Seventeen

Greg returned to his room when Tyler carried Kate back to his apartment.

He’d wondered if Greg would follow, but he just brushed a kiss against Kate’s temple and waved good night before disappearing.

Tyler didn’t have enough brain cells left to form a coherent argument for Greg to come with them. And right now, it wasn’t a major priority.

There’d be time enough tomorrow to figure out what the hell was going on with his friend.

Kate was mostly asleep as he walked to the bathroom, but he knew she’d sleep better if she had a shower.

“Oh, don’t even think about taking me anywhere but to bed.” She punctuated her words with a tug on his hair. “I’m tired. Want to sleep.”

Smiling, he set her feet on the floor but kept her upright by holding her against his side as he turned the taps in the shower. “You will. But you need a shower.”

“Hmm. I guess that’ll be okay. But put my hair up. And you’re doing all the work.”

He laughed, loving the grumpy tone of her voice, the warmth of her body. The way her cheek felt against his chest. “I’m fine with that, considering that’s what I’ve been doing anyway for the past couple of hours.”

Her hands clenched against his back and her fingernails dug into his skin. Though he doubted he’d be able to get it up again, at least until tomorrow morning, his brain registered the fact that he really, really wanted to.

“And you do it so well.”

She sighed then, the rush of air against his chest sparking a more tender emotion. One he hadn’t felt in years. Now wasn’t the time to blurt it out like a lovesick teenager who’d just gotten laid for the first time.

He was a grown man who knew enough to realize the first time he told a woman he loved her, it should be special.

At the very least, she should be awake enough to appreciate the words.

The woman in his arms could barely keep her eyes open, even though she held on to him with a tight grip.

Almost as tight as his.

The water warmed while he turned to grab an elastic band from the kit she’d left on his vanity.

With a few twists of her hands, she had her hair gathered into a sexy, messy mass on top of her head. He couldn’t wait to let it fall again.

She stiffened when he moved them into the spacious marble stall, moaning a little when the spray hit her, then gave an adorable growl and buried her face in his chest as the water soaked her back.

It didn’t take her long to warm up, though.

He held her for several minutes, until she felt like a rag doll in his arms, loose-limbed and pliable.

Then he reached for the scented body gel he’d put in here earlier, just for her.

The name had caught his eye in the gift shop earlier this week. Sweet Seduction. When he’d sniffed it, the spicy scent with a hint of sweetness beneath had reminded him of Kate. He’d had bottles of bath gel and body lotion sent to his apartment.

He poured the gel on a puffy and lathered her back. He didn’t linger, because they were both tired, but he did make sure he stroked a few key areas several times.

He stayed away from places he knew would be tender, using his hands to wash her between her legs rather than the puffy. And he didn’t linger, even though her hips rocked forward as if she wanted him to.

After he’d maneuvered her around so he could wash her front, he used the same gel on himself. Yeah, he’d smell like a girl, but at least it’d remind him of her when she wasn’t around.

“I’m thinking about spending some time up at the spa this week. Can I stay with you?”

She didn’t say anything right away and for a second, he thought she might have fallen asleep on her feet.

Then she rubbed the back of her head against his shoulder. “Sure.” Twisting around, she looked up at him, her eyes barely open. “I’d like that.”

As he bent to kiss her, he felt like he was sealing the deal. Hopefully, she’d sign on the line as well.

**

“Kate, I’m so glad I caught you before you went to work. I have great news. The producers want to meet you immediately. I know we talked about you coming up to visit the theater this week but I’ve been talking you up since the woman they’d wanted to hire as my assistant took another show. I know it’s short notice, but would you be able to come up to the city tomorrow for an interview?”

Tuesday morning, Kate had a brief moment of panic as she froze, mouth hanging open as she tried to think of the words she needed.

Tyler looked up from across her dining table, eyes narrowed as she finally got her tongue unstuck. “Dinah, hi. Tomorrow?”

Her former professor began to laugh. “Sorry, sorry. I know I sound like a crazy woman but honestly, I’m hoping you’ll say you can be on the next train up here. I need you, Kate. Like yesterday.”

Well, she couldn’t exactly say no to that, could she? She took a deep breath and took the plunge. “Sure. I can be there.”

She’d call in sick to work. Tomorrow was Wednesday, never particularly busy. Then again, Joe thought every day was busy.

“Oh, that’s wonderful. If you can get here by ten, we can talk a little beforehand. Do you have a pen? Let me give you the address.”

A minute later, Dinah rang off and Kate sat staring at the address just off 53rd Street and Seventh Avenue that she’d scrawled onto a piece of paper Tyler had handed her, along with a pen.

Her heart raced as panic tried to overtake her.

She felt Tyler’s gaze on her but she couldn’t meet it.

This job was everything she’d ever wanted. Everything she’d studied for, dreamed about.

And it meant leaving Tyler.

“Kate? Everything okay?”

No, it wasn’t.

She couldn’t do it all. She’d learned that lesson from her mother. You had to pick and choose carefully or you’d regret your choices for the rest of your life.

She’d already made a huge mistake with Arnie—

“Kate.”

Her gaze refocused on Tyler, who stared at her with concern written all over his face.

“I’m fine.” She forced a smile, but Tyler wasn’t buying it. He continued to stare until she felt compelled to spill the whole story.

“That was my professor from college. I’d called her a few weeks ago about potential jobs in New York.”

“Right after you broke up with your fiancé, I assume.”

“Yes. I figured if I was going to make a change, I might as well do it big, right?”

His expression didn’t change as he nodded, watching her like a hawk. Waiting for her to continue.

“I really didn’t expect anything to come of it.”

Why did she feel like she was apologizing? She had nothing to apologize for.

“And tomorrow?” Tyler prompted.

“The producers want to meet me.”

“So this is a done deal?”

“No.”

“But you want the job?”

She opened her mouth to say yes but the word wouldn’t come. “I’d have to think about it.”

“Why? Isn’t this exactly what your degree is in?”

She sighed. “Well, yes, but it’s a huge decision. I’d have to move to New York City and find a place to live that won’t bankrupt me. And even though I love the city . . . I’m not sure I want to live there.”

Tyler leaned back in his chair, in a position she knew meant he was formulating a response. “But this job, it’s a foot in the door.”

“It’s off-Broadway, but yes, if I’m good enough, I could move up the ranks.”

“I don’t think there’s any doubt you’re good enough.”

Tears welled at the confidence in his voice. He believed in her.

“You’ll need pictures for your portfolio. Do you have one? What about a resume? Is yours current?”

Her head began to spin as Tyler rattled off questions. So much to think about. And why did it feel like he was pushing her at this job? Was that her guilt talking?

“Tyler, wait. I appreciate all the ideas, but I don’t have enough time to do more than update my resume. I can’t take new photos, there’s no time. Although I have two pieces—”

“What about Sabrina? Maybe she could model for you tonight. Or I’m sure Annabelle would be willing.”

Her brain hadn’t gotten that far yet but she immediately latched on to the idea. “That’s brilliant. I’ll text her and see if she’s free tonight. But . . . Shit. I don’t have studio space and I can’t—”

“No problem. We’ll do it at the spa. We’ll find a bare room and I’ll get Greg to come up and take them. He’s handy with a camera.”

Once again she was speechless. An Oscar-winning Hollywood producer was going to take photos for her portfolio so she could show it to a pair of up-and-coming theater producers who might hire her as a costume manager’s assistant for an actual off-Broadway show.

And the man she loved was helping her get a job that could potentially break them up.

“I’ll call Greg now, see what his plans are. Why don’t you contact Sabrina and see if she can make it tonight. If not, call Annabelle.”

She had to bite her tongue to keep back the words that wanted to escape.

“Who died and made you boss” probably wouldn’t be a good thing to say, because he was right. About everything.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel he was pushing her away.

Tyler stood, drawing his phone from his pocket and walking toward the front window. “Hey, Greg. I need a favor for Kate.”

She remained at the table, struck dumb by Tyler’s efficiency as he steamrolled Greg into driving up to take the photos then making sure they had a room at the spa ready for them.

At one point, he turned to her and raised one eyebrow. She knew what he was thinking. Why the hell wasn’t she on the phone getting in touch with Sabrina?

Good thing Sabrina’s number was plugged into her phone or she wouldn’t have been able to remember it. Her brain was running at full speed, tripping over everything she should be doing to prepare for tomorrow.

None of which should include a last-minute photo shoot by a famous Hollywood producer simply because she wanted to show off two of her new pieces.

But those pieces are awesome.

She had to agree with herself. The steampunk costume she’d made for Sabrina to wear to Philadelphia’s Comic Con was worth its weight in gold. She’d found everything at thrift stores and antique shops and combined them into one kick-ass steampunk chick, full of in-your-face gadgets and baubles.

The second piece she’d made for herself. The gown was total fairy princess. Lavender velvet bodice, satin and velvet skirt with a pattern she’d hand stitched. There wasn’t one edge that wasn’t trimmed out with lace. It had thirty buttons down the front and a boned corset.

She’d made it with the intention of wearing it to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, but it’d never seen the light of day because she and Arnie could never agree on a weekend. Either she had to work or he had to work or they’d had some family obligation to attend, so the dress had hung in her closet.

And now it might net her the job of her dreams.

But did she still want that job?

Yes. Of course you do.

Her gaze settled on Tyler, still on the phone. He looked to be in his element, taking care of things, making plans.

She wasn’t going to let a man interfere with her plans. Not even one as perfect for her as Tyler.

She picked up her phone and called Sabrina.

**

“Sorry, I’m late. Traffic was a bitch on the turnpike. Hey, Kate. Nice to see you again.”

Kate smiled at Greg, wondering if she should be embarrassed by the man she’d had sex with last weekend with the blessing of her boyfriend. “Hi, Greg. Thanks for doing this for me. I really appreciate it.”

She’d wondered how he’d handle the situation and was relieved when he brushed a kiss against her cheek and squeezed her shoulder. No trace of snark or innuendo to be found.

The load on her shoulders lifted by the tiniest bit, enough to make her realize she’d been stressing over that as well.

The pile of stress had seemed insurmountable only minutes ago. But the stress had seemed abstract. Greg’s arrival had made everything that much more real.

He was here to take pictures for her portfolio so she could interview for the job of her dreams tomorrow.

The job that would make it nearly impossible for her to continue her relationship with the man of her dreams.

The man who was practically pushing her onto the bus for New York.

Maybe she wouldn’t get hired. There was a good possibility she wouldn’t.

Maybe she wouldn’t want the job. Did she want the job?

That was the question that’d been rolling around her brain more often than any other all day.

Taking the job meant moving. It meant giving up her home, giving up the client list she’d been building for wedding gowns and burlesque costumes and lingerie.

It meant giving up the boutique.

And for what?

An off-Broadway show that might have a shot at moving to Broadway. And what happened when the show closed? Would she be able to return to her life here? Would the clients she’d cultivated so carefully still want to work with her?

God, she just wanted tomorrow to be over.

“Kate,” Sabrina called from the next room, which they were using as a dressing room. “I can’t get this damn buckle done.”

Kate turned to go help but Sabrina walked out, head down as she fiddled with something at her side.

And walked right into Greg.

“Oh, jeez, I’m sorry. I didn’t see . . . you.”

It would have been funny if Kate had been in a laughing mood. For once, Sabrina had nothing to say. She just stared up at Greg, like he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Or he was an alien from another planet.

Greg’s smile didn’t falter as he patted Sabrina on the shoulder like a child. “No harm, no foul, kid. Nice costume.” Then he turned back to Kate. “You make this? Honey, you can come work for me anytime. That’s camera ready.”

She smiled, but she knew it was strained. “Thanks, but there’s no way I’m moving to LA. I’m really not much for big cities.”

And you’re going to move to New York?

She shoved the thought out of her mind. “Greg, this is Sabrina. Sabrina, Greg.”

She didn’t add anything to the introduction. If Greg wanted Sabrina to know who he was, he could fill her in. Otherwise, she was going on the assumption he’d prefer to remain just Greg the photographer and not Greg the hot Hollywood producer.

Sabrina took the hand Greg stuck out, finally rousing enough to realize she was staring at the man.

“Hi. Sorry, I just . . . You look really familiar. Have we met before?”

Greg smiled again and took a step back. “Don’t think so.”

Sabrina tilted her head, studying Greg for another few seconds, as Greg turned to address Kate.

“Are we ready to shoot, Kate?”

“Whenever you are.”

“Then come here to me, Sabrina.”

As Greg gave Sabrina directions on where to stand and how to pose, Kate stepped back to Tyler’s side.

“That’s a work of art, Kate.” Tyler’s voice was pitched low enough that only she could hear. “If they don’t hire you for the position, they’re fools.”

She heard his sincerity and wondered if he was going to let her go without a fight. Maybe he didn’t care for her as deeply as she cared for him. Maybe she was reading too much into what had, so far, been a mostly sexual relationship.

How would he respond if she told him she loved him?

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. But . . .”

His gaze narrowed on hers. “What?”

She had no clue what he was thinking at the moment.

“What do you think I should do? Should I pack up and leave my dad and my friends and . . . everyone I know to go live in a huge city in an apartment on the top floor of a five-story walkup with no air-conditioning that costs me three times what my apartment does here? What if I hate it?”

“And what if it’s everything you’ve ever wanted and you love it?”

The words sounded forced, as if he didn’t want to say them but had to. Still, his expression remained placid. Unmoved.

What was it going to take to rattle that calm? She wanted him to show something, anything, of the emotions he was feeling, give her some clue as to what he was thinking.

But why should he? She hadn’t told him how she felt. And now wasn’t the time. Not with the others here.

One day at a time. Just take it one day at a time.

She turned back to watch Greg shoot Sabrina, not answering his question because she didn’t know how.

Greg had Sabrina standing with her back to the wall, head tilted up as she looked at the camera.

“That’s good, babe. Now smolder.”

Sabrina burst into one of her unrestrained laughing fits, and even with everything on her mind, Kate had to join her.

“I bet you say that to all the girls.” Sabrina’s hands went to her hips as she sent Greg a look that definitely didn’t smolder. “Smolder, my ass. What the hell does that mean anyway?”

Kate was about to answer when Greg took a few steps forward until he was close enough to Sabrina that, if she took a deep breath, her breasts would brush against his chest.

Sabrina’s eyes widened and she looked as if she wanted to take a step back but she was already up against the wall.

“I want you to look at me like I’m the man you want to throw down on the ground and screw his brains out.” Greg reached out to take one of Sabrina’s curls in his hand and draped it over the curve of her ample breast, enhanced by the leather corset. “Can you do that?”

Now, twenty-two-year-old Sabrina was not a virgin. Kate knew that because Sabrina the motormouth told her everything. But Kate also knew that the girl’s few sexual encounters hadn’t prepared her for Greg.

Kate opened her mouth to tell Greg to back off, but Sabrina found her footing.

Planting her hands on her hips, she fluttered her lashes and pouted as she stared straight up at Greg. “I think I can manage. Why don’t you take a few steps back and let me show you?”

“Let’s see what you got then.” Greg retreated about five feet then held up the camera. “Do it.”

Sabrina stood still for several more seconds as Greg snapped pictures. But finally, she moved.

And damn but the girl could smolder.

It would’ve made Kate smile if she hadn’t had so much on her mind.

The photos would be great. She knew she was qualified for the job.

But would she be losing a more important part of her life if she left?

**

As Sabrina began to loosen up in front of the camera, Tyler felt every muscle in his body tighten.

New York City. Kate was moving to New York City.

He had no doubt she was fully qualified for the position. The producers would be fools not to hire her, especially after they saw her portfolio.

This could be a career maker for her.

But it meant she’d leave him. She’d be busy creating a new life for herself. Carving out a career, settling into a new city.

Hell, he’d be just as busy if he agreed to take the chairmanship of the hotel board.

“Tyler.” Kate had pitched her voice low enough so only he could hear. “Is everything okay?”

He turned to smile at her. “I’m fine. Is something wrong?”

Her eyes narrowed, focused intently on him. Dissecting his response. “No, nothing’s wrong. You’re . . . awfully quiet.”

Go ahead. Tell her you love her. She’ll stay.

“I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

Her smile was bittersweet. “I know what you mean. So what’s at the top of your pile?”

Damn it. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but he didn’t want to sway her decision on this job in any way. He didn’t have the right. And he didn’t want to mess with her head while she had to make such an important decision.

“Hotel stuff.”

She waited for him to say more, to open up. Share.

But he already felt his walls going up.

Damn it, he wanted her to sign the contract Jed had given her for the boutique. Wanted a binding legal document between them so she couldn’t leave.

Hell, maybe you should just put a collar on her and make her stay.

Shit. That’s the last thing he wanted to do to her.

After what she told him about her parents, she’d hate him for trying to manipulate her life. Which is exactly what he’d be doing.

No, she had to want to stay with him or the relationship would be meaningless.

“Hey, Kate. Come look at these. Greg must be a damn good photographer because I actually look good in these.”

Sabrina’s summons broke their connection and Kate turned toward her and Greg.

“I had no doubt you would look fantastic.” Kate gave the girl a bright smile. “I really appreciate you both taking the time to do this for me.”

Sabrina’s answering grin could light up an entire room. The girl had energy to spare. Then again, she was probably all of twenty years old.

“You know I’ll do anything for you, Kate.” Then she pulled out a frown that could rival any two-year-old. “I am so going to miss you when you leave.”

As Sabrina wrapped her arms around Kate’s shoulders and gave her a hug, Kate glanced at Tyler with an expression he couldn’t decipher.

What the hell should he do? The only time he’d been thrown for a loop like this had been when Mia died.

He’d reached the anger stage and pretty much stayed with that until he hit acceptance. He’d never really gotten to denial or bargaining. A year after they’d buried his former fiancée, he’d decided he was done mourning, and he’d managed to live without emotion since.

No grief. No longing. No love.

He’d stuffed them all away in a deep corner somewhere inside.

Then he’d met Kate, and those emotions had started to creep back into his life.

He didn’t want to lose her. But he didn’t want her to stay and later regret her decision.

Greg stepped in front of him, drawing him out of his thoughts. One look at his friend’s face and Tyler frowned. He looked visibly tense.

“What’s wrong?”

Greg shook his head and his expression became the one he usually reserved for dealing with the press.

“Not a thing.”

Which was complete bullshit. Tyler knew something was up. What the hell was he missing here?

“Are we still shooting, Kate?” Greg asked.

“I assume so. Greg—”

“Then I think we should get started. I need to head back to Philly. I’ve got some work I need to finish.”

Yeah, right. Greg had told him he had tonight and tomorrow open. What the hell had changed?

The girls were still talking. Well, Sabrina was talking. Kate was nodding and adding words here and there, but he could see the signs of her distraction in her half-hearted smile and the way she kept biting on her bottom lip.

When Tyler nodded and said “Sure,” Greg turned to the girls. “Hey, kid. Great job. Nice to meet you. Kate, why don’t you get changed so we can wrap this up.”

Sabrina’s mouth had dropped open the second Greg had called her a kid.

Her hands went to her hips again and she drew herself up to her full five-two height and stared straight at Greg. “I don’t think twenty-two is still considered a kid in this country. Then again, maybe it’s the generation gap.”

The side of Greg’s mouth twitched, and Tyler wasn’t sure if Greg was ready to laugh or grimace.

He did neither. “When you hit my age, anyone under thirty is still a kid.” Then Greg turned and nodded at Kate, completely dismissing Sabrina. “Why don’t you go get changed, hon. I’m not gonna have much time to process these before I have to print them out.”

Kate nodded and took a scowling Sabrina by the arm. “Give me a few minutes to change.”

With one last scowl at Greg, who was studiously changing the lens on his camera, Sabrina let Kate lead her back to the dressing room.

When the girls were gone, Tyler walked over to Greg. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”

Greg shook his head but didn’t look up. “Nothing’s going on. There’re a few things I need to take care of. The pictures shouldn’t need more than a quick touch-up.”

Tyler looked down and saw Greg flashing through the pictures of Sabrina.

“They look great.” And he meant it. Greg hadn’t lost touch of his artistic side since becoming a producer. He knew how to frame a shot for maximum impact.

Tyler had no idea why Greg no longer directed. Damn shame that he didn’t, because the guy had a gift. Especially in the close-up shots. Sabrina looked—

Ah.

Tyler looked up at Greg, who stared straight back, as if daring Tyler to say something.

Tyler knew now wasn’t the time. But later . . .

“Thanks for doing this for Kate. I know she appreciates it.”

Greg nodded, knowing Tyler had given him a break. “Have you told her how you feel about her yet?”

A break Greg apparently didn’t intend to offer Tyler.

“I don’t want to influence her decision.”

Greg’s gaze narrowed. “But you don’t want her to go, do you?”

He was saved from answering the question by the girls’ return. Sabrina had changed back into her jeans and T-shirt while Kate wore one of the more demure role-playing costumes she’d brought.

But not demure enough for him not to get aroused just by looking at her.

The top of the outfit was made from strings of fake pearls, draping down to cover all the right places but with just enough movement to suggest that if she moved the right way, she’d expose a breast. The bottom was a tiny, purple satin skirt that barely covered her ass and was encrusted with tiny pearls in a wave pattern.

Christ.

“Wow, Kate.” Greg gave a short whistle. “That’s a stunner, babe.”

Kate rolled her eyes at him but smiled at the compliment. “Thanks. The top gave me fits trying to get the pearls to drape right.”

Greg’s wolfish smile made it perfectly clear he appreciated the look. “Then let’s get started. Hey, Sabrina. Nice to meet you.”

The last had been thrown over Greg’s shoulder as he moved Kate into position against the wall.

Sabrina opened her mouth to say something but must have realized Greg had tuned her out.

Instead, she turned to Tyler and gave him a smile that held half her normal wattage before saying good-bye and practically running for the door.

Amazing, really, how attraction could cut you off at the knees that fast.

At Sabrina’s age, she’d brush it off in a few days.

In Tyler’s case . . .

Hell. He wouldn’t be brushing it off anytime soon. Because his feelings had gone further than simple attraction.

But that still didn’t give him the right to interfere in Kate’s dreams.

**

With a groan, Kate unkinked herself from the driver’s seat of her car and stretched.

Her eyes felt gritty and she kept yawning, although she didn’t feel that tired.

She’d been drained after the photo shoot last night and had fallen asleep only minutes after Greg and Tyler had left. She didn’t even have time to pout over the fact that Tyler hadn’t stayed. She hadn’t woken up this morning until her alarm had gone off at five a.m. Ugh.

Then, of course, traffic had been miserable. There was a reason most people around here took the bus from Reading on weekdays.

The upside to the drive was that she’d had plenty of time to think.

Which was why she hadn’t gone directly home.

Looking at the front door to her parents’ house, she sighed. She needed to make the right decision and her dad had always been the person to tell her the unvarnished truth, no matter if she wanted to hear it or not.

Later, she’d talk to Annabelle, who always saw the upside of everything.

But first, she needed her dad to lay it on the line for her.

She knocked to announce her presence then opened the door and stepped into her childhood.

The white brick ranch house on the outskirts of town had been built in the ’70s and the exterior showed it. Inside, the décor was stuck in the ’90s. Her mom had never gotten around to redecorating before her death.

And her dad never changed a thing.

“Hey, Dad,” she called out. “It’s me. Where are you?”

“In the kitchen. I was expecting you earlier.”

Damn, she should’ve called on her way home. “Sorry. Traffic was heavier than normal.”

Walking into the kitchen, she took a deep breath and her stomach growled when the mouthwatering smell of her dad’s spaghetti sauce hit her.

Her dad turned away from the stove long enough to give her the once-over. “I understand. Sit. I’ll get you a plate.”

She did as she was told, watching her dad dish her a huge portion of spaghetti and meatballs. “Daddy, I can’t eat all this. I’ll explode.”

He gave her a stern look that made her feel five years old again. “You’re skin and bones. Eat. Then tell me why you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

Her first-generation Korean American father had guilt trips up his sleeve for every occasion. She’d never doubted his love for her, but Tiger Moms had nothing on her dad.

What he and her mom had ever seen in each other that made them decide to marry was a total mystery.

Teddy Song was stoic, demanding, occasionally judgmental, and set in his ways. He expected a lot from the people around him and even more from himself. His position as the chief financial officer for the state-run geriatric home gave him the chance to combine politics and money and he loved it. Loved the challenge.

He couldn’t understand why she was content working for a dry cleaner while her hard-earned degree went to waste. He’d expected her to “make something of herself.” And that hadn’t included tying herself to Arnie, a man who drove a delivery truck and working for a dry cleaning business.

After he’d poured them each a glass of wine, he sat across from her and waited.

She took a deep breath. “I’ve had a job offer. For an assistant costume designer.”

He nodded, as if those came along every day. “That sounds promising.”

“It’s in New York City at an off-Broadway theater. They expect the show to do well enough to move to a Broadway venue when a stage opens up. The company’s financially stable. It has a good reputation and I actually like the people. I’d be working under one of my professors from college.”

“It sounds like a great opportunity. So why are you hesitant to take it?”

Trust her dad to get right to the point. Which is exactly why she came to him.

“I’ve met a man—”

“The man who’s stayed at your house recently? Is he the same man you go to Philadelphia to visit?”

Well, hell. She should have known he’d hear. Her father didn’t seek out gossip, but he did stop at Tracy’s every morning to get his coffee. Someone down there must have filled him in.

Now she felt like a guilty teenager. But that didn’t mean she had to show it.

Looking her dad straight in his eyes, the identical shape and color of hers, she said, “Yes, it’s the same man.”

“And he treats you well?”

Okay, that wasn’t what she’d expected him to ask and it threw her off track. “Yes. He treats me very well.”

“Do you love him?”

She blushed, a fiery heat consuming her cheeks. But the answer was easy. “Yes.”

Her dad didn’t bat an eyelash. “So you’re going to throw away this opportunity because you’re afraid this man doesn’t want you to take the job. Has he told you not to take it?”

She wanted to leap to Tyler’s defense, but that would have been an irrational answer to a straightforward question. Her father might read something into her response that wasn’t true. “No, not at all. He’s encouraging me to take it.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

What’s wrong was that he was encouraging her to take it. Hell, he was practically putting a foot on her ass and shoving her out the door.

Okay, maybe that was a little overdramatic but still . . . Tyler wanted her to take the job.

And she wasn’t sure if she didn’t want the job because she knew it would take her away from him or because her goals had changed.

Shaking her head, she sighed. “I’m not sure.”

“And what is it you’re unsure about?”

She almost rolled her eyes but caught herself in time. “If I knew that, Dad, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Sitting back in his chair, he crossed his arms over his chest. “And why are we having this conversation exactly?”

Suddenly, she knew exactly why she was here. “Why didn’t Mom become a photojournalist like she wanted to?”

Her dad nodded as if he’d expected her to ask the question all along. “The simple answer is because she didn’t want to leave you behind for long stretches of time. And because she thought I didn’t want her to go.”

“Did you?”

He shrugged, such an odd movement coming from him. “I wanted her to be happy. I knew she wasn’t, although she was a natural teacher.”

“Really?” She’d never known that about her mom.

“Oh, yes. And she enjoyed it too. It just wasn’t enough for her. When you started high school, she began to apply for jobs at the bigger newspapers. She had several interviews but . . .” He paused, then sighed. “The market fell apart. Newspapers were folding left and right and if they weren’t closing, they certainly weren’t hiring. Most were cutting staff to save money.”

“So she missed her opportunity.”

“Yes. And I couldn’t do anything to help her.”

And here was her opportunity, practically knocking her over.

“I’ve also had an offer to open a boutique. In the spa retreat they’re building only a few miles outside of town.”

“I’ve heard about that. Seems like a risky venture, with the economy the way it is.”

“So you don’t think I should do that?”

“I think it will require much more of a sacrifice from you. Starting your own business is a huge undertaking. Would you be able to stick it out?”

A sharp retort sprang to her lips but she managed to bite it back and think about what he’d said. He’d asked a legitimate question.

“Yes, I could.”

“And do you want to open a boutique?”

With a heavy sigh, she set aside her fork. “It was never really something I gave a lot of thought to. But the more I think about it . . .”

“The more appealing it becomes.” Her dad shocked her by nodding, his usually stern mouth curved in an even rarer grin. “Have you thought about what will happen if this boutique fails to take off? Then again, the show could close in a matter of weeks and you’ll be out of a job there as well. But opportunities like the one you’re being offered now don’t come around often.”

He hadn’t said anything she hadn’t already thought of herself but, coming from her dad, it did help her see things more clearly.

“Kate, I love you.”

As much as she’d always thought her father expected more from her than she could do, she knew he did. Still, every time he said it, it made her grin.

“And I’ll support whatever decision you make,” he continued. “I’ll only say that controlling your destiny is a heady proposition. But business and pleasure don’t always mix. I would hate to see you lose everything, but to not have attempted it might be even worse.”

**

Tyler glanced at the clock for what had to be the hundredth time in the past five minutes.

She had to be home by now. Why hadn’t she called?

Probably because she hadn’t wanted to tell him her decision.

She’d be crazy not to take the job in New York. And he’d be crazy to try and influence her decision.

“Are you even listening to me?” Jared’s voice broke into his thoughts, splintering his single-minded focus into a hundred different pieces.

“Frankly, no, I wasn’t.” He sighed and watched his brother raise an eyebrow at him.

“Jesus, Tyler. You need to figure out what you’re going to do about the chairman’s seat. I can’t make the decision for you, but the more I think about it, the more I think you need to do it. The GoldenStar was Granddad’s baby.”

“I know that. It’s what’s making this decision so damn hard.” Tyler shook his head. “I don’t think we should let it slip through our fingers. The other hotels—

“Are the board’s,” Jed said. “I don’t give a rat’s ass about those. But Granddad built the Philadelphia GoldenStar. I think it should stay in the family.”

Jared was right. Tyler knew that. But Jared wouldn’t be the one with the extra weight on his shoulders. It’d be Tyler, because that’s what he did. He took over. He made the major decisions and he dealt with the consequences.

And if he did, he wouldn’t be able to give Kate and their relationship the time it required. The only times Mia had complained during their years together had been when he was spending so much time getting Haven off the ground.

Yes, she’d understood that a project that huge demanded every ounce of his concentration. But she’d expected him to at least acknowledge her presence occasionally. To put some effort into their relationship.

But he’d taken her for granted.

“I know this is asking a lot from you right now,” Jed continued. “But we can do this together, just like we’ve done with Haven and the Spa.”

Tyler looked at Jed, saw a conviction there that made him smile. Yes, they could do it together. And with both of them working on it, it wouldn’t be such a colossal undertaking. It’d still require a shitload of time, but they could do it.

Jed wouldn’t let him down.

And Kate . . .

Yes, he knew that sometimes life just sucked and there was nothing you could about it.

You really couldn’t have it all. He should know that by now.

**

Tyler checked his ringing phone and paused before answering it.

“Hello, Kate. How did your interview go?”

“It went well. Really well, actually. Which is kind of why I’m calling. I need to talk to you.”

Tyler mentally braced himself. Maybe he wouldn’t be the one breaking off their relationship.

“I’m glad to hear the interview went well. What did you want to talk about?”

He couldn’t keep the cool tone out of his voice. It matched the icy sensation coating his guts.

Even though he knew this was for the best, he’d still had the slightest hope that things would miraculously work out.

“Tyler, is something wrong?”

Her tentative question solidified his decision. “No, I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“Oh. Did something happen?”

“I’ve decided to accept the chairman’s seat on the GoldenStar board. It’s going to take up a hell of a lot of time.”

She paused. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m going to accept the job in New York.”

Thank God she wasn’t here, because he was pretty sure he looked like he’d just gotten kicked in the gut. At least that’s how he felt.

There’d still been a part of him that had hoped . . .

“I’m glad it worked out for you.”

Another pause. “So you don’t have a problem with me taking this job?”

“No.” Yes. “Should I?”

“No. Of course not.”

Did he detect a hint of sarcasm creeping into her tone? Better to ignore it. “When do you have to be in New York?”

“They want me there by the end of the week, but I couldn’t leave Joe in the lurch. I’ll start the following week. I’ll be staying with Dinah until I can find an apartment.”

“I’m sure Jed would be happy to help you with that. He’s got several friends who live in the city—”

“Tyler, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do. Don’t play semantics with me.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” He took a deep breath. “I’m not trying to be cruel but I think, with everything we both have going on right now, it’s better if we make a clean break. Now.”

**

Okay, now Kate was pissed.

She knew exactly what he was doing. The bastard was pushing her away deliberately.

And she knew why. Hell, she even understood to a degree.

But he was taking the easy way out and, damn it, she wanted to call him on it.

Even though she felt like he’d shoved a knife in her gut.

She wanted to scream and rant and rage at him. Wanted to tell him she knew exactly what he was doing and why he was so very wrong.

“Kate? Are you still there?”

Through gritted teeth, she said, “Yes, I’m still here.”

“I know this may seem abrupt but—”

“Abrupt would be a good word for it. But I can think of another.”

He continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “I’m not going to have much of a private life in the next few months and I don’t believe I’ll have the time I’d like to devote to you.”

Oh hell, now she felt tears burning at the corners of her eyes. And she absolutely refused to show him how weak she was. “Then I guess you’re right. We should end this now.”

It was his turn to pause.

Isn’t as much fun to be on the receiving end, is it?

“Then we’re in agreement.” His voice had taken on a cool tone she’d never heard from him before. “We had a great time together, but we both need to focus on our careers at the moment. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

At Jared and Annabelle’s wedding, she assumed he meant.

“Have you told Jared you’re not going to sign the boutique contract?”

Oh, this man made her furious. “No. I’ll speak to Jared tonight. He’s with Annabelle. I saw his car parked at the shop when I drove by.”

Little did he know exactly what she planned to tell Jared. She had a plan forming. One she’d thought to discuss with Tyler—before he’d dumped her, that was.

“Kate . . .”

“Yes?” She let her sarcasm run free in that one word. When he paused again, she knew he’d heard it.

“I’m sorry this didn’t work out. You’re a special woman and I’ve come to care about you. You’re going to make a wonderful costume designer.”

Damn him. If he didn’t stop talking now, she was going to cry.

Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to say, “Thank you. Good-bye, Tyler.”

And she hung up before he could say anything more.

She wanted to throw her phone across the room, but that wouldn’t accomplish anything other than a trip to the mall to buy a new phone.

Tears wanted to flow but she blinked them back. She refused to shed tears over this.

She was mad. Furious.

He hadn’t wanted to fight. He’d just assumed the worst, cut his losses, and run.

Overbearing, manipulative—

No. Now who was being unfair?

Had she told him she loved him? No, she hadn’t.

Had she fought for him? No.

Would it have made a difference? She had to believe, yes, it would.

She picked up the phone and dialed.

“Hey, Annabelle. Can I talk to Jared?”