Page 36 of The Companion Love Trap

“That would mean you’re cool,” Kieran quipped, taking me by surprise. Laughing, I snorted, almost spilling my coffee.

“Maybe. But you’ll have to earn it.” I winked, enjoying the flirting.

Jace growled, his hands reaching out to tickle my sides. I dodged, barely missing his fingertips before he gave chase. Giggling, I hid behind Kieran, using him as a shield. To my surprise, he allowed me, giving his best friend his grumpy face and crossing his arms to ward him off.

“Not fair,” Jace hissed, lunging around one side of Kieran. I stuck out my tongue, laughing as I tried not to focus on how amazing Kieran’s ass felt pressed into my belly. Buns of steel, I tell ya!

“Mr. Byrne, is that you?” a voice asked, freezing Kieran.

He turned, his body rigid, and I watched as he morphed into the man I’d met yesterday. I hadn’t realized how much he’d thawed toward me until I saw him revert to this version of himself. The no-nonsense businessman with no personality.

“Mrs. Combs,” he greeted, not saying anything further. Jace spun on his heels, a charming smile on his face.

“Jodie! Looking beautiful as ever. How are the grandkids?” he asked, kissing her hand. I slipped around to Kieran’s side and took his hand, hoping to give him courage. I could tell how much he hated this part of running a company. It also gave me some insight into how he and Jace operated and why it seemed like he deferred to the other man at times. Jace just had that way about him.

The woman in question gushed to Jace like an old friend; her smile was warm and friendly. Her eyes met mine a second later, and she stumbled over her words in surprise.

“Apologies. I didn’t see you had company. How rude of me. I’m Jodie Combs. My husband’s an investor in Mr. Byrne’s company.”

“Everly Carlisle,” I said, extending my free hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

Kieran cleared his throat, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and pulling me closer. “This is my girlfriend, Mrs. Combs.”

Her eyes softened as she stared at me before flicking back to Jace, and I wondered if the woman picked up more than she gave away.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Everly. I was so thrilled when I heard Kieran would be bringing someone. He’s a special one.”

Kieran shuffled on his feet, apparently not accustomed to praise.

“That he is,” I said, smiling at my blushing boyfriend and enjoying how ruffled he was. If only I could reach his cheek, then I could give him a kiss.

Hold up, where did that thought come from? I mentally slapped myself on the head. Time for another rule, since the emotional condom wasn’t working.

Companion Rule #6—never forget it’s fake.

“It’s so nice to see young love,” she gushed. “I’ll let you get settled, though I look forward to getting to know you more at dinner, dear.” She patted Jace’s hand before waving and walking back the other way.

“She seems nice,” I said once she was gone.

“She is. One of the few,” Jace stated, spinning back around, the earlier playfulness gone. “I think you officially passed your first test. Good job, mate.” He clapped Kieran’s shoulder, knocking him out of his stare off with the empty space.

“Huh. Oh, yeah.” He stepped away, his arm dropping from around my shoulder. The heat of his body left me, and I instantly missed it. Get. A. Grip.

“Shall we continue touring?” I asked, distracting myself and them from how much I wanted him to pull me toward him again.

Jace pointed out different things we could do as we walked the decks, taking in the pool, a few bars, and a fitness room. It all went in one ear and out the other as I nodded along, too focused on the unfamiliar emotions churning in my gut. My stomach grumbled, reminding me I’d skipped out on breakfast.

“Let’s get you something to eat, Firecracker,” Jace said, winking as he turned us around.

As we headed back to the main area, the cutest dog ever bounded toward us, its leash trailing behind them. I instantly dropped to block it from getting by, holding my hands for it to run to. The furry fluff ball skidded as it tried to brake, running smack into my legs. I scooped up the golden love bug, nuzzling my nose into its fur as I gave the dog some love.

“Where are you off to, little one? You’re the cutest thing ever. Your owner must be terrified,” I cooed.

“He was,” a voice I’d have recognized anywhere said.

Snapping my head up, I met Cruz’s molten gaze and blinked, convinced I was hallucinating from lack of food. He stepped closer to me, his thumb trailing over my arm and bringing shivers.

“You have a dog?” I asked instead of the one I really wanted. Why are you here?

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