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“We’ve known each other going on ten years.”
“Wow. Long time.”
“I started interning for William Owen when I was fresh out of college. Mostly at the office, but the entire family would pop in from time to time. Benji hired me to manage his personal schedule about eight months ago, but he’s always been in my periphery. I mean, not just him. They all have,” she amends. “It’s hard not to notice the Owens. They’re each so…unique.”
They are. Nate’s gruff good looks mask a tender heart, Archer’s scowl seems to be hiding more turmoil, and Benji’s joy and happiness are absolutely contagious.
I suppress a smile and sip my martini. Benji hired Cris eight months ago. He’s oblivious, unlike his super-observant brother, Nate.
“Have Benji and Trish been together long?” Not to rub salt into a wound, but I need more details. I don’t tend to hold back, in case you haven’t noticed.
“I met her one other time. She had a meeting with Benji the other night that ran late.” She rolls her eyes. “He’s a player and a half. Any woman would be crazy to become involved with him.”
“You should warn Trish, being his life coach and all.”
“Life assistant coach,” she corrects, holding up a finger.
I laugh. I like her. Way more than I like Trish. “What does that even mean?”
“It means he can pay me more than William paid me. I demanded a raise.” Her tone suggests she believes she deserves it. Interesting. Maybe the “thing” she has for her boss is nothing more than inconvenient attraction brought on by proximity.
Inconvenient attractions can fool you into wanting more. Trust me.
I crane my head to look for Nate, but he’s gone. He appears beside me a second later and runs his finger along the back of my arm. I jump and spin around, startled. He fills the space around me. I always imagined those open cracks would let the monsters in, but look who’s guarding the door.
“Dance with me.” He sets his empty glass on the bar and takes my hand. I check on Cris, hesitant to leave her alone.
Archer is next to her offering her his hand. “Shall we?”
She smiles up at him and Archer slants me a knowing glance.
“Who knew Archer had a heart,” I remark as Nate leads me to the dance floor.
“We hide our hearts in whatever way is convenient,” he says. “Benji with his women.” Nate settles his hands on my waist, claiming me. “Archer with his warm, fuzzy personality.”
I laugh at his sarcasm. “And you?”
My arms around his neck, I sway to the slow beat of the song. We move well together. Just as good as when we’re wrapped around each other on the couch. Or a hotel bed. Or in the bathtub…
“I hide behind giving luxurious gifts.” He gives up his secret easily. “What about you? Where do you hide your broken heart, Vivian?”
“Up my skirt,” I answer cheekily. “Want to check?”
“Behind that sass,” he answers for me. Then he lets me off the hook with a, “And yes, I’ll have a look for it later.”
