Page 42 of Hard to Break

“We found drugs in your locker.”

11

BROOKE

The Kodiaks’s win was electric. They needed it, and the entire town is buzzing.

By the time it’s over, the last thing I want to do is stop by a public event for my mom, but it’s too late to back out.

Plus, I have work to do.

I took an Uber across town, pausing when I got out at the bus stop featuring a full-height poster of the team. Miles is right next to Clay wearing a shit-eating grin.

I blow poster Miles a kiss.

The dinner is at a restaurant, held in a private room. A couple dozen supporters are here to network and cut checks. At this point in the campaign, my mom’s track record is important, but exposure matters more, and donations help get her name out.

“Brooke, how lovely to see you.” One of mom’s donors smiles from next to bar, a glass of champagne in her hand. “How have you been?”

I get a glass of wine and we catch up for a few minutes. She tells me about her daughters, both in school and trying to decide what they want to be. She’s starting a program to grow scholarships for women in business.

“Kevin,” she says after, her gaze flicking past me.

I try not to inhale is cologne as I turn to find him next to me.

“Ladies.” His suit is perfectly pressed, his teeth flashing white. It’s like someone popped him brand new out of a protective box outside the restaurant and sent him inside.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” the woman continues.

“Thank you. The merger isn’t a done deal, but my father’s been working on it for years.”

“I meant your engagement. How is Caroline?” the other donor asks.

Kevin smiles. “Busy.”

The answer takes me by surprise. Not “we broke up,” no “unfortunately the engagement is off.”

I cock my head. “Busy? Doing what?”

He doesn’t miss a beat. “Philanthropy mostly. She’s very involved.”

The woman gets pulled away and I lower my voice. “So, you’re split, but you haven’t told anyone?”

Kevin frowns. “We’re not advertising it.”

I’m used to everyone hiding things, but this is next level. “You could have just stayed engaged.”

“Hardly.” He sighs. “You have any idea how dull it is to be around someone who wants to give you exactly what you want?”

He’s unbelievable. “Do your parents not keep you busy enough at the firm that you have to keep tabs on my boyfriend and me?”

He leans a shoulder against the wall, looking past me. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You came at Miles at the Kodiaks’ arena. He doesn’t owe you anything. You both acted like assholes in college as far as I’m concerned.”

“But he’s the idiot you want to be with?” He grins, the smile I used to find charming.

“It sounds like you have a family merger you should be focused on.” I lift my glass to my lips and take a long sip. Then two more.

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