Page 159 of One Wealthy Wedding

I give him a rueful smile when he pulls away. My father might be someone Theo can vanquish, but after this morning, I don’t trust Theo either.

He must see it in my face, because he winces and takes a long gulp of wine. “I carried shame with me for years around my mother’s job.”

“There’s no shame in it,” I say. Oh, Theo. I think back to the long-limbed green-eyed boy he was back then. Wild and reckless, but hiding a tender heart. Just like he is now. Pretending not to love when he loves deeply. So deeply that he pushes people away before they can reject him first. His father was first, and the women came after. He thinks everyone will leave him, that he’s not worthy. Am I willing to prove him right?

I can’t.

I refuse. I believed in Theo back then, and I believe in him today. That’s more important than my pride.

“I know that now, but at twenty, I didn’t. I hated how your parents looked at her, like they didn’t even see her. And I thought you were the same. I know I was wrong.”

“I hated it too,” I say. “She’s wonderful.”

“She is. And I’m glad you had her.”

“Are you? Because I’m pretty sure you hated sharing her.” My voice is dry enough for him to know I’m joking.

His mouth tips up. “Yeah. I did. I was a selfish little shit as a kid.”

I shrug. “I was too. I was spoiled. I don’t really blame you for resenting me. I resented you too.” I’m a better person now. Leaving molded me into a woman I can be proud of instead of the pampered girl I was before.

His head jerks back. “You did?”

I nod. “You had a wonderful childhood. A mom who loved you. Freedom. It’s why I liked hanging out with you so much. You were fun. Reckless, but fun.”

He winces. “Reckless is putting it mildly. I’m lucky I never got you seriously hurt.”

“Would have been something I could add to the list, at least.”

He barks a surprised laugh, and warmth curls inside me. Even if I don’t want it to. Even if I promised myself I would never fall for Theo.

“I never thought about it that way,” he says hoarsely. “I never knew what it was like for you. I couldn’t see beyond my own teenage angst.”

I lift one shoulder. “I know.” And yet it feels good to hear it. “I could have been a little more self-aware too.”

He plates more cheese for me, pours me more wine, selects the best-looking strawberries and tomatoes with care.

“You chose this dinner intentionally,” I say, realization dawning. “You knew I would only give you dinner, so you chose the slowest possible meal.”

He grins at me as he pours a second glass for himself. “Technically, dinner lasts until the wine is done. And I’m a very slow drinker.” He winks and takes the tiniest sip.

My heart feels like it’s growing as he watches me. I take a huge gulp and hold my glass out for more. He laughs, a big laugh, from his chest.

“What would it take to win you?” he asks, all intensity, all focus.

My chest squeezes. Now that my heart is too big, I feel like I can’t breathe. He’s impossibly wonderful and not for me. “I can’t be won, Theo.”

“You know that saying that only makes me want you more.” His frankness draws a laugh from me.

“You’re very persistent.” I like it. Too much. The thought of being pursued by Theo makes me flush with pleasure.

“Oh, baby. You have no idea.” He watches me eat, leaning forward on his knees. “Come with me, Cat.”

My skin prickles under his scrutiny. “Come with you where?”

“To my house in the Hamptons. I’ll let you drive.”

“That does not make it more enticing,” I say dryly, but inside, I’m hot and wanting and so confused.

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