Page 8 of The Upgrade

“Got it.” Damn, that was awesome. “I meant more like what do you do for work?”

Eve laughs and the sound melts a big brick of ice in my chest. “Sorry about that. Something about meeting my best friend’s famous shrink brother makes me blurt my whole, pathetic story.”

“I love it. Really. And I promise I’m not famous.” Some of my research might be, but it’s not like people outside the psychology circles have ever heard of me. “Okay, let’s see…I’m six months out of a long-term relationship that ended after I asked her to marry me and she said no.” It doesn’t feel shitty to say that out loud, so maybe I’ve really moved on. “The breakup was complicated by the fact that my sisters saw her as family, but Miranda wanted a clean break and cut everyone off by deleting their contacts and blocking them on social media.”

“Ouch.” Eve makes a face, though I’m guessing she already knew most of that. “Sorry, that sucks.”

“It’s fine. I’m over it.” Mostly. “It’s also tricky that Miranda and I worked together. We co-managed a large body of research and wrote several clinical papers together. The books were more her pet project.”

“Camille gave me one of your research papers.”

“She did?” That’s surprising. “Which one?”

“A study on non-traditional relationships. She thought it might be helpful with one of my clients. An ENM lifestyle brand you might’ve heard of.”

Something on my face must make her think I don’t know what she’s talking about because Eve bites her lip and keeps going.

“Ethical Non-Monogamy.” She blushes deeply, which I find endearing. “Duh, of course you know what ENM is. You literally wrote the book on it. Sorry, I’m nervous. I own a public relations firm that represents Pretty Poly.”

“I’ve heard of them.” And I’m mentally rearranging my impression of my kid sister’s high school pal.

Eve Goodrich is professional and accomplished.

Eve Goodrich is smart and open-minded.

Eve Goodrich is sexy as hell.

But as much as I’m dying to throw her back on this hotel bed and bury my face between her thighs, we’ve got an event to attend.

“Let’s continue this chat on the way to the venue.” I grab my phone and skim the message from my publisher. “There’s a car waiting downstairs. Ready?”

“All set.”

I hold out my arm and she takes it, grabbing her purse off the desk on our way out the door. We chat lightly on our way down in the elevator before I open the door to the limo.

“I swear I don’t normally get the red-carpet treatment,” I say as soon as we’re tucked inside. “The publisher tied their event to an international psychiatry symposium and a gathering of ENM enthusiasts. They want to make a big splash.”

“Sounds intriguing.” She studies the plush interior of the car, then swivels her gaze back to me. “What else should you and I know about each other?”

I’m drawing a blank on get-to-know-you questions. “What do you like to do for fun?”

Eve laughs and I wonder what just crossed her mind. “I’m currently exploring new paths.” That’s intriguing. “But I love board games, reading erotic romance, binge-eating M&Ms, and playing with my cat. How about you?”

“I enjoy reading clinical studies, going to the gym, studying human behavior, and staying in touch with family.”

Her brow furrows. “That’s what you do forfun?”

Shit.

My ex’s voice floats through my head, uncomfortably shrill and spot-on.“You’re the least fun guy I know, Kit. It’s like a point of pride for you, taking everything so damn seriously.”

“Snacks.” I pull myself back to this car ride with Eve. “I do enjoy peanut butter.”

“As a snack? Like—you put it on something?”

Usually celery, but that hardly sounds fun. “It’s great with chocolate.”

“Agreed.” Eve grins. “I used to love Reese’s Pieces—sorta like M&Ms, but with peanut butter?”

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