Page 20 of Kyle
"I love you."
She forced a smile. "And there's no way in hell I'm going without having my chicken and potato salad."
The relief on his handsome face made her want to weep.
"I knew you only came for the food."
Stepping towards her, he wrapped her into his arms and whispered. "Thank you."
She hugged him back, sending a look at the attractive man standing there, a look with a warning that says, hurt him and you answer to me. With a nod of understanding, he smiled.
Chapter 6
She watched him during the very delicious meal her brother whipped up. Ignoring the annoyed look on Matthew's face, she grilled him like a bloody fish and felt justified doing it. Matthew was a Ryder and as much as he liked to pretend the vast sum of money and resources did not exist, it did and that made him vulnerable.
In the past he had had several near disasters that had been settled by their grandfather, and she could still recall the asshole who reeled him in and tried to hose him down for millions. He had received a couple thousand and threatened that if he did not disappear, there would be dire consequences. So, she dug and asked questions.
To his credit, Andre held steady. He was a successful attorney who came from a wealthy family. He was also the only son, with three sisters and was working at the family's law firm. His parents preferred to ignore what they called 'his phase' and continued to push women at him with the hopes that he would 'come to his senses'.
"I met your brother at the lowest juncture of my life." Light blue eyes softened as he looked over at Matthew. They had finished the meal and were enjoying the strawberry shortcake and coffee in the drawing room. An electronic fire simmered in the hearth, casting a lovely and cozy glow around the room.
Ingrid had taken off her boots and settled on a sofa next to Matthew, her feet stretched out over his thighs. "I had to tell the woman my parents threw at me that I wasn't interested." He sipped coffee, pensively. "She was someone I admire and respect and we knew each other for a long time. She had certain expectations."
He shrugged slim shoulders. "It did not help that her parents and mine fed those expectations. She had it in her head that she was in love with me. I tried." He cleared his throat and trained his eyes on hers. "I thought that if I just opened myself up, I could forget who I was. I took her to bed."
"At first it looked as if it was going to work out. As soon as I undressed her and took off my clothes, I knew it wasn't going to." He swallowed coffee. "I broke her heart and lost her friendship. That was when I decided, no more. To hell with it. Then I met your brother in court."
His smile came. "I fought the attraction, told myself that he had to be straight and then the second time I invited him out for coffee. Just two public servants shooting the breeze. We talked for an hour and discovered things about each other."
Matthew rubbed her feet absently. "I told him there was no way we could be with each other. Because of who I was." He shook his head. "He persisted."
"I know you don't have a reason to trust me."
"I have no reason to distrust you either." Ingrid told him smoothly. She was touched by the story, but still cautious. "Matthew and I have been through too much together. Our parents are..." She shrugged. "They would never receive the parents of the year award. And my brother's track record with guys is not the best. Neither is mine for that matter."
"He told me you just got married." Andre's calm blue eyes held hers. "A matter of convenience."
Ingrid met her brother's eyes, and he returned it with defiance. "We confide in each other. Got a problem with that?"
"Not unless he's going to blab it to the press." She countered.
"Ingrid..."
"I won't. You don't know me, I get that, but I love your brother and would never do anything to hurt him."
"I'll reserve judgement." She rolled her eyes as Matthew sent her a baleful glance. "Be pissed all you want. You're just going to have to deal with it."
"Fine." He grumbled.
Andre finished his coffee and rose.
"I thought you were staying."
"I will be back tomorrow." He assured Matthew. "And you need some time with your sister. Please don't get up, I'll show myself out." He glanced at Ingrid and smiled. "It was nice meeting you."
"Same here."
Matthew waited until he had left, before shoving her feet off and marching over to the cabinet to pour himself two fingers of whiskey. He took a slow sip, the amber liquid swirling in the glass as he stared out the window for a moment, lost in thought. The night outside was quiet; the faint hum of city lights barely audible through the thick walls of the apartment.
