Guilt as sharp as the tip of one of his carving knives sliced through his gut and left it aching. She could never know he’d originally planned to seduce her in order to keep her from selling the property. He regretted the reason he’d been determined to get her in his bed, but not the outcome. It may have started as a way to save his restaurant, but the dreams made it clear. Lola belonged to him. At least until she left for California.
Their sexual relationship made it that much easier to create music together, the words and melodies flowing like his favorite wine. They’d composed nine songs so far, but they still hadn’t found the one they felt would impress the producer enough to offer her a contract.
He leaned in, his lips hovering over hers. “The wine isn’t my most valued possession.”
She inhaled sharply. “No?”
He shook his head and held her face in his hands. It was time to make his true feelings for her clear. “Lola—” The loud ringing of his doorbell pierced the moment. She jumped back a step, and he swore under his breath. “Who could be here this early?”
“Ex-girlfriend, maybe?” she said nonchalantly. Hmm, is that jealousy in her tone?
They walked out of the kitchen and made their way to the front door. The last person he expected to see on his doorstep was his sister, Rosalind, with a suitcase.
“You are not going to believe what mother—” She stopped and stared with surprise at Lola who stood behind him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to have company. You’re Viola, right?” she asked shyly.
“Lola,” she corrected, moving next to Braden and offering her hand. “Come in, it’s cold out there.”
Snow fell steadily to the ground. Since they’d gotten home last night, they must have accumulated at least three inches.
Rose stepped inside and Braden shut the door. He took his sister’s coat and hung it in the hall closet.
Lola stayed by the door, looking uncomfortable. “We didn’t really get a chance to talk at the engagement party. Braden’s told me a lot about you.”
Rose’s gaze bounced back and forth between Lola and Braden, obviously confused. “Are you visiting?”
Braden threw his arm over Lola’s shoulder. “She lives here.”
Lola smiled really wide and he immediately recognized it as the same fake smile she gave Jon. “Well, not really. It’s only temporary. I have an apartment, but Reina—I’m sure you remember my mom from the party?—she’s staying with me to help Portia get ready for the wedding, and Braden was kind enough to let me stay here because living with my mother is just too close for comfort.” She took a breath.
Rose nodded and slid a glance at her brother. “I can understand that.”
Braden couldn’t help but feel offended by Lola’s explanation. Sure, that’s why she’d stayed here initially, but it had turned into more than just a convenient place to stay. Hadn’t it?
Lola turned to Braden. “I think I’ll take my own car to Acropolis this morning so you and your sister can talk.”
In the last week, they’d driven to work together and hadn’t been apart for more than a few minutes at a time. Funny how in such a short period, he’d come to rely on their routine.
Rose’s face crumbled. “No, you don’t have to do that. Braden and I can find a more convenient time. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” His sister had a guilt complex the size of Texas.
Why was she here? She was supposed to be in Athens with their mother.
Lola opened the closet and pulled out her coat. “You didn’t interrupt anything but breakfast, and I already ate.” She grinned at him. “I’m sure your brother would love to cook you some eggs.”
Rose grimaced. “I’m more of a Pop Tart kind of gal.”
Braden frowned. What was it with the women he lo—he halted that thought—these women and their Pop Tarts?
Lola laughed. “I like you. If you’re staying in town, maybe we could hang out together.” After slipping on her coat, she crossed to him. Thinking she’d kiss him goodbye, he lowered his head, but instead she slugged him in the arm. “I’ve got some manuals to read this morning anyway. You can test me later.”
He winked. “You can count on it. Don’t forget tonight’s oral exam.”
Her breathing hitched and she froze, but she quickly recovered. “Right. Nice seeing you again, Rose.” She took off so fast through the front door, she practically ran.
He’d have to find out what that was all about, but first things first. He led his sister into the kitchen and they sat at the table, drinking coffee together like old times. “What are you doing back in Michigan, Rosalind?”