Page 74 of Flirting with Trouble

“I need to find a friend,” Seth says.

Wells lifts his chin in the direction of two women who were flirting with Seth earlier. “Those women seemed interested.”

“I don’t think I’ll find what I’m looking for in a bar,” Seth says.

“When did you turn into a negative Nelly?” I tease him. “You know what Mom says.”

Seth looks at me questioningly.

“The best things come along when you’re not looking for them,” I remind him.

Wells lifts his glass. “I can attest to that.”

“Me too,” I say, and we toast.

When we finally leave the bar, Seth says, “Thanks again for everything, Vic. You really are the best sister I have.”

“Ha ha.” I hug him. “I’m glad you liked the space, and I hope it works out.”

“Me too.” He turns to Wells and says, “Wells, I’ll be in touch about the meeting.”

“Sounds good.”

As Seth climbs into a car, Wells drapes an arm over my shoulders, pulling me in close, and says, “You done good, Braden.”

“Thank you. It was incredibly hard keeping it a secret from you. I wanted to tell you so many times. I’m glad you both loved it.”

“It’s perfect, but you owe me a treasure map.”

I tap his chest. “Play your cards right, and maybe I’ll make you one someday.”

“That’s good enough for me.” He takes me in a slow, sensual kiss, then brushes his lips over mine and says, “You know I’m picturing you all bossy and demanding with Kane, and I’m a little jealous. That’s hot.”

“Oh yeah? I don’t think he considered it hot when I was shooting down his thoughts on pricing.”

“I thought you said you didn’t negotiate a price.”

“I didn’t negotiate a price, but I did knock down his suggestions and tell him I wouldn’t waste your time with the numbers he tossed out during our first meeting.”

Wells grins. “I knew you were too fierce to just kick the door open. Maybe bossy Victory would like to come out to play tonight.”

Heat streaks through me at the thought. As much as I love it when he takes charge, it’s wicked fun to turn the tables. “She might need a little coaxing. Maybe you can convince her on the way to your hotel.”

“I was hoping we could stay at your place tonight.”

Apprehension slams into me, sudden, sharp, and as unyielding as it is unexpected at the thought of bringing him into the home Harvey and I shared.

The joy fades from his eyes, and I realize I’m shaking my head. My chest constricts at the hurt and confusion staring back at me. I open my mouth to try to explain, but no words come. Panic flares inside me.

“You’re not ready,” he says flatly, taking a step back.

I can’t breathe. Say something. Tell him he’s wrong. I want to explain, but my voice is strangled by fear.

“I thought we were on the same page. All this time, all these nights, I’ve been falling for you, thinking we were building something more.” He scrubs a hand down his face. “I should’ve known. You’ve never taken me up on spending time on the island, and I’ve waited weeks for you to invite me over to your place. You don’t even let me come up to your office. We always meet out front. All the signs were right there in front of me, but I had blinders on.”

A stabbing pain shoots through my chest. “Wells—”

“No, it’s okay.” He holds his hand up, silencing me. “I pushed too hard, too fast. It’s not your fault. You were honest from the start. You said you weren’t looking to replace your husband, and I got carried away.”