The Billionaire's Desire 3(4)

I saw Vivienne blush and noticed that she became extremely shy around Ethan. I don't think Jake noticed it, but I did. I wonder if there is some sort of history there? I would have to resume my thoughts later because Joshua was introducing me.

"Ethan, I would like for you to meet Sarah Vaughn, our newest associate. Sarah, this is our cousin, Ethan Hunter."

Cousin? That explains it. Good looks ran deep in this family.

Ethan's dark eyes slowly canvassed my face and then he gently grabbed my hand and lifted it to his lips.

"Enchanté." That sexy, smoldering thing must run in the family. "A business colleague at a family function…very unusual. You must be very special. I'm intrigued."

He held my gaze for a little bit too long because I felt my cheeks flush. Boy, he's a charmer! I glanced at Joshua because I could feel his eyes burning a hole right through me. Ethan was flirting with me and Joshua was not happy.

"Where is Emily, Ethan?" Joshua's stern question rang out. He apparently wanted to make it clear that Ethan was taken.

"Oh, you must not have heard. We are no longer together. We called off the wedding."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Joshua actually did sound sorry but I suspected it was for a different reason.

"No worries. There are plenty of beautiful women out there. I'm bound to meet another one." Again, he held my gaze and gave me a quick wink.

Ethan walked over to chat with other guests that had just arrived and I turned to Joshua. I could see the familiar fire in his eyes. I can't help it if your cousin flirted with me! His jealousy was beginning to annoy me. I decided to remain lighthearted and act as if nothing happened.

"Your cousin is quite the character."

"Yes he is. He's also pretty ruthless, so I'd stay away from him if I were you. There is a long history between us. His father was my father's brother and he died before my father did. Ethan is a year older than me and he wanted control of the company after my father died. He would have been CEO if he wasn't such a screw up. Initially, Ethan had a lot of potential and he was first in line to inherit the company. But his hard partying railroaded his success and I was put in charge of the company. Ethan was too much of a liability to us and it was decided that he would take a lesser position in the company. He still has voting rights but he can't make any decisions without my authorization. That's his main problem with me; he feels that I took the company from him. He harbors a lot of resentment toward me and I wouldn't want you to be affected by that."

"How on earth could I be affected by his negative feelings toward you?"

"Because he'll see that I…"

He stopped himself before finishing his sentence.

"Yes? He'll see that you what?" I could feel that he was hiding something and it was time that we started having honest dialogue.

Joshua looked surprised that I pushed a little bit and his eyes searched mine. It looked like he was trying to decide if he should continue. He hesitated and then just jumped ahead of what he was going to say.

"Just stay away from him. He's trouble."

I let out an exasperated sigh. How are we ever going to get to the next level if you don't open up to me?

He shot me a bit of a cold glance. "Is there a problem?"

I hesitated for a few seconds but then answered him. "No, not at all."

We went over to some of the guests that had arrived and Joshua introduced me. I met Bunny's two brothers and her sister and their children. While everyone was very friendly and welcoming, Ethan was the most charismatic of the bunch.

Lunch was going to be served in the backyard so we all headed outside. I decided to strike up a conversation with Vivienne who was acting aloof as always.

"This home is so beautiful, isn't it?"

"It is a beautiful home. My parent’s home is similar in size to this one."

"Oh, wow. That must have been amazing growing up in such a nice home."

"It was okay, I suppose." Her snobby attitude did nothing to endear me to her. Ugh, I just don't get what Jake sees in her!

"How big is this home, do you suppose?"

"Jake told me it has 10 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms and is around 48,000 square feet."

"Oh my goodness! That is incredible!" I couldn't help how amazed I was. I had never been anywhere like this before.

Vivienne ignored my enthusiasm and it seemed as if she had something on her mind. "Sarah?"

"Yes?"

"What did you think of Ethan?"

What a strange question. I wonder why she is asking me that.

"Um, well, he certainly knows how to make an entrance!" I wanted to keep my response lighthearted.

"That he does." She chuckled softly to herself but I could see something else was there. "Did you find him charming?"