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“And you’re the one who swans back into town— You know what? Forget it. I happen to think Bryceshouldbe with a woman like Paulie. No, she’s not some supermodel slut. She’s grounded and decent and loyal. And, I might point out to you, Spaniard, I’ve got a fairly amazing track record when it comes to matchmaking.”
“Bryce is going to break her heart.”
“Funny, how concerned you are about the hearts of women.”
“For God’s sake, look at my uncle,” Lucas said, his voice low. “Bryce has convinced himself Joe will get better, but he won’t. Joe asked me back here so he could see his son settled before he dies. I don’t want to have to tell him that Paulie’s father had Bryce’s body dumped in the lake.”
“HowGodfather: Part III. I think the Chicken King is more likely to cut him into pieces and deep-fry him.”
“Bryce needs to grow up. He needs a job, a home, a life.”
“And Paulie could—”
“Colleen, he’s never had a real relationship in his life.”
“Neither has Paulie,” she whispered hotly. “And wouldn’t it be nice to see first love work out for a change?”
He ignored that. “Leave him alone. Don’t manipulate him into a relationship he’s not ready for.”
“But men are simple creatures, Lucas dear, meant to be manipulated into doing what’s best for them.”
“Did you manipulate me into doing what was best?” His eyes were hot.
“No,” she hissed. “You’re my one failure. Ellen Forbes, on the other hand...she had you down cold.”
His eyes shut off, all that heat and anger instantly muted. “You’re wrong about that.”
“Yeah, sure, I’m wrong. You and she are like a Lifetime television movie. Boy from the wrong side of town marries billionaire’s daughter. Very romantic.”
“Don’t talk about her.”
That hurt—Lucas, defending his ex-wife. “Fine,” she muttered. “Either way, you underestimate your cousin. And Paulie, too. And me.”
“Oh, I’ve never underestimated you, hotshot.” He paused. “So you’re barreling ahead with this because you’re mad that I married Ellen?”
“No, Spaniard, your irritation is just a happy byproduct. I have good instincts about people, that’s all.”
“Use your instincts somewhere else.”
“In fact, you were the only man I’ve ever been wrong about. You and my dad.”
His jaw turned to iron, but he didn’t deny the comparison. Turned his eyes back to Joe.
“I have to go,” she said, standing. Yes. Time to make a regal exit.
Unfortunately, she tripped on the leg of the chair, landing on Joe, who woke up with a start (and a yelp). Lucas hauled her off his uncle and set her on her feet.
“Joe, I’m so sorry!” she said. “Are you okay? Did I bruise your kidneys?”
“Well, they don’t work anyway,” he said kindly.
“Any other body parts hurt? Spleen? Liver?”
“Don’t worry. I’m dying as it is.”
She bit her nail, then stopped. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Most fun I’ve had in weeks. I love your perfume.”
