But his career has hit a new level of success lately that I suspect makes new personal relationships hard for him. And a broke-ass, previously unknown half sister showing up right as he’s first hitting bestseller lists and getting mentions in national publications?
Yeah.
Heshouldbe suspicious of me.
“How’d you make me?” I ask. He mentioned the Hoteliers Association when I saved Imogen Carter from my father, but that event is typically in the fall, so it’s likely been around a year.
Maybe more.
Long time to remember someone.
He gestures to his face. “You have a distinct way of squinting at people.”
I catch myself narrowing my eyes. What the fuck is he talking about? “That’s a very specific thing to notice about a person.”
Is it my imagination, or are his cheeks going pink? Not the way the rest of his skin’s been fading from the pink that suggests his shower was scalding hot either. “It was a very specific look when your father wasn’t aware you were making faces behind his back.”
“Quite the memory for one night.”
He scowls. “You also helped the staff member. With the seizure.”
Oh.
Thatnight.
“You resent me for that?”
“Ilikedyou for that. Thought you were some rando personal assistant. Not the big girl boss who’s lying to my friend.”
It’s like he flipped through a card deck ofwhat’s the most terrible thing I could say to Margot right now?and found whatever’s worse than worst.
I saw you for who you want to be and I liked that about you, but now I hate you since I know who you actually are.
I swallow hard. “Good thing you realized you hate women.” And then I lift my phone and open my texts to the message thread with Cyril. “Please interview my roommate to be your backup for the duration of our stay in Snaggletooth Creek,” I dictate after noting he’s mentioned once more that there’s nothing in the woods around the house.
“Can I put some clothes on first?” Rhys says.
“No.”
“You gonna stay and watch?”
“Also no. My turn for the shower, and then I have a date with my brothers. I hear they’re fun.”
“If you hurt them?—”
“I told you. I don’t want to hurt them. Are you done trying to intimidate me, or do I need to change my mind about giving you a chance to prove you can handle me?”
“I can definitely handle you.” His blue eyes flicker over my face, and something warm tingles low in my belly.
I’m not the only one lying here.
He still likes me.
And I like that about him.
It’s brave.
And unusual.
