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Her brother, Paige knew, had a seriously low opinion of Frankie’s mother.
On the few occasions she’d come to see Frankie in the apartment, Matt had made it his business to be there. Frankie would probably rather have endured the humiliation of those moments in private, but knowing how it affected her, her friends tried to be present whenever Gina Cole made one of her impromptu “parent” visits.
Paige was touched that Matt insisted on being there to support Frankie. She’d even occasionally wondered if there was more to the gesture than another example of her brother’s protective nature, but that thought hadn’t lasted long.
Matt needed, and expected, trust in a relationship.
Frankie trusted no one. She was the first to admit she was so twisted when it came to relationships she could have been used as a corkscrew.
“Are you sure you won’t stay, Matt?” Eva gestured to the table. “I declare this breakfast meeting in session. Anyone still in this kitchen in two minutes will be eating my oatmeal.”
Matt and Jake bumped into each other in their attempt to make a quick exit.
“Why are men so averse to healthy eating?” Offended, Eva spooned creamy oatmeal into bowls and added almonds and berries.
“Probably because diet cola tastes better.” Frankie sat down and picked up a spoon. “If I eat this, will you stop nagging me?”
“Maybe.”
Paige pushed her laptop across to Frankie. “Take a look at my list.”
Frankie dug her spoon into her bowl and read. “Damn, we’re good. And you’re good, putting all this together so fast. Are you sure we can do all this?”
“If we can’t, then we know someone who can. I’ve already started a spreadsheet for suppliers, venues, etc. We have a lot of contacts and several people have been in touch, wanting to work with us. Turns out Star Events had irritated more than a few people.”
“Wasn’t there a noncompete clause in your contract?”
“Only if I resigned. I didn’t. Matt already checked that for me. I’ve gone through all our competitors and looked at their biggest events over the past year. I’ve added those names to another list.” She leaned across and opened another file.
“You’re all about lists.” Frankie glanced at it. “And that’s a long list.”
“I started with all the companies that have given Star Events business, and then listed their competitors and companies linked with them. So far I have seventy names. Clear your diaries because we’re going to be busy.” She raised her coffee mug. “To us.”
Frankie lifted her mug. “Urban Genie. Your wish is our command.”
Eva lifted hers, the contents sloshing over the table. “May the wishes overflow.”
“Like your coffee mug,” Frankie said, and reached for a cloth.
* * *
LATER THAT DAY in his offices in Tribeca, Jake emerged from one client meeting and was preparing for another when Matt strolled into his office.
“I need to talk to you.”
“I’m busy.”
“It’s about Paige.”
He didn’t want to think about Paige.
He was careful never to touch her, but last night he had.
He could still feel the slight shake of her hand under his and smell the light summery perfume she always wore. Her perfume always messed with his senses. It made him want to strip her naked, throw her down in the nearest field of wildflowers and do very bad things.
“I won’t take her on the bike if it bothers you so much, but you should let her make that decision on her own. You’re overprotective.”
Matt sprawled in the nearest chair. “This isn’t about the bike. It’s about the business. The business you told her to set up. What the hell were you thinking?”
