Page 28 of Impossible Love

And now their errand girl is sitting in my kitchen watching me make her a protein shake. I fill a tall glass and place it on the island in front of her. “Forty grams of protein, two grams of sugar, dairy-free, and packed with vitamins and minerals. You’re going to need it.”

“Thanks. Why’s that?” She takes a sip and gives me another thumbs-up.

“Because we’re headed out to Sulfur Springs this morning. Wear layers. The conditions and temperature can vary a lot based on altitude and wind. And put on a pair of good walking shoes.”

“Will do.”

“Want anything else?” I ask her.

She shakes her head.

“Mind if I eat in front of you?”

“Of course not. Have at it.”

So I do. I snarf down three scrambled eggs, six slices of thick-cut bacon, and three pieces of whole-grain toast with butter. I notice she’s perking up a bit, sitting straighter. She brushes the hair away from her face and eyes my last piece of toast. I hand it to her, and she nibbles on it.

As I take my dishes to the sink, I notice that I’ve got more uninvited guests—two of my brothers. They’re outside on the back deck, loitering. That’s the only word I can think of to describe what they’re doing.

“Be right back,” I tell Victoria. “There’re towels in the bathroom. As you already know.”

Declan and Special K are grinning when I come out. Obviously they’re here to give me massive amounts of shit.

“Good morning.” Declan peers past me into the house. “Is that our Gulfstream 550 passenger?”

“Yep.”

“Is that the hot chick I saw riding in your Jeep yesterday?” Special K asks.

“Yes, Kevin.”

“And now she’s in your kitchen looking all cozy in her jammies, sipping her coffee,” Declan says.

“So why is she here?” Special K asks.

“Dad wants me to drive her out to Sulfur Springs. Her company wants to buy it.”

Declan frowns. “There’s no way that will happen.”

“When hell freezes over,” Special K says.

“Exactly, but he’s asked me to take her out there and relay any offers she makes.”

“So let me get this straight.” Declan leans against the railing. “She’s going to offer things to you out at Sulfur Springs?”

“You need a chaperone?” Special K asks.

“Funny.”

“You know that’s where I lost my virginity,” Declan says. “Both times.”

“Me too,” Special K says, snorting with laughter.

I did as well, and years before they did. But I keep that to myself. And while my brothers laugh at their stupid jokes, I tell myself that nothing will happen between Victoria and me out at Sulfur Springs today.

Not a damn thing.

Chapter 17

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