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“That was nice shooting,” he says quietly.

“I had plenty of time to practice when I was growing up.”

If I was good at hockey, maybe they’d see me. Maybe they’d respect me. Maybe I could be one of them.

“Because you’re a Conrad.”

I still, head turning, gaze locking with his. “Yes and no. My half-brothers are Conrads, but I was never really a member of the family.”

Something happens in his eyes when I say half-brothers, but I can’t focus on it.

Not when worry suddenly has my insides in a vice-grip.

Worry that’s founded, considering what he says next.

“I’ve heard about what you do,” he murmurs, “but didn’t immediately place who you are. Or who you’re related to.” His fingers cover mine and he gently pulls the glass from my hold, setting it on the grass by the chair leg. I hadn’t even realized I was shaking so much that some of wine has spilled over the rim, splashed onto my hand.

“Ace and I…” He sighs. “We’ve had our issues. A lot of it made here”—he nods toward the house—“but more of it made here”—a tap to his temple—“and I’ll admit, I wasn’t at my most mature when it came to having behave for his new fiancée and his potential sponsors in the same week as⁠—”

He cuts himself off, a ripple of pain crossing his face.

“But then I placed you and I realized what you two were doing And I fucking loved it. My super successful big brother is so down on his luck with the ladies that he has to hire someone?” He chuckles, shakes his head. “Fucking hell, that felt great.”

I hold my breath.

“Until I saw it happening right in front of me.”

“Saw what?”

“Saw you two falling in love.”

I open my mouth, but his fingers squeeze mine. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

I nod, know there’s no point in denying it. “Yes.”

“So, he hired you because our family is a shitshow and his reputation isn’t great and he wanted to lock in that deal with the Laurents.”

“I know it sounds mercenary, but I knew what I was getting in to.” I sigh. “Though, believe me when I say falling for your brother wasn’t in the playbook.” A beat. “At all.”

“I bet,” he says dryly.

“He just wanted to be certain it all went well with the Laurents and the wedding and then…”

“You both caught feelings.”

My voice is soft, my gaze drifting over to Ace again. “Something like that.”

“Well, considering you and Evelyn are besties with a shopping trip in your future, I think he chose well.”

I nibble at my bottom lip, a blip of guilt slicing through me. Because maybe by the time the Laurents were here it wasn’t all a deception.

But it started off that way.

And I find I don’t like lying to them.

Because they’re good people.

And maybe I need to start rethinking how I conduct a portion of my business.