The sun shone overhead as Knox Sinclair pulled into the parking lot designated for people attending the Bridal and Wedding Expo in New Jersey. After finding a spot, he cut the engine and turned to his newly engaged stepsister, Holly, who was sitting in the passenger seat, her body vibrating with excitement. She couldn’t wait to get in there… unlike Knox, who avoided anything wedding related ever since his marriage had imploded more than a year ago.
Was he over his ex? Yes. Did he carry a grudge against his cheating former wife and disloyal stepbrother? Also, yes. Any rational man would.
“Ready?” he asked Holly.
Her brown eyes lit up, making Knox’s feelings about the Bridal and Wedding Expo irrelevant. To Holly, this was important. And he would be there for her.
“Beyond ready! I can’t wait to check out all the booths,” she said. “How awesome is this going to be?”
He held back a sarcastic reply because he loved his younger sister. “Too bad Miles isn’t here to walk you around,” he said of her future groom, a mergers and acquisitions attorney who was currently on a business trip.
Reaching over, Holly patted Knox’s cheek. “Good thing you love me and are willing to take his place. Come on. It’s going to be fun!” Holly unhooked her seat belt and opened her car door, turning to face him before letting herself out. “Besides, you know you’d do anything for me. I’m the baby of the family.”
He rolled his eyes. “Someday that reasoning is going to wear thin,” he said, chuckling. But she was right.
He’d adored Holly the day he’d first met her. Knox and his father had opened their home to a four-year-old Holly, her thirteen-year-old brother, Theo, and their mother, Knox’s father’s new wife, Addison. Holly had been adorable and exuberant, and she’d latched onto Knox immediately.
She’d been in need of an older brother, and even at fourteen years old, Knox had patience where Theo had had none. The selfish bastard still rarely bothered with his sister. Then again, it seemed as if the only person he cared about was himself.
“No, it won’t.” She grinned and hooked her arm in his.
He resisted the urge to rub the top of her head, the way he used to do when they were kids, knowing she’d be annoyed if he messed up her hair.
Their parents had separated when Holly was eighteen and in college. Knox’s dad had died shortly after the divorce was finalized, leaving everything to Knox, including the football team he owned. The New York Warriors were in Knox’s blood. And Holly was his family. Knox had taken it on himself to support his sister, whose mother had disappeared to Palm Springs with yet another wealthy man and her father had passed away. Today was her day. Knox was just happily paying for whatever choices she made.
“Let’s go.” She started toward the building, and he matched her shorter strides. When they reached the doors, he opened one for Holly and allowed her to precede him. Then, together, they walked inside, and the cool air-conditioned lobby shocked him into paying attention.
“We need to sign in and get our badges.” Holly led him over to the end of a long registration line and he settled in to wait.
She rose onto her tiptoes and looked around, trying to see above the crowd in front of them.
“Looking for something?” he asked.
She sighed and turned back to face him, a pout on her lips. “I was looking for a display of maps or brochures, but I guess we’ll get everything we need when we register. I want to check the layout of the exhibit. I already know which vendors I want to see but I have to find their locations. And I especially want to talk to Jade.”
“Jade?” His brain came to a halt at the name, and his cock jerked in excitement.
“Come on, Knox, you know. Theo’s ex,” Holly said.
Yeah, he knew. Jade Dare. The woman who’d experienced the same betrayal he had. And the woman he’d been seriously, dangerously attracted to—even though he’d been committed to making the most of a shitty marriage with a wife he could never make happy.
He recalled the night Theo had walked into the restaurant where Knox and Holly had been having dinner, with a familiar I’m up to something smirk on his face and a beautiful young blonde on his arm. Knox hadn’t recognized her until their introduction. Prior to that moment, the last time he’d seen Jade, she’d been a teenager. Knox had attended business school with her brother and his good friend, Asher Dare, and they’d all been at Asher and Knox’s business school graduation.
The female with her arm hooked through Theo’s had grown into a gorgeous woman. She possessed a statuesque body, long, wavy hair he wanted to wrap around his hands, unique navy eyes that ran in her family, and plush glossed lips he’d been dying to kiss. Finding out she was Asher’s younger sister had been a shock.
Seeing her with Theo had been a gut punch that had made him unexpectedly determined to look out for her. Few women escaped Theo unscathed. Since Knox had been married at the time, he’d kept his opinions—and his desire—to himself. However, he had warned Asher to keep an eye on the new man in his sister’s life. Still, even Knox had never dreamed how low his stepbrother would go.
“Knox?” Holly waved a hand in front of his face. “Where did you go?”
“Sorry. Yes, I remember Jade.”
“Of course you do.” Holly tucked a strand of her shoulder-length brown hair behind her ear. “You had a thing for her,” his sister said, as if his feelings had been obvious.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I was married when we met,” he said, stepping forward to follow the people in front of him.
Holly did the same, then turned to him again and tilted her head. “Right. You were married to that horrible woman. But you weren’t dead. Of course you noticed how beautiful Jade is. It’s just that, unlike our asshole sibling, you didn’t act on that attraction because you were committed to someone else—whether she deserved it or not.” She put her hand on his arm and leaned against him, offering comfort.
“It’s okay. I’m over Celia.” He didn’t want his sister worrying about him, and he rarely gave that bitch a thought anymore.
But Jade… He couldn’t deny he was looking forward to seeing her again, though he’d never admit that to Holly, who tended to be a little too interested in his love life.
“Good. I’m glad seeing Jade won’t be awkward for you. Because she’s the event coordinator at the Meridian Hotel and I’m dying to get married there. I thought it would be better to see her in person instead of picking up the phone and saying, Hi, this is Holly Matthews, your cheating ex-fiancé’s sister.” Holly shuddered. “Now, that would be uncomfortable.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust. “But I always got along with Jade, so hopefully an in-person meeting will work out.”
The line inched forward again, and they moved along with the crowd.
“There’s no reason to worry,” Knox assured her. “I’m sure Jade’s a professional. I doubt she’ll hold Theo’s behavior against you.”
Finally, almost twenty minutes later, they reached the registration booth, where they were handed their badges and information packets. Holly was a little wedding obsessed, and she’d brought a huge tote bag to fill with samples and brochures. Knox had a hunch, by the end of the day, he’d be carrying a heavy bag.
She took a few minutes to scan the map and mark her targets before she grasped his arm and they were on their way. After an hour, he had to admit she knew what she was doing. She navigated the massive event hall like a pro, pausing at already crowded tables to pick up brochures, enter giveaways, and take business cards. The vendors she had real interest in, she paused to introduce herself, talk, and make an impression. He knew she’d been accumulating a mental list of who she wanted to follow up with. Hopefully, her fiancé would be the one to tag along to those upcoming meetings.
“This is Jade’s booth,” Holly said, pausing.
The corner location had no long table blocking it off from the people walking by. Instead, the entire space was open and carpeted, allowing for meet-and-greet conversations and making it extremely welcoming. High-top tables were strategically placed with brochures and bottles of water on each, providing a place for visitors to rest, and a young girl was busy replacing drinks and pamphlets on the tables after people left. Knox couldn’t help but be impressed. Jade obviously had good business sense.
“I love the tulle backdrop with the fairy lights,” Holly said, her brown eyes sparkling.
“It’s beautiful.” And so was the woman talking to clients.
Her pale blond hair was pulled into a loose braid that hung down her back, and the delicate features he remembered drew him in. As she talked, her hands waved expressively in the air, causing him to grin. Whatever they were discussing, it was obvious she loved her job.
Holly nudged his side. “It’s good to see you smile.”
He’d been thinking the same thing about Jade. She looked good. Happy. And he was glad.
“I told you that you liked her.”
He rolled his eyes. “What are you, ten?”
Holly perched her hands on her hips. “Is it so bad that I want to see you happy?”
“No, but I know that gleam in your eye. You want to matchmake and that’s where I draw the line.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say,” she muttered. But he knew nothing he said would deter Holly when she was on a mission.
He could handle his life, his choices, his women. If he decided to make a move on Jade, he didn’t need his sister arranging things to his advantage.
“Do you want to go talk to her?” he asked.
Holly shook her head. “Not yet. I’ll let her finish with those people first.”
Knox nodded. Having Jade’s full attention? He couldn’t argue with that.
* * *
Jade Dare wrapped up her conversation with a woman she felt sure would become a Bridezilla if she booked the Meridian’s services. Still, she’d managed to keep a forced smile pasted on her face until the woman walked away.
As soon as the woman and her meek fiancé were out of sight, Jade turned to Lauren Connelly, her personal assistant and best friend. “No, I will not work with her. One of the perks of my family owning this hotel is that I can turn down people I don’t want to deal with. Life’s too short. So, when she calls, say we’re booked. Forever if need be.”
Lauren tipped her head and laughed, her chic long bob swaying around her face. “Twenty bridesmaids and don’t worry about the budget. I’ll work on my father?” she said in a perfect imitation of the woman, even down to the hair flip. “Can’t say I blame you.” She shuddered just as Jade had. “And that poor man. He needs to grow a backbone or his life is going to be hell.”
“Amen,” Jade muttered. In her business, she met all kinds of people, male and female alike. “He’s never going to be happy.” That much she could confidently predict.
Lauren glanced around their assigned venue space with a quick and experienced eye, then spoke to the girl who was helping them out. “Layla, can you put some more water on the tables?” Stepping toward Jade, Lauren said under her breath, “I think Bridezilla’s friends snagged all the waters from every table.”
“No problem,” Layla said, putting down the book she’d been reading. Jade’s fourteen-year-old sister hopped off the stool she’d been sitting on and walked to the hidden area behind a curtain where they kept the extra supplies.
“Your sister is great. She’s been so helpful!” Lauren smiled as they then watched her set up each table just so.
“She is,” Jade murmured. Layla was technically Jade’s half sister. Layla’s mom, Serenity, had raised Jade and her four siblings and they were a close family.
“Wouldn’t she rather be with her friends?” Lauren asked.
“I think something is going on—teenage angst or boy drama. I’m not sure which. Maybe both.” Jade shrugged. “She asked if she could hang out with us today. I thought she’d enjoy keeping busy.”
“Aah. Poor kid. Teenage years suck. But she looks up to you and it’s so cute to see you two together.”
Jade smiled. “We’re thirteen years apart. You’d think it would be awkward, but because my family spends so much time together, there’s no real distance between any of us.”
That had been something her father and stepmother had made sure of. After Jade’s mother’s mental illness and death by suicide—not something Jade ever wanted to think about—the family had closed ranks. Her older brothers, Asher, Harrison, and Zach, had painful memories of their birth mother. But Jade and her twin, Nick, had only been two when she’d left. They had no memory of anyone but Serenity as their mother, so that was what Nick and Jade called her. But Jade still worried about what her biological mother had done and what that meant for her own mental health.
“Speaking of men…” Lauren’s voice broke into the morose thoughts Jade tried hard not to dwell on.
“We weren’t.” She narrowed her eyes at Lauren. “We were discussing my sister and, before that, Bridezilla.”
Lauren opened a water bottle and took a sip. “Okay then. Just pretend we were discussing men. Are you still on a man fast? Because it’s been a year and a half since you broke up with Dickhead, and I think it’s time for you to get out there again.” She twirled around and her long bob swung with her. “Mix and mingle. My neighbor invited me to go to a bar with some friends tonight. You should come with me.” She turned pleading eyes on Jade.
Jade knew when she was being manipulated. Lauren had done it often enough during their college days at NYU, when she would try and get Jade to go somewhere she didn’t want to go. Jade suffered from migraines and anxiety, and she was lucky that Lauren had stuck around, back in the days when partying was everything. A lot of Jade’s high school friends had become bored with her issues.
“Thanks for the invite. I’ll think about it.”
Lauren raised an eyebrow. “You’re lying.”
Unable to hold it in, Jade burst out laughing. “You know me too well.”
“Is it because of the man fast?” Lauren asked, her tone serious.
Jade took a quick glance at the rear of the exhibit, making sure Layla had gone back to her reading and wouldn’t overhear their conversation. A man fast was what Jade was calling the time she was taking to fully get past what that lying, cheating SOB Theo Matthews, her former fiancé, had done to her. She considered it a necessity, something she had to do for herself before she moved on. After all, she’d jumped into a relationship too soon with Theo, after ending things with Douglas Webster, a creep who’d only wanted her for her family money.
If Mr. Right ever came her way, she wanted to be in the right frame of mind to recognize it. And so, taking the time to know herself first was imperative.
“I’d say I have good reason for steering clear of men,” Jade muttered. “And would you stop saying those words? We’re here to sell happily-ever-afters, not run people off,” she said, tipping her head at the visitors looking at their brochures and photos.
Lauren sighed. “One of these days, you’re going to give in and go out again. I just know it.”
“Hi!” A perky redhead walked up to Jade and Lauren, ending their conversation, for which Jade was grateful.
“Hello,” Jade said, smiling. “How can we help… Oh! Natalie! It’s good to see you. I’ve talked to so many people today, I just dove in without realizing I already knew you.”
The attractive woman laughed. “Six months and counting!” she said, her smile as big as her obvious excitement.
She was one of the brides Jade enjoyed talking to. “I know. You remember Lauren, right?”
“Of course!” Both women spoke at the same time and laughed.
“What are you doing here today?” They’d booked all her vendors already.
“John is having a guys-only day, so I figured I’d come sign up for some of the giveaways. I’m feeling lucky!” Natalie said.
“Well then, why don’t you enter ours? We’re offering a night in the bridal suite at the Meridian. You never know. You might end up staying there for free.” Lauren winked at Jade and led Natalie toward the giveaway table, giving Jade a few minutes of blessed peace.
She picked up a bottle of water from a table, opened the cap, and took a long sip. As she replaced the top, a female voice called her name.
She put the bottle down and turned.
“Jade, hi!” Holly Matthews, her most recent ex’s sister, rushed over and engulfed her in a hug. “I’m so happy to see you!” Holly exclaimed loudly in Jade’s ear.
“Let her go, Holl,” a deep, masculine voice said. “You’re squeezing the life out of her.” A rumbling sexy chuckle followed and she shivered at the sound.
Holly laughed and released her. “Sorry. It’s just been way too long. I’ve missed you,” she said, keeping Jade’s focus on her.
Jade smiled. “I’ve missed you, too.” She should have kept in touch with Theo’s little sister. They weren’t all that far apart in age and she’d always liked her. “What are you doing at the Bridal and Wedding Expo?”
“She’s getting married,” the same masculine voice said, drawing her attention and she glanced up, meeting Knox Sinclair’s amused gaze.
He was Holly’s brother, Theo’s stepbrother, and the man whose wife Theo had slept with when he’d cheated on Jade. It wasn’t a great connection to have, and they hadn’t commiserated about it afterward. He was also the hottest man she’d ever seen, then and now. His appearance here was a surprise and butterflies immediately took up residence inside her. He was just that handsome.
“Hi, Knox,” she said, trying to calm her heart rate at the sight of him.
“Jade.” He tipped his head in greeting.
Her name on his lips sent tremors of awareness shooting through her. With his dark hair, hazel eyes that appeared more green than brown, and a face that was close to perfect, she couldn’t help her attraction to him. He had a straight nose, a strong jaw, and full lips she’d imagined kissing. And yes, she’d felt guilty about it, since she’d been with Theo at the time. But she hadn’t acted on the urge, which was more than she could say about her ex. Knowing she could study him now without guilt was liberating and she drank him in.
A football team owner, he always wore a sport jacket and slacks, looking imposing and put together. And more her type than Theo, the goalie for the New York Rockets, had been. She’d never dated an athlete before, but Theo, the hockey player, had been persistent, and she’d been anxious to jump back into the dating pool after her first broken engagement.
What a mistake that had been. Theo had taught her well—she had shitty taste in men, bad judgment, and had no business dating anyone, not even a guy as hot as Knox Sinclair.
“How are you?” she asked.
Even his genuine smile with straight white teeth drew her in. “I’m good. And you?”
“Busy.” She gestured around the booth.
“Impressive display,” he said, his gaze following her wave.
Pride filled her and she smiled. “Thanks. We worked hard.” She looked to where Lauren had been, but her assistant had stepped to the side to talk to Holly. She hadn’t realized she and Knox had been left alone.
“Why are you the one here with Holly?” she asked. Most brides brought their mothers, friends, or future husbands. Jade knew Holly’s mom had passed away. “Where’s the groom?”
“He’s out of town. Holly asked me to come with her to check things out.”
His indulgent tone when he spoke of his stepsister was so different than Theo’s had been. Theo had had no patience for Holly, her bubbly personality, or her desire to please. And they were blood relatives. Looking back, Jade had ignored a lot of red flags when it came to Theo, and she wanted to kick herself for being so blind.
Knox tipped his head towards his sister and Jade took that as a cue, walking over with Knox following.
“Holly! Your stepbrother just told me about your engagement. Congratulations,” Jade said, joining Holly and Lauren.
“Thank you. I’m very happy,” Holly said. “Look!” She held her out her hand to show off her ring.
Used to this with all her brides, Jade lifted Holly’s fingers to admire the beautiful emerald-cut diamond. “Gorgeous. I’m thrilled for you.”
“Thrilled enough to be my wedding coordinator and help me find a date at your hotel?” Holly clasped her hands together. “Please?”
Jade glanced at Lauren, who winced from behind Holly’s back. “I’d really love to work with you, but we’re booked for the next year. When did you have in mind?”
Holly glanced at Knox, who shrugged.
“Your call,” he said. “What did you and Miles discuss?”
She bit down on her lower lip. “We figured a year, but I have to admit, I was hoping to find an opening sooner.”
Jade wrapped an arm around Holly’s shoulders. “It’s difficult to plan a wedding on short notice, especially if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles. How about you give me a call at work? I’ll look at my calendar and check the soonest open date. In the meantime, why don’t you sign up to win a free night in the Meridian bridal suite.” She pointed to the sign-up area.
Holly, looking disappointed, nodded. “I guess I knew that. I was just hoping things would go my way. Can you let me know if you get a cancellation, though I know that’s highly unlikely?”
“Of course. Leave your number with Lauren. If something opens up, I promise you’ll be my first phone call.” Jade didn’t mention that, if something like that happened, it would mean that another bride-to-be was left devastated. Jade had been down that road herself, and just the thought of it made her ill.
“Hey! It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. Do you mind if I get a picture of all of us together?” Holly asked. When Jade nodded her agreement, Holly went into action. “Come on, move over here.” Despite attendees walking in and out of the booth, Holly directed Jade and Lauren to stand in front of the fairy lights.
Knox stood to the side, his arms folded across his chest, his gaze on Jade, causing the awareness she already had of him to multiply.
“You, too, Knox! Come on.” Holly grabbed his hand and pulled him across the floor. “Stand here.” She nudged him between Jade and Lauren.
His broad shoulder rubbed against Jade’s arm, and her nipples puckered in reaction.
“I don’t think it’s necessary for me to be in the photo,” Knox said, his voice gruffer than before. Had their touch affected him too?
She didn’t want him to duck out so she touched his shoulder. “Stay. You’ll be good PR for the hotel.”
Holly nodded. “See? Now step back.”
“I can take the picture,” Layla offered, placing her book on a stool.
Holly smiled. “That would be great. I want to put it on my Instagram.” She handed Jade’s sister her cell phone.
“As long as we’re doing this, can you make sure to get the hotel and business logo in the photo?” Jade gestured to the Meridian Hotel Events sign.
A few minutes and several photo attempts later, they had the money shot, and everyone was happy with the end result. Holly immediately posted the picture and tagged them all. Lauren walked across the booth to talk to a woman who’d been waiting patiently to ask a question, and Layla settled back onto her chair to read.
“Before we go, I want to enter the giveaway,” Holly said. She stepped over to the table with the forms and filled out her entry.
Jade stood with Knox, and he looked away from Holly to meet her gaze. “How have you been?” he asked.
She assumed he was referring to getting past the heartbreak they’d both experienced. “I survived Theo, if that’s what you’re asking.”
He shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. How are you?” Those gorgeous hazel eyes studied her intently.
“I have work, friends, close family. I’m good,” she answered honestly.
His smile warmed her. “I’m glad.”
“All set.” Holly joined them before she could ask how he’d been. “I’ll be calling you to book when you’re free… and to see if something opens up.”
Jade nodded. “Sounds good. I’ve missed you,” she said.
“Me, too.” Holly tipped her head to the side. “Do you have dinner plans when the expo is over? We should all go out, right?” she asked, nudging Knox not too subtly with her elbow.
Jade bit the inside of her cheek. At this point, she was certain Holly was trying to push her together with Knox. Which would be as awkward as it sounded, and she assumed he felt the same way.
“Why not?” Knox surprised her by saying. “I’m free.”
Holly’s eyes lit up. “Jade?”
She hesitated but saw the sincerity and hope in Holly’s eyes. Since Knox also wanted to see her again, she decided one dinner couldn’t hurt. “Sure. I should be able to make it around seven thirty, if that’s okay? Somewhere mid to uptown would be easiest.”
“Not a problem. Holly will make a reservation since it was her idea.” His sexy lips turned up in a grin.
“How many people are we? Lauren, can you make it?” Holly asked.
“Sorry,” Lauren said, as she joined them. “I have plans.”
Jade wished her friend could be there to act as a buffer against Knox. The man’s sex appeal was potent, and Jade would have appreciated Lauren’s support in her battle against Holly’s obvious matchmaking intentions. Then again, Lauren might hop on the set-Jade-and-Knox-up bandwagon.
“How about your sister?” Holly tipped her head toward Jade’s quiet younger sibling.
Jade shook her head. “My parents are picking her up later this afternoon.”
“So that makes three of us then. Great! We can all catch up. See you later!” Then Holly walked off, her attention on her phone, probably looking for reservations.
Knox tipped his head. “Later, Jade.” He winked and strode off after his sister.
Jade tried not to drool as she watched him walk away. Then she turned to her booth and got back to business. But even as she talked with prospective customers and handed out brochures, she looked forward to spending an evening with Knox and couldn’t help wondering what she’d gotten herself into.
* * *
Knox was in a surprisingly good mood as he pulled out of the parking lot at the expo for the drive back into the city. Sure, Holly had manipulated him and Jade into dinner, but since it gave him an excuse to spend time with a pretty woman who intrigued him, he figured why the hell not go?
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at his sister. “You’re looking pretty smug.”
She turned to him. “About dinner? I am. About having to wait a year for the wedding? Not so much.”
“If you want to get married sooner, pick a different venue. I know the upscale places book out early, but I’m sure we can find you somewhere you’ll be happy.”
She frowned. “That’s my dream location.”
“Then we’ll just have to wait.”
Her cell phone rang and she answered the call. “Theo! Guess where I just went?”
Knox shook his head. She’d never stop trying to get her brother interested in her life.
“Oh! You saw the picture I posted?” She listened to the asshole’s answer. “Yes, I’m still with Knox.” She narrowed her gaze and glanced his way.
He shrugged and merged onto the highway.
“Fine.” She let out a groan. “Theo wants me to put him on speaker.” She hit the button on her screen. “You’re up,” she said to Theo. “What’s going on?”
“There are thousands of wedding planners in Manhattan. You don’t need to use Jade,” Theo said.
Knox set his jaw. What the fuck was Theo’s problem? He was the one who screwed things up with his fiancée. It was none of his business if Holly wanted to work with Jade.
“I want to get married at the Meridian, and she’s their wedding planner. Her family owns the hotel and she runs their entertainment. You know that,” Holly said.
“A place is a place. Pick somewhere else. It’ll be awkward for me.” Theo’s voice sounded more like a whine.
“This isn’t about you.” Knox was growing more pissed by the second. “It’s about Holly. And she is the only one who gets a say.”
He’d like to remind his stepbrother that Knox was the one paying for this wedding since their mother had disappeared with her latest wealthy pawn. Theo hadn’t offered up a dime. But Knox would never make Holly feel bad.
“You’re so full of shit, Knox. It’s not about what Holly wants. You just want to be around Jade. You always did have a hard-on for her. Guess you like my leftovers,” he said, chuckling, but Knox could hear the anger beneath the sound.
He forced out a deep breath and gripped the leather steering wheel harder. “Don’t you have playoffs to prepare for? Or are you still working off your last suspension?” Knox couldn’t help but deliberately goad his stepbrother. If something didn’t go Theo’s way on, or off, the ice, he made everybody miserable.
“At least I’m an athlete. You needed your daddy’s inheritance to be any part of a team.”
“Theo, cut it out,” Holly said, the joy from the day leeched out of her voice.
It was time to end this conversation. “I’d say it’s been a pleasure, but we both know that would be a lie.” Knox glanced at Holly. “Disconnect the call.”
Theo did the honors first and ended the conversation before she could hit the button on the phone.
“Sorry I let him push me into an argument,” Knox told his sister. “But don’t let him get to you. He’s always been self-centered. He thinks everything’s either about him or someone’s done him wrong. None of this has anything to do with you.”
Holly sighed. “I know. He never takes responsibility. Anytime something bad happens to him, it’s someone else’s fault.” She picked at her nails. “I’m sorry for what he said to you.”
Knox reached over and grasped her hand. “Don’t take his shit on yourself. Come on. What happened to the smug, giddy woman who set her brother up tonight?”
Holly blinked in an exaggerated fashion. “Who, me?”
He laughed, glad her good mood had returned. “That’s better. Now get to work finding us a restaurant.”
She turned up the radio and began scrolling on her phone, giving Knox time to think about Theo’s reaction. If a mere photo with Jade had set his stepbrother off, Knox could only imagine what Theo would do if Knox actually spent time with his stepbrother’s ex. And unsurprisingly, he didn’t care.