“So because it wasn’t premeditated, the damage he inflicted doesn’t mean as much? And I don’t know if I’m in agreement about the dating app thing. I think he has it in him.” Reese wasn’t going to give her brother an inch right now, even if Sydney’s conviction, for whatever reason, was wavering. “Either way, he started an entirely separate relationship with someone while you two were planning a future together.”
“I just…” Sydney’s words faltered before she found them again. “It seemed like Brynn really doesn’t know, and that makes me feel badly for her.”
It was impressive that even within their current situation, Sydney could maintain this level of empathy for Brynn. It was a virtue that Reese didn’t know if she herself possessed.
She placed a gentle hand on Sydney’s forearm. “I know whatyou mean, but I don’t know if you or I are the best people to make waves. I agree with you, though; Brynn seems sweet. Definitely too good for my brother.” She realized her misstep when Sydney arched a brow. “You werealsotoo good for my brother, clearly. I thought that was already implied.”
“Damn, right,” Sydney said, her face a little flushed from the champagne and the warmth of the summer day.
Reese watched as Sydney took a few deep breaths, seemingly allowing the stress of the last thirty minutes and the new information they’d discovered to settle in.
Despite the fact that they were surrounded by at least three dozen people now, the moment felt intimate.
It felt good to be on the same team as someone again, to anticipate one another’s moves. She hadn’t had anything close to it since Megan, and even then, as she looked back on their relationship, things had been strained for years.
She could acknowledge that now.
They’d settled into their sides of the company, their lives revolving more around their business partnership than their relationship as lovers.
But Reese had been happy. Building their product. Supporting one another. Sharing the same goal.
It had been safe, if not exhilarating.
Comfortable.
Sydney King seemed like the opposite of everything in Reese’s sterile life.
She was surprising in the best ways, headstrong and full of possibilities, like a match just waiting to be struck.
Reese had never been the type of person to play with fire, but she’d found herself in a controlled burn, the parameters of their situation clearly laid out between them. They’d play at affection and infatuation, with no real risk to Reese’s heart.
Reese would have someone to help her not lose her mind during what was to become a full docket of Devereux familyevents this summer while she focused on settling in at The Stone’s Throw.
In turn, Sydney would get her answers. She would find a way to make sense of the awful things Grant had done to her. And if Reese had her brother pegged accurately—which she knew she did—Sydney would realize that Grant was good at putting on a show but was too selfish and indulgent to ever give enough of himself to be a truly good partner.
Once Sydney accepted that she had never been the problem, she’d stop hiding in Stoneport and get back to living a life that was full enough for her vibrance.
Reese loved a good plan, and as long as she remembered what this was, there was no risk involved.
But remembering the plan grew more difficult as she looked down at Sydney’s long legs, one of them bent up against the wall. “Is your knee okay?”
Sydney nodded and stretched her right leg out, balancing on her left heel. The long, lean muscles popped against her skin.
It took an embarrassing amount of effort for Reese to pull her gaze away.
Pushing herself fluidly off the wall, Sydney stood up straight. It brought them closer, and Reese sucked in her breath like it would stop their dresses from touching. She was already anticipating the little jolt before it happened. “One-hundred-percent fine, at least for frolicking among the New England elite.”
She had no problem admitting that Sydney was attractive. Especially when she was being playful, her lips eased into a teasing grin.
It was infectious.
Reese met her stare, her body trembling in anticipation. “Good. I’d hate to have to carry you out of here, even though it would make for a good story.”
Sydney placed her hand on Reese’s shoulder, pretending like she was going to jump into her arms.
The warmth of Sydney’s touch was immediate. Reese couldfeel its imprint soaking through to her skin, the small hairs on the back of her neck standing up like she was electrified.
Control the burn.
