Page 20 of His Rules

“Yes, that’s what happens when we age. Ask your dad. He’s starting to bald.” I was only teasing, but as expected, Daniel touched the back of his head.

“You’re an asshole, buddy. Hey, maybe you can come to dinner sometime this week since Elizabeth, I mean Kacey, is staying for a few more days.”

“Still in New York?” I asked her, doing my best to act natural. As if that was possible.

“Yes. I fell in love with the people, the foods, and the vibrant atmosphere. Totally different than in a sleepy little town like St. Louis.”

She grinned as her father drove his hip into hers. “We’re not a little town, missy. You just prefer the bright lights and crazy traffic jams.”

“Oh,” I said as I lifted my glass. “We have those too.”

Her smile remained, but it was plastic, practiced. I’d seen the same one when she’d addressed the jerk in the bar.

“I won’t keep you, buddy, but maybe dinner on Thursday night?” Daniel asked.

“I’ll check my calendar.”

“Good to see you. You need to get out more. You’re starting to look a little like a vampire.” Danny always loved busting my chops just as I did with him. It was our way of blowing off steam. Some had called our relationship a bromance.

Somehow, I doubted it would last if he learned I’d fucked his daughter. As they walked away, I remained right where I was, unable to take my eyes off her. She was dressed for the event, the dark crimson satin perfect for her eyes. While the dress was slightly conservative, likely selected by her father, she was without a doubt the most stunning woman in the room.

“You said you were paying by check, sir?”

I was pulled back into reality, but not before Kacey gave me a quick glance. The desire remained, but we’d both worn a mask to hide the evidence of our affair.

“Yes, a check. How much?”

As the woman handed me a piece of paper, I reached for my checkbook, chuckling at seeing the price. One hundred thousand dollars for an oversized painting to hang on a wall. At least the proceeds were going to charity.

And I’d have that memory I’d been thinking of.

Which was good, because there wouldn’t be anything else shared between us.

Ever.

CHAPTER 7

Kacey

“Ms. Taylor?”

“Yes,” I answered as I climbed out of the rental car. My father had mentioned allowing me to use one of the three he owned, but I preferred something that cost less than a three-story house.

“This is Ms. Bennett.”

It took me a few seconds to recognize her name. I was shocked she was calling me. “Yes, Ms. Bennett. What can I do for you?” I almost allowed something snide to slip out, but thought better of it. My God. She was calling on a Sunday. Work hard much? I felt like a slacker. Sundays were my day of rest. Well, shopping or sitting all alone watching movies. Ugh. My life.

Even when Nathan had been in my life, we’d rarely spent Sundays together. Maybe I should have seen that as a sign.

“I’m calling to ask if you’d consider coming in for an in-person interview. I realize you’re out of town and will need to make arrangements, which we will gladly reimburse you for.”

Whew. When a company offered to pay expenses just to meet you, that was impressive.

“Um. Well, I’m already in town. For another interview.” I might as well pull some leverage. I really didn’t want to consider accepting the job with the car dealership, not even if they upped their salary range.

“Oh, I see. Would you still like to be considered for this position?”

“Yes, I would.”

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