Just One Scandal (The Kingston Family 2)

She glanced at him with a wary expression on her face.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She dampened her lower lip. “Well, the article mentions you by name, for one thing. It talks about how I’m moving onward and upward to bigger and better things.” She winced at that. “I can’t imagine you’re happy with the publicity.”

“I appreciate you worrying about me but it’s fine. I’ve been mentioned a time or two before.” It came with his fast rise to the top of the New York real estate market and the money he made. “But that wasn’t what had your brother worked up, was it?”

He folded his arms across his chest, defensive without even knowing what Linc had said.

“He was upset about the photo,” she admitted. “He said that I just got out of one relationship and I was jumping into another and what did I think I was doing? I needed time … blah, blah, blah.” She made a hand motion with her fingers, imitating her brother’s mouth moving.

Beck narrowed his gaze. “That wasn’t all he said. He has to be pissed that it was me you were photographed with.”

She nodded slowly. “He thought we were just friends and asked how could I think it was a good idea to be with you when I knew you two had issues. Even if I don’t know what they are,” she muttered under her breath. “But you’d better believe I’m going to find out at lunch today.”

“Is that why you let him off the hook so easily and agreed to meet him?” Beck asked.

She nodded. “I want to understand this crazy dynamic and you’re not talking.” She waited a beat, obviously hoping he’d clue her in.

“Sorry, princess.” It really wasn’t his place to air Linc’s dirty laundry and change how she thought of her brother. It remained to be seen what Linc would say and how much truth he’d tell.

“Are you ready to go to the office?” he asked.

She nodded. “Just let me grab my bag and laptop.”

As much as he’d like to pick up where they’d left off when they’d been interrupted, the mood had been broken. But he’d learned something last night, and he wasn’t going to waste another night alone in his bed when he could take advantage of whatever time they had left until she moved out.

* * *

Chloe waited for Linc at the restaurant. The hostess had seated her at his favorite table, and she settled in, ordering a club soda with lime while she waited. The space was huge and not solely a seafood restaurant as the name implied. Also known for its steaks, Ocean Prime boasted a chic atmosphere with brass circular overhead fixtures and a dark motif inside. Chloe couldn’t help analyzing the décor. It was second nature for her to study a place’s interior design.

She’d had a couple of hours at Beck’s office, meeting his friend and in-house designer, Natasha Banks, who had been thrilled to have Chloe around. They knew of one another through the industry and had talked shop for the better part of the morning.

When she’d gone to Beck’s office to let him know she was leaving for lunch, she’d noticed immediately his mood had turned. He’d informed her that his mother had called and his father’s surgery was scheduled for Thursday morning. Chloe had let Beck know she’d be there holding his hand, whether he wanted her there or not. He’d been there for her and she intended to repay the favor.

“Sorry I’m late.” Linc interrupted her thoughts, joining her at the table. He walked over and kissed her cheek before taking a chair across from her.

“It’s fine. I haven’t been here long.” She took in her brother’s relaxed face and smiled. “Almost-married life agrees with you,” she said. “So when will you and Jordan tie the knot?”

He shrugged, putting the menu aside. No doubt he already knew what he wanted. “We have to figure out timing. Neither one of us wants a big event, but Mom will kill me if we elope. Not to mention Jordan’s mother.” He semi-fake shuddered.

Jordan’s mother was a strong woman who’d been their housekeeper for years. She was no-nonsense, loving, and Linc was right. She wouldn’t tolerate not being there for her daughter’s wedding.

Chloe leaned forward in her chair. “I know you held off because my wedding was planned. Please don’t do it again because you’re worried about my feelings. I’m fine,” she assured him. “So get yourselves married before the baby is born.”

He nodded. “I hear you and thanks.”

The waiter came over and took their orders, an ahi tuna salad for Chloe and cheeseburger for Linc. After the server took their menus, she met her brother’s gaze.

“We need to talk,” she said.

He nodded. “I know. I’ve been high-handed and difficult, but you don’t understand why.”