Page 102 of Riches and Romance

And what I saw? Was way bigger than I ever could have dreamt up.

“Only the best for you.” He stepped aside and ushered me through the door, his fingertips just grazing the small of my back.

Goddammit if even the slightest touch of his didn’t make me weak in the knees.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Charlotte squealed, rounding the corner from the kitchen and practically knocking me over with a hug.

“Almost wasn’t sure I’d make it,” I replied, watching Duke leave us to say our hellos out of the corner of my eye.

“Tell me everything. Was the flight okay? How’s the LA apartment? Do you have everything you need in the guest house?”

Once Duke was out of earshot, I grabbed Charlotte’s arm, pulling her into the nearest bathroom.

“You could have warned me he’d be here,” I whispered, jerking my head in the direction Duke had left from.

“Who, Duke? I thought he would have said something during your meeting.”

“Well, you thought wrong. I almost had a fucking heart attack when he answered the door.”

“Why, is something wrong? Did the meeting go south this morning?”

“No, the meeting was fine. Well, sort of. I don’t know, it was just…weird.”

Charlotte took a step back, crossing her arms and giving me a knowing look.

“He made a pass at you, didn’t he? Oh, god, I’m sorry, Val, I tried to warn you about him.”

“No, it’s not like that. I mean, sure, he was flirty, but I told him at the end of breakfast that nothing would happen between us, and he agreed to keep it professional.”

Charlotte nodded, but she didn’t look convinced.

“I’m serious, Char. Sure, he’s attractive in a rugged kind of way, but none of that matters. I’m here to do a job, and that’s it. Case closed.”

“Whatever you say, Val. I support you, no matter what.”

We looped arms and walked out of the bathroom. When we entered the kitchen, we found the two brothers standing by the table, sipping what I assumed was their own whiskey.

“Good to see you again, Valentina,” Luke said, putting his arm around me for a side hug.

“I just wish I was here for a less lawyer-y reason.”

“Well, we appreciate your help. My brother filled me in on the meeting earlier, and we have full confidence in your legal guidance.”

Duke dipped his chin in agreement, and my stomach flip-flopped at the thought of the two brothers talking about our meeting. What did Duke say about me? Did he think I was some fast-paced, know-it-all asshole who wouldn’t make it three days in his town? Suddenly, I was determined to make it work here, creature comforts be damned.

“Glad to hear it.”

“All right, enough business talk. Let’s eat!” Charlotte said, motioning for us to take a seat. She’d decorated their long farmhouse table with wildflowers and fresh fruit, neatly arranged around large platters of food.

Charlotte and I sat on one side, and the men sat on the other. Seeing Luke and Duke right next to each other was a little unsettling, but even after only one day with Duke, I was starting to notice the subtle differences between them. And not just the small ways their hair fell differently, or the slight change in mole placement. The way they carried themselves was different, their speech patterns, how they held a drink. Not to mention how only one of them could make me feel like he saw right through me with just a look.

“Sure you’re okay with that brisket, darlin’? There’s a good amount of marble in it, you know,” Duke said, raising his brows at me and motioning to the piece of meat on my plate.

Without breaking eye contact, I sliced myself a hefty bite and placed it in my mouth. After chewing and swallowing, I turned to Charlotte.

“It’s delicious.”

“You’ll have to thank Luke for that one. I’m just getting a handle on heart-healthier versions of his favorite sides.”

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