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“That...” A muscle twitches in Elijah’s jaw.

I shrug, trying to brush it off. “It’s in the past. I’m working on getting that dream back, bit by bit. I feel like... I at least owe it to my younger self to try.”

“You shouldn’t have let him take that from you. It’s never too late. You’re talented, driven, and passionate. We would be lucky to have you.”

I nod slowly, his words sinking in. “What?”

“I already told you I want to help you. You should come to my office.”

I study him for a moment. Is he sincere, or is it another way to keep me close?

“You don’t have to pretend to be interested in my dream to keep up appearances.”

Elijah leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his broad chest. “My gem, I assure you, this isn’t some ruse. I genuinely want to help you.”

Does he? I swirl the wine in my glass, watching the deep red liquid coat the sides.

“Look.” Elijah uncrosses his arms. “You need someone or something to give your brand the push it deserves. And I’m offering myself as that person. Someone you can trust. We have a fashion brand under our roof.”

Can I trust a man who’s engaged to Esther?

“Why?”

Elijah’s eyebrows draw together. “What do you mean?”

“You’re engaged.” The obvious fact, he seems to keep overlooking all the time. “To Esther Whitman. Yet here you are, shooing off my date, offering to help me. Forgive me if I’m a little skeptical about your intentions.”

Elijah sighs. “I get why you don’t trust me. But I promise, my offer to help you is sincere.” He pauses. “Your brother trusts me.”

“How did you two meet?”

“Through my cousin and brother. They all went to college together, actually.”

Could he be talking about Connor and Brandon? Are they his family?

“Connor, my cousin, introduced us when he suggested I expand my business interests from the UK to New York. He thought Bash and I would get along. And he was right.”

“Let me guess… My brother is the one who suggested you help me, too?”

Elijah chuckles. “Nothing gets past you.” He reaches across the table, his fingers grazing the back of my hand in a gentle caress. “It was his suggestion, but that doesn’t mean I’m not fully on board with the idea.”

I nod slowly. I suppose Bash’s involvement makes Elijah’s interest in me and my brand less suspicious.

“I’ll stop by.”

“Great, let’s enjoy our dinner.” He takes another bite.

“So, what about you? Tell me a secret no one knows about you.”

“I like to collect rare antique fountain pens.”

“Really? Not what I was expecting.”

“There’s something about the craftsmanship that fascinates me. The intricacy. And, of course, writing with a quality pen is sublime.”

“I wouldn’t have pegged you for a pen enthusiast.” I take the last bite of my carbonara.

“What can I say?” He shrugs. “I appreciate the little things in life.”

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