Page 2 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

"He’s not," I interrupt, shaking my head. "It’s nothing. Just someone I had classes with. We’re not friends."

Ryan doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push it. Instead, he wraps an arm around my shoulders and steers me toward the exit. "Come on, let’s get out of here and get some food."

"Great. I’m starving."

"You’re always starving. I have no idea where you put it all," he says, a grin spreading across his face.

I’ve finished packing up my dorm room when Ryan pokes his head through the door. “Ready to go?” he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Go where?” I reply, eyeing him suspiciously. After the whirlwind of graduation, I thought he’d head back to Texas right away. Being an oil tycoon and billionaire doesn’t give him a whole lot of free time.

He grins. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

I raise an eyebrow but decide to play along. With Ryan, surprises are usually worth the suspense. “All right, but if this involves skydiving or bungee jumping, count me out. That’s all you and your adrenaline gene, one I did not inherit.”

He chuckles. “Not this time. Come on.”

I turn to my now former roommate and fellow law school graduate and pull her into a hug. “Kennedy, I’m going to miss you so much.”

She hugs me back. “Nonsense. I’ll only be one town over. Hibiscus Harbor is practically down the street. We’ll see each other all the time. I promise.”

“You love her. She loves you. Let’s get going.” Ryan ushers me out the door with a wave.

We make our way out of the building, the late afternoon sun casting golden hues across the campus. I take a deep breath, letting the memories of the past years wash over me. It’s bittersweet leaving this place, but excitement bubbles beneath the surface.

Ryan leads me to his waiting car and driver, and we drive off campus. Instead of heading toward Ryan’s penthouse in Manhattan where he stays whenever he’s working in the northeast, we take a turn toward the outskirts of town.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask, glancing over at him.

“Patience, little sister, is a virtue,” he teases. “Good things come to those who wait.”

“Why is patience a virtue? Why can’t hurry the fuck up be a virtue?” I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. The landscape changes from collegiate brick buildings to open fields as we approach a small private airport.

“Ryan…” I begin, realization dawning.

He parks near a sleek black private jet waiting on the tarmac with the words Shadow Strike Ventures emblazoned across the side. A pilot stands at the base of the stairs, tipping his hat in greeting.

“Surprise,” Ryan says.

“You’re flying me home?” I ask, disbelief coloring my tone. “What about my stuff in my dorm? What about my car? I can drive myself home, you know.”

“Thought it’d be nicer than that cramped rust bucket you call a car,” he replies casually. “I’ve already taken care of your stuff, and it’ll be shipped to your apartment later this week. Plus, I wanted to spend a bit more time with my little lawyer sister. Is that okay?”

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “You didn’t have to do this and I’m not a lawyer, yet. I still need to pass the Florida bar exam.”

“I wanted to do it and besides, you’ll ace that exam just like you did all your classes in law school,” he insists. “Now come on, before the tower gives our departure slot away.”

We board the jet, and soon we’re soaring above the clouds. The cabin is luxurious, all leather seats and polished wood. Ryan pours us each a glass of champagne.

“To the newest Princeton Law graduate and soon to be the best attorney in the world,” he toasts, clinking his glass against mine.

“Thanks, Ryan,” I say softly. “For paying for school, your support… for everything.”

“Don’t mention it.”

We settle into comfortable conversation, talking about my plans now that school is over.

“I’ve been thinking,” I begin, swirling the champagne in my glass. “I’m going to take both the Florida and Texas bar exams this year.”

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