Say You Will(9)

Nick cursed Summer for her scheming. “Work takes me to the continent a lot,” he evaded. “Until just recently, I spent a lot of time in France and Italy. I came back to be near Su—Sara.”

“You and Sara seem very close,” Rosalind said, obviously fishing.

“She’s like my sister,” he answered honestly.

“She must be. Not many men would act as matron of honor.”

“Yes, well, I love Sara.” Even when he wanted to strangle her.

“That’s sweet,” Rosalind said softly.

Feeling uncomfortable with the lies, he changed the subject. “How long are you going to be in London?”

The worried frown returned to Rosalind’s brow. “I haven’t decided.”

“You should stay a bit.”

She looked at him with her clear, big blue eyes. “Should I?”

“Don’t you want to?” he asked, instead of saying how much he wanted to see her again, which wasn’t going to happen given the circumstances.

“I may have to stay with my mother for a while,” she admitted. “She’s taking my father’s, er, death hard.”

“You don’t sound happy about staying.”

“There’s a reason I put an ocean between my family and me. Although mostly that was because of my father.”

Nick treaded cautiously. “You didn’t get along.”

“Hardly.” She downed the rest of her shot and set the glass on the table. Leaning in, she said, “Can I tell you something? It’s confidential.”

He’d barely met her, and he didn’t think he could deny her anything. This was trouble. “You can tell me anything.”

“I probably shouldn’t, but you inspire confidence. It must be because you’re a solicitor.”

He was going to murder Summer when he saw her next. He downed the rest of his drink and signalled Niamh for another round.

Unaware of his dilemma, Rosalind said, “My father’s will is missing, and I said I’d help find it.”

He played with his glass, hoping he didn’t look as guilty as he felt. “That doesn’t sound too cloak-and-dagger.”

“I didn’t tell you what my sister wants to do with it.” She smiled at Niamh, who quietly placed fresh drinks in front of them. She lifted the glass and inhaled before taking a sip. “You don’t do criminal law or anything, do you? What’s your specialty?”

“I, er—I’ve been leaning toward contracts,” he replied as honestly as he could.

“Why contracts?”

“Why do you design wedding dresses?”

“My mother loves fashion, and I caught the bug,” she replied too casually.

“I get the feeling that’s not the whole answer.”

“The whole answer would take all afternoon, and I need to get back.” She finished her drink and stood. “Will I see you again?”

Standing, he left money on the table and gestured to the door.

“I’d like that,” she said when he didn’t reply.

Wanting to say yes to her, knowing he couldn’t, he took her hand instead and tugged her back, pulling her into his chest for one more kiss.

It felt more intimate than the first time—more urgent. Her lips echoed the need in his, equally eager. He cupped her head, massaging the nape of her neck, feeling her purr and melt in his arms.

When their mouths broke away, they stood panting, staring at each other.

She licked her passion-reddened lips. “I hadn’t expected this.”

“Neither had I.”

“I’m not complaining though.” She lifted onto her toes and kissed him again, brief but equally powerful, before she broke away and left the bar.

He watched the confident sway of her hips. They beckoned him to follow. He would have, too—followed her to the ends of the world just for another kiss.

But it was better this way. He’d never see her again—not under any good terms once she found out who Summer was. It was better that he let her go. Maybe one day he’d even make himself believe that.





Chapter Five



Em Shepherd ducked her head and tried to focus on the collage on her desk, but the delicious argument happening in the conference room kept drawing her attention. Who was the man who’d arrived to see Summer Welles?

It was none of her business, of course, except that Summer was a friend and had never mentioned any man in her life, other than a stepbrother. But Em couldn’t help herself. She was curious.

The most obvious choice was a client. Orson & Tomlin was a law firm, after all—they had a steady stream of affluent people flow in and out. As the receptionist, Em met all of them.

Only Summer didn’t usually greet any of her clients with a peck on the cheek. He couldn’t be her stepbrother. Stepbrothers were never that hot.