Page 46 of End Game

“The size of Zeke’s ears could rival yours.” His brother’s office was beside Lynette’s, so he probably overheard enough of her conversation with Aunt Joan to trigger his protective instincts for his fiancée. “How did you know Joyce Ann talked to Lawson?”

A short visual battle ensued before her expression turned knowing. “Zeke decided to take matters into his own hands and sent his FBI brother to what, intimidate me?”

“If you knew anything about my recent history with my brother, you’d understand that he came to me for assistance as a last, desperate option.” He hardened his tone. “Zeke doesn’t want his fiancée worrying about her alleged idiot best friend, right now.”

The perpetual humor that curled at the corner of her eyes fell away. “That’s what friends do. Worry about each other, whether for valid reasons or not.” Her gaze sharpened. A hyperalertness that wasn’t there seconds ago. “Why right now?”

“Pardon?”

“You said Zeke doesn’t want Liv worrying about me ‘right now.’ Is something going on with her?”

Who’s the idiot now, Blackwell?

“If something was, I’m the last person my brother would confide in.”

Something like empathy softened her expression. But only for a second. She was a dog, at the moment. He, a bone. “You suspect something.” When he didn’t respond quickly enough, she demanded, “Tell me.”

“And have you running to Steele Ridge? No thanks. I have enough disappointment”—betrayal—“piled at my brother’s feet.”

Her cup clattered against the end table when she set it down. The lobbyist unfolded her long legs from beneath her and set her feet firmly on the floor. She leaned toward him. “Liv’s my best friend. If something is wrong, I have a right to know.”

His gaze clashed with hers. “Like she has a right to know if her friend is about to throw away her career, maybe even her freedom?”

She didn’t flinch, didn’t avert her eyes. Didn’t even hitch a breath. “Tell me, Ash.”

She wasn’t going to let it go. The last thing he needed was for her to blast Liv with a bunch of questions she wasn’t ready to answer, because of something he let slip.

“You’re a damn annoying woman.”

“And you’re a self-righteous stick-in-the-mud.”

“I don’t need you causing me more trouble with Zeke. If you run out there, telling them I told you?—”

“I won’t,” she cut him off. The hand resting against the sofa’s arm rolled into a tight fist, but not before Ash noticed her trembling fingers.

“You have my word. Tell me, please.”

He drew in a deep breath, hoping he wasn’t digging a deeper hole for himself with Zeke. The realization that he’d gladly pay the price if it meant allaying her fears made his voice rough and angry.

“I think my brother is protecting the mother of his soon-to-be-child.”

21

Kayla burst from the sofa, her hands making the WTF gesture in the air. “For shit’s sake, Ash. You had me thinking my best friend was dying.”

“Don’t get fired up at me. I didn’t say a single word that would indicate Liv was at death’s door.” He frowned at her. “You’ve got one wild imagination.”

Kayla plopped back down on the sofa. Face in her hands. She worked to control her wildly beating heart, while envisioning herself putting Ash Blackwell in a headlock and giving him the noogie of a lifetime.

Five, four, three, two, one.

Once again, the silent chant helped calm her.

Straightening, she eyed her guest. “What makes you think Liv is pregnant?”

He shrugged. “Small things.”

“Such as?”

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