Page 4 of Peyton's Price

I wouldn’t have to watch Liam get married.

“Do I need to interview?”

“Yes, but if I’m right, it’s just going to be a formality. I can smell talent. It’s one of my gifts. I know you’ll do well at Adstringo.”

Eva reached into her purse, then handed her a card. “I want you to call my assistant tomorrow to make the appointment. He’ll handle your travel plans. We’ll take care of everything.”

Eva broke off, giving her an apologetic glance. “I should add this position is going to be demanding, and we need someone yesterday. You might have to relocate very soon.”

Peyton didn’t believe that for a second. Tears stung at her eyes. This time, she didn’t let them fall.

She dabbed at her face, willing the redness to fade. “Eva, you’re fucking amazing.”

Eva grinned. The swearing didn’t put her off. “So Sergei keeps telling me, but he’s too biased to count as—”

The door swung open. Peyton flinched, half-expecting Liam.

“Damn it, Ethan. This is the ladies’ room.” Eva pointed imperiously at the door.

Ethan Thomas, Jason’s partner at the FBI, snickered. “Just pretend I got lost.”

Peyton’s brow creased, wondering at the familiarity of the pair.

Oh, that’s right!Ethan had been part of Eva’s rescue mission a few years ago. He had delivered Eva’s son on the yacht where she’d been held captive. She even named her son after him. Of course, it stood to reason they would be friends now. Too wrapped up in her grief, she’d almost forgotten their history.

Ethan gave Eva another lopsided grin. “It’s turned into a schmooze-fest out there. Caroline’s father just showed up. I’m gonna cut out early. Anybody in here in need of a ride?”

He raised his head, his expression matter of fact when he focused on Peyton.

He was good. It was as if he were completely unaware her heart had just been ripped out in front of her nearest and dearest friends.

Eva answered for her. “What good timing. Peyton’s come down with a touch of food poisoning. She could use a lift home.”

He held out his hand. “Great. C’mon. It’s on my way,” he lied. His apartment was across town from hers.

Eva gave Peyton a quick hug. “I’ll tell everyone you were sick. We can celebrate your thesis later—and maybe more. Call that number.”

Her head still spinning, Peyton nodded. “I will.”

Chapter 3

It had started to rain. The bus ride home would have been a disaster in this weather, but at least the world was keeping pace with her emotions for a change.

What emotions?Blessedly numb, she stared out the window. After a few blocks, she registered that Ethan was carrying on a conversation with himself. It was a steady stream of small talk.

She shifted to gaze at him blankly, trying to piece together what that hell he was talking about just as he lapsed into silence.

“It’s going to be all right,” he said after a long pause. “That Caroline woman could have kept her mouth shut another day. She and Liam didn’t need to ruin your party.”

Peyton shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”

She was so tired now. She could get in bed now and sleep all weekend.

“Of course it matters. You worked like a dog for that degree. Doing something like that on top of your job at the hotel was insane. Having your thunder stolen like that sucked.”

He reached over to squeeze her hand before returning it to the gearshift of the manual car. “Hey…if I tell you something, you won’t hold it against me, will you?

“It’s okay. Don’t bother.”

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