”

Emotions threatened to overtake him, but he tamped them down. His mother did love him, that was never in question. But at some point, he’d have to find the right words and the right time to question them.

“I love you, Mom. See you in two weeks.”

After Reese hung up, he sat alone with his guilt and tried to tell himself this situation wouldn’t last long. Two weeks and he and Josie would go back to being friends. Nobody had to know this had all been a sham, not even his parents.

But he would know.

Every part of him wondered how the hell he could go back to never touching her, never kissing her the way he truly wanted.

And he knew she was affected, too. He’d seen that flare in her eyes and heard that swift intake of breath.

Reese’s cell chimed in his hand before he could exit his SUV. He glanced down to the screen to see a message from Josie.

Melissa wants a photo shoot along with the Q&A. She has it all scheduled for tomorrow morning at nine and is hoping to use Conrad’s as the backdrop. Want me to make an excuse to postpone?

Reese stared at the message. If they kept pushing forward, how much damage would be done in the end?

But, really, what would a few pictures hurt? The Q&A wouldn’t be a big deal. They knew each other better than they knew themselves at times. And the coverage might be good for his new opening, too.

No big deal. We can all meet at the restaurant.

She instantly replied back.

I’m sorry about all of this.

He blew out a sigh and hit Reply.

I’m sorry, too. We’ll get through this together.

There was only one thing in his entire life he was afraid of and that was losing Josie forever. Even with everything going on around him, he couldn’t lose her. The risk of seeking something more with her terrified him, but he was starting to believe that if he never tried, that would terrify him more.

What if he didn’t lose her friendship? What if something magical developed? If he didn’t test these new feelings, his fear of the unknown could rob him of the chance at something good.

But... Having a committed relationship really wasn’t something he had the time for right now. He was just getting started on this new chapter in his career, and he needed to devote every bit of energy and time to making this next phase a success.

Not only did he demand that of himself, he also didn’t want to let his parents down. They’d entrusted their dynasty to him and he’d be damned if he’d get sidetracked.

Reese shot off another reply to Josie.