Hands cradling her cheeks, he pulled her in for a friendly kiss. Well, awe-used-to-be-intimatefriendly kiss. “Remember, we’re engaged and are deeply in love at least until the gala.”
“Sure.” It wouldn’t hurt if Grady knew. But how would she tell him?So, now that I’m single, let’s hook up.That was going to sound classy. Regardless, thrill thundered in her chest as she pictured his response.
Ryder reached into his back pocket and pulled out a stack of cash. “About tonight. We’ll be meeting at a swanky club in Seattle. If this goes well, I should nail that promotion. I saw there’s still a boutique clothing store on Main, if you want to buy something to wear, and maybe pick up a black shirt for me? I can wear good jeans and the shoes I brought for the gala, but the shirt’s too formal.”
She snatched the cash and flashed him a wink. “I’ll see what I can come up with. If you remind me how to get to town, I’ll take the rental car once the stores open.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. The head of marketing for the vodka campaign was supposed to meet us next month in Los Angeles, but he is in the area for a few days, and rumor has it, they’re interviewing a few other consulting firms. Very last minute, and since I’m in the area, my boss put me on the wine-and-dine. We’re to keep things social to avoid a high-pressure sales pitch, so I’m supposed to bring you.”
“Get me that interview, and I will happily play the marketing consultant’s date one last time. I’m psyched to get in touch with Dr. Parson. Mind looking at my resumé?”
She may as well take advantage of his expertise. He was good at his job. What would have taken her the rest of the day, he finished in minutes. While he touched up the aesthetics, she stared out the window, scheming about how to approach Grady.
“Alright, I’m going shopping. I, uh... I don’t see a reason to keep any secrets from your brother.”
“Sure.”
“You guys are at each other enough. Some honesty might smooth things over.” She hoped she didn’t squeak with her pathetic attempt to... she chuckled under her breath, toclose the dealwith his brother as soon as possible. “Are you going to tell him?”
“About the breakup?”
“Yes. It’s not healthy, being so distant with your brother.”
“I guess so. Makes sense. Since Becca... yeah, I’ll hash it out with him before we go.”
At least he wasn’t suspicious of her intentions. Case in point, however, as to why it was over. He really didn’t notice her.
Claire slipped herarms into her denim jacket, her hallmark casual over the formal of the cocktail dress. She was glad this was her last social appearance for the sake of Ryder’s career, but she had no idea when she’d be able to wear the cute outfits again. She’d tried on a dozen dresses, had even considered some leather pants that would look fantastic with her boots, but finally settled on a black cowl-neck. If it was on Ryder’s buck, she might as well take full advantage. He didn’t mind.
A knock at the door interrupted her musings. Turning, Claire saw Ryder opening the door. Grady leaned against the open door to the blue suite, looking downright edible. Still wet from a shower, his blond hair spiked in all different directions and his white t-shirt clung to his damp skin.
She tried not to stare, but she couldn’t help but picture exactly what he’d just been up to in the shower. His eyes closed, letting the bubbly suds trail over those abs. Dramatically shaking the water out of his hair in slow motion like one of those shampoo commercials.
Ryder nodded to Grady’s bruised cheek. “Who’d you piss off this time?”
“Fuck off,” Grady muttered. “Claire?” he asked, his gaze softening and lips curling into a yummy smile as he caught sight of her.
“Yes, Grady?” Was that too hopeful? Too eager? Had Ryder talked to him yet?
“Do you have a minute?”
Ryder glared at his watch, shaking his head. “We need to get going.”
Grady nodded and shifted his feet. “Freya and Sophie wanted to invite you over for breakfast before you go. Then, if you wanted to do something fun after, they’re hoping to show you around Foothills.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet. I’d love to.”
“I can, uh, I can give you a ride. If you want. Zane and I were going to meet up, too.”
Ryder jabbed him in the ribs before pushing past him. “You hitting on my fiancée?”
Grady gritted his teeth. Claire worried for the integrity of his jaw, with that mastication muscle flexing so tightly. He shoved off the door frame and stalked down the hall.
After throwing his arms up in surrender, Ryder clicked the door shut and turned back to Claire. “I’m sorry about Grady. He’s always had a short fuse, but he’s particularly pissy this visit.”
“You didn’t talk to him yet?”
“I haven’t had time. I’ll go talk to him while you finish up. But we need to get going so we’re not late.”
