Passion Play
“The Ohio ones, of course.” She shrugged one slender, sexy shoulder. “I just wish they were better.”
Rose earned points for supporting her home teams despite the fact that it had been longer than a while since any of Ohio’s professional franchises had sniffed a championship. It took a lot of perseverance to stick with a team through its darkest seasons. But her chilly personality left her with a scoring deficit because she didn’t seem approachable. Regret settled on his shoulders like a coat. Rose couldn’t provide the legal representation they needed. He wanted someone who cared about the people, not just the process.
Now that he knew he wouldn’t be working with her to represent the shelter and its clients, there was no reason for them to see each other again. Was there?
* * *
Rose considered Donovan in her peripheral vision. Iris had been wrong. Donovan wasn’t right for the role of her fake boyfriend at all. Yes, he was successful and intelligent. But he was too charming. If he attended her reunion, he’d cast a spell over half of the attendees, if not all of them. And he was far too attractive. Rose glanced at him again. Contrary to popular opinion, she believed there was, in fact, such a thing as “too handsome.” And Donovan Carroll fit that description. To perfection. So did Tyler. Judging from the attention the two received from the women at the other tables, Rose’s theory had support. Did Iris notice the stares directed toward their table? How could she not?
Rose took another peek at Donovan. His shaved head was the sexiest thing she’d ever seen. His classically handsome sienna features were hypnotizing. She enjoyed watching his long, elegant hands move. And his bright, hazel eyes made her think wicked thoughts.
No, he wasn’t a good choice for the role he’d unknowingly been auditioning for. Rose had known that the moment she’d seen him walk into the restaurant with Iris and Tyler. Their fake relationship would be blown the minute they showed up at the reunion. She’d have to keep track of the hotel room keys he’d be collecting. She didn’t have time for that. But even with that realization, Rose couldn’t stop auditioning him.
Donovan had settled back onto his seat beside Tyler in the booth. He was staring at his half-empty glass of iced tea as though it held the key to his future.
Rose took a sip of her ice water. “Your office must be very busy preparing for the launch of your latest computer game.”
Iris had told Rose more than she needed to know about Anderson Adventures’ upcoming release, Osiris’ Journey, but it had been wonderful seeing her sister so excited and engaged in the project. It had been the happiest she’d seen Iris in years.
Donovan looked up from his drink. “Iris has done an excellent job with the product launch. Anderson Adventures is breaking all sorts of preorder records with Osiris’ Journey.”
“Thank you for the kind words, Van.” Iris inclined her head. “But I think the preorders are a reflection of the product, not my work.”
Rose glowed as though Donovan’s compliment was meant for her. “Iris is fearless, in addition to being very talented and creative. She’s going to go far. And so will Anderson Adventures, if you stick with her.”
Iris’s cheeks grew pink. “Rosie, Anderson Adventures is already very successful.”
Rose swept a dismissive hand. “Imagine how much more successful they’ll be with you on their team.” She tilted her head. “Are you blushing?”
“I think she is.” Tyler chuckled. He reached across the table and covered Iris’s hand with his own. “You’ve given us the best product launch we’ve ever had. And you’ve helped us establish processes that will continue to grow our customer base.”
Rose lowered her eyes to Iris and Tyler’s joined hands. The genuine caring and affection in that gesture filled Rose with joy for her sister—as well as envy. She looked up, and her eyes were caught by Donovan’s bright, hazel gaze.
She cleared her throat. “So what’s next for Anderson Adventures?”
“We’re working on future releases and our fall catalog.” Donovan straightened.
“We’re also planning a release party with Iris’s help.” Tyler looked to Rose. “You and Lily should join us.”
“Oh, no.” Rose swung her wide-eyed gaze from Tyler to Donovan. “We wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“It’s not an intrusion,” Tyler assured her. “Families are welcome. And we’re bringing back the disc jockey from the internal associates launch.”
“She was a big hit.” Iris grinned. “You and Lily should come. You’d have a great time. I’m planning the party so I should know.”
Rose laughed. “All right, you’ve convinced me. But I want to be there when you invite Lily.”
She looked again at Donovan. Her grin faded as she found his attention fixed on her mouth. The glint in his eyes caused her pulse to trip. His bright gaze lifted to hers. She caught her breath. What was happening? What was he thinking? Donovan blinked, and the moment was gone. What a relief.
Rose lifted her water glass to her lips. Her hand shook just slightly. Now that she’d ruled out the charismatic sales executive for the role of her fake boyfriend, there wasn’t any reason for them to see each other again. Was there?
* * *
“What did you think?” Tyler followed Donovan into his office after lunch.
Tread carefully. We’re talking about Ty’s girlfriend’s sister. Donovan thought highly of Iris, not only for her professional expertise, but also because she made Tyler happy.
“Thanks for introducing me to Rose.” Donovan circled his desk and sank onto the black leather executive chair behind it. “But I don’t think she’d be interested in this project.”