Page 19 of Like You Love Me

Rush loved women. She had seen them on his arm and even photographs on Instagram. When he wanted a date, he had no problem finding one. But the truth was Rush was happier by himself, lost in his work. He seemed less frustrated dealing with business than dealing with a woman who would eventually expect more from him than he was willing to give.

“Only single women are allowed to participate in this event. We’re not having any issues with angry husbands showing up, so don’t you worry, Rush, I got your back.”

He gave a rude snort. “I’ve heard that before.”

She giggled. “Well, this is going to be all in fun and remember, it’s for charity. We have families with young children who are counting on you.”

“Squirt, you’re playing dirty.”

Bianca shrugged. “Hey, I learned from the best that you can’t get anywhere in life without pulling on heartstrings.” It was a long shot, but she knew she had him.

A ghost of a smile curved Rush’s lips. “All right, just let my assistant know.”

“Thank you, cousin. I love you and be safe. And make sure to send me what you consider to be a romantic evening for two. That way, it’s a decision you made.”

“Now it’s starting to sound like a date,” he groaned.

“Never mind. Sinfany knows you better than anybody. I’m sure she’ll come up with something,” Bianca added with laughter.

He grimaced. “I’m sure she will.”

They talked a few more minutes about their parents, and then she ended the call with a smile. The bachelor auction was starting to look up. She sent Danica a quick confirmation text and left the office for home.

After leaving the restaurant for the evening, London looked down to see his gas light was on and scowled. He had forgotten to stop and fill the tank on his way in this morning. He made a left at the next corner and pulled into a convenience store that provided everything you could need to avoid a trip to the supermarket. London climbed out, and while his Hummer swallowed gas, he rubbed his leather gloves together, hoping to heat his fingers. The temperature had dropped, and the wind had picked up, sending snow flurries dancing through the air. As far as he was concerned, spring couldn’t come soon enough.

He looked around and spotted a familiar blue Volvo off to the side of the parking lot. He walked with wide strides, hitting the wet pavement; he crossed the lot to the vehicle and peered through the tinted window. Inside, he spotted his sister Camille leaned back on the seat with her cell phone against her cheek. When she looked over to see him standing there, her eyes widened before the glass lowered, and she said, “Kara, my brother’s here. I’ll call you later.” She ended the call, and a smile curled her painted lips. “Hello, big brother.”

He leaned his head inside the car and appreciated the warm air blowing on his cold nose. “What are you doing sitting out in your car?”

Camille frowned. “I have a flat tire, so I pulled off the road. Now I’m waiting for AAA.”

London stepped back, and his eyes shifted left to right before walking over to the other side, where he saw a deflated tire. Camille slightly lowered the passenger side window.

“The dispatcher said it’s a busy night, and it will be about fifty minutes before someone could be here.”

“Fifty? Why didn’t you call me?” he barked.

She shrugged. “Because I know you stay busy big brother, so I figured I would just wait.”

“It’s dark out here. Don’t ever sit and wait. That’s what brothers are for.” He brushed a hand across the skull cap and released an angry breath. Camille was in a safe area, but what if she hadn’t been? He couldn’t even imagine the idea of one of his sisters sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. “I’ll be right back. Pop the trunk.”

He stepped away long enough to move his SUV so that someone else could use the gas pump then pulled up beside her car, using his headlights to bathe the ground. With the wind biting at his cheeks, London removed the spare tire and the jack from her truck and within minutes had her vehicle ready to go.

“What the hell did you run over?” he prodded. A large piece of steel was lodged in the tire like a spike.

“I road through a construction site,” Camille replied with a laugh. “I guess I ran over something.”

“No kidding.”

London carried the tire over to the rear of his Hummer and loaded it inside. Once the jack was back in her trunk, he slammed it shut. When he came around and climbed into the passenger side beside her, he was grateful to find the seat warmer on. “I’ll have your tire fixed in the morning and bring it by your office.”

“Thank you, big brother. You’re simply irreplaceable.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. He couldn’t resist a grin before he noticed her expression sober. “Hey, I was going to call you later.”

“What’s up?” he asked and saw the concern on Camille’s toasted-pecan colored face.

She wrinkled her nose. “I was at lunch with a client who wants me to design his new office and spotted Caleb at the bar across the street.”

London had to bite his tongue. “What time was this?”

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