Page 14 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

I’ve kept quiet about Lucia. It’s not like I can tell her father, Niall, or my younger brother, Caleb. But I need to talk to someone about how I almost ruined everything by trying to kiss her four days ago.

What the hell was I thinking?

“You’re quieter than normal,” Zander tells me as he picks an iron from the caddy.

It’s been two days since her test results arrived in my inbox, proving she is indeed clean. Not that I expected a different result.

But I know she must be wondering how I’m feeling right now. If I got a result I didn’t like.

I should contact her and continue with the agreement we both signed up for, but I’m still pissed at myself for losing control.

“Did Oscar call you to let you know that Nadia’s gone into labor,” Niall announces, stepping up to take his shot.

No.But I don’t react. My son, Oscar, is a busy hockey player and his wife is an international model. They have quite the hectic life.

Niall doesn’t wait for my response as he takes his shot. His ball hooks left, landing in the rough. “Damn.”

“Another grandchild. I expect a hoard from them.” I smile, genuinely happy. “Which is a wonderful thing, as Amelia just split with her boyfriend, so no grandkids from her anytime soon. And Olivia—” I shake my head. “She’s about to start her final year as a medical student in Boston. Then it’s residency for her, and god only knows how long it’ll be before she has children.”

Zander’s head snaps up. It’s the perfect opening to discuss with my business partner about another club opportunity.

“And how’s the club in New York?” I ask, watching him set up his shot.

Zander used to manage a rival Boston club before he found the New York club and asked me to finance it.

He hits his ball.

“I sent a report through to you. But in brief, profits are up fifteen percent this quarter.” His ball flies straight, landing near the pin.

“Good. Does that mean you could be interested in expanding again? There’s a club in Miami I’ve been watching. Scouted it a few times this past year.”

“What’s the asking price?” Zander’s eyes narrow with interest. He had nothing before I helped him out, now he is as hungry as me.

“Seven million. But the location’s prime, right on South Beach. Some money and care, and we could be running another high income club a month after opening.”

“I don’t know. Miami. It’s dangerous.”

“We’ll hire the best security,” I tell him.

He sighs. “Send me the numbers. If the accounts check out, I could be in.”

“This is a no business game,” Niall interrupts the conversation.

“Only grandkids,” I tease as we jump in the buggy.

The golf buggy bounces over a slight bump as we head to the next hole. Niall shifts in his seat beside me, clearing his throat.

“Did you hear about Lucia splitting with Jack?”

My fingers tighten on the steering wheel. Of course I know. I’ve known for weeks.

Niall doesn’t notice my back shackling at the mention of her name. “She’s stupid to let him go. He was perfect for her.”

“Amelia told me he cheated on her.” I park the buggy near the next tee. “Multiple times.”

“He’s a stockbroker.” Niall steps out, club in hand. “He could’ve given her a good life. I’m trying to get them back together. Told her to give him another chance.”

“He cheated.” The muscle in my jaw ticks. “And maybe it’s time you butted out of her life. She’s twenty-seven years old.”

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