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He offers his hand, grinning in the way you make an acquaintance. “Nice to meet you, Ford.”
“Kent,” I drop his hand.
“And this is Rowan.”
Rowan stands, offering her hand and I intervene, curling her to my side.
“How about a drink?” Tera asks with unusual cheeriness.
“We’re actually leaving.” I get my credit card out of my wallet and slip it to a passing waiter.
“That’s too bad.” She pouts. Unlike Rowan, her sulk resembles a spoiled brat. “How’s the salon, Rowan?”
“Doing great.”
“And your new line of products? Did you ever make anything out of that?”
Rowan tenses picking up on the sarcasm. “Actually, yes. The first order will be on my shelves next week.”
Tera’s grin falters. “Well, that came together fast.”
“Not fast enough. My dad and I have been working on this for years. The business side didn’t take as long as we expected.”
“Guess it helps to have money in your corner.”
My blood boils at the insult and insinuation. Rowan’s fingers dig into my side and she laughs. Actually, it’s more of a humorless cackle.
“My support system is an immense driving force and is irreplaceable. I’m glad I had the sense to save up all these years to provide the financial springboard.”
“I’m sure that will help with buying a new house, too. The market has really skyrocketed,” Tera says through gritted teeth.
“Actually, the house hunt is on hold.” Rowan peers up at me, the glimmer in her eyes full of intent. “I realized Ford’s not a townhome type of man. He needs space. We’ll enjoy the club until we build.”
“You’re moving into the Whitman home?” Tera squeaks. “Does Celia know?”
“Yes, she’s excited and planning a trip soon. She’s thrilled to add a woman’s touch back to the place.”
Pride spikes in my system. Without missing a beat, Rowan delivered the blow that knocks Tera off course.
“Mr. Whitman?”
I turn to the waiter and take the leather binder, adding a tip and signing without breaking eye contact with Kent. He has the audacity to appear bored.
“How do you know Tera?” I ask.
“We met through work.” Tera links her arm through his elbow. “Speaking of work, how is your new project?”
“No project, still the same position,” I counter coolly.
“What about the drug bust?”
“One-time thing. Back at the station.”
She stiffens, the color draining from her face. Her shock and Kent’s reaction don’t escape me.
“You caught a ring of robbers last night, right, honey?”
I break my stare down and peek at Rowan. She’s so damn adorable my cock stirs against my jeans.
