When Bianca’s dinner invitation had rolled into her email this morning, she hadn’t stopped to read the details. She should have. If she’d known it wasn’t going to be just the two of them, she never would have agreed to come. The last thing she needed was another dose of Patton Ryan.
What she did need was her best friend, a bottle of wine and a girls’ night. But how could she confide in Bianca when the guy driving her crazy was her fiancé’s brother?
“Why are you frowning? You look so tense.” Bianca nudged her elbow. “How’s work? Charles catching on yet?”
Cady sat back in her chair, sighing. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” She shook her head.
“Who’s Charles?” Zach asked, smiling. “Your fella?”
“Cady’s boss’s son,” Bianca explained. “Cady’s having to teach him everything and fix his mistakes.”
“I don’t mind helping him. We all need a little help when we start out.” She took a small sip of her champagne. “What really chaps my hide is knowing he’s my competition. The retirement of Daniel Grossman the third, head of my division and upper-level management mainstay, was announced at lunch today. He’s leaving the company, and his big fancy corner office at the end of month—”
“Oh my gosh!” Bianca squealed, releasing Zach’s hand for the first time since they’d sat at the lovely table in the elegant dining room of the Lassiter Botanical Gardens. “You’re so going to get the job... You are.”
“Maybe. But we mustn’t forget dear Charles.” Cady tried to keep her tone light even though she felt that hard knot of resentment settle in her stomach.
“But he hasn’t been there long enough—”
“He’s the boss’s son,” Zach cut in. Apparently he’d been listening to their conversation. “One of the unfortunate pitfalls of working in a family-owned business.”
Cady saluted him with her champagne flute.
“How is that fair?” Bianca argued.
“It’s not. Not in the least—it’s just the way it is.” Zach shook his head.
“You’ve been their go-to person for the last five years, Cady,” Bianca argued, clearly fuming on Cady’s behalf. “You have to fight for it.”
It was kind of hard to miss the adoration on Zach’s face as he looked at Bianca. He smiled, a proud sort of smile, and resumed his hold on her hand.
“It will be fine, Bibi,” Cady nudged Bianca. “You know me. I won’t give up.”
She knew it the minute he entered the restaurant. It irritated her that she could be so in tune with him, that her reaction to him was instantaneous—even if she’d yet to make eye contact with him. He looked rumpled and tired, the bags under his eyes and delectable stubble along his square jaw making him hotter than ever.
“Sorry I’m late,” Patton spoke, his gaze traveling around the table. He hadn’t expected to see her—that was obvious. His pale eyes widened then closed briefly. When they opened again, the muscle in his jaw bulged and there was a deep crease between his inky brows.
Great. He was just as happy to see her as she was to see him. She avoided his gaze, finishing off her champagne and setting the glass on the table. She was not going to look at him. Or watch him. Or pay any attention to him—not at all.
He sat beside her, his scent filling her nostrils and drawing her in.
It was no use. It didn’t matter that she was a highly successful businesswoman. In his presence, her cool and calm demeanor was nowhere to be found. If she was lucky, she could ignore the pull and ache he elicited deep inside her.
&n
bsp; “Rough day, bro?” Zach asked. “But I guess every day is a rough day in your line of work. I have to admit, I don’t regret not taking up the family business.”
Cady shot a questioning look at Bianca, leaning toward her friend and away from Patton. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
“The Ryans are a long-time law enforcement family,” Bianca explained. “Zach is—”
“Special,” Patton’s teasing tone implied it wasn’t a compliment.
Cady bit back a smile, glancing at the brothers. She paused, soaking in the genuine affection on Patton’s face. He looked almost human... She kind of liked it. His pale gaze found hers, but she looked away. He shifted in his chair, his knee brushing hers.
“Looks like your party is here?” All eyes turned to the gorgeous blonde Amazon smiling at them. “Are you ready to get started?” she asked.
“Yes, please join us.” Bianca smiled.