Page 58 of Takeover

“I’d heard of the family. They owned a chain of stores that went under about ten years ago. Lindsay is my sister’s age, and they were friends. They went to the same college. Elizabeth brought her to our family home in Montauk for a weekend, and that’s how we met.” Ethan has mentioned his sister several times, and I know they are close. I didn’t expect the extra complication of her being friends with his ex, especially with her moving back to New York next week.

“Oh. I didn’t realize she’s friends with your sister. Are they still close?”

“I don’t know about close, but they are still friends.” He shrugs as if that doesn’t matter. “I can’t wait for you to meet Elizabeth, though. She’s the only immediate family I have left other than Vincent. I think she’ll fit in well with you and Vick.” He pulls me closer and tells me his sister owns an apartment two floors down from him, and she’s going to work at BradCo in some capacity, but they are still working that out.

We talk until my eyes become heavy and exhaustion takes over. The next time I open my eyes, light is peeking through the blinds and Ethan’s side of the bed is not only empty but cold. Needing to clear my head, I go straight for the shower, the conversation I had with Ethan still heavy on my mind. This is only Lindsay’s first attempt. She won’t give up so easily.

The bedroom is still empty when I emerge from the shower. Despite knowing that someone from his staff will be here to make the bed, I fix it anyway. After putting on comfortable clothes, I grab my phone, send a text to Cheryl, and after confirming a time and place to meet for lunch, I return to the bathroom. I run a brush through my hair and add light lipstick before going to search for Ethan.

The house is eerily quiet when I get downstairs, and I soon realize I’m alone without the hustle and bustle of his employees. I’m making myself a cup of coffee when I hear the familiar ding of his elevator. I’ve never seen him so casual on a Tuesday morning. He’s in jeans and a black leather jacket. He’s even sporting aviator sunglasses, and I automatically lick my lips at how good he looks.

I set down my mug and walk right into his arms. He drops the plastic bag he’s holding on the island, lifts me to the counter, and kisses me until I’m dizzy. He tastes of coffee and something sweet.

“I gave the staff the day off, and I took Vincent to school myself. Picked us up some breakfast along the way.”

“Playing hooky?” I ask.

“Nah.” He shrugs his massive shoulders. Needing to touch him, I unzip and remove his jacket. “I have a ton of work to do, but I’m working from home. I want you to stay here today.”

“I made lunch plans with the evil one. I wish I’d known.” He leans into me and kisses me. Butterflies take flight in my stomach at just his briefest touch.

“That’s fine. I have a conference call with someone from the west coast at lunch anyway.” He kisses me again, a kiss full of passion this time. “Before breakfast, I’m going to need a snack.” He lifts me and tosses me over his shoulders.

“In your office,” I tell him. “I want to ride you while you’re sitting at your desk.”

34

“Thanks, Serge.”

My new driver gives me a curt nod. He closes the car door and walks ahead to open the door to Farida for me. For a man in his fifties with a noticeable paunch, he’s still light on his feet. He smiles and tips his hat.

“My pleasure, Ms. Tara,” he says, his Caribbean accent thick. “Just text me when you’re ready to return.” Still unsure of how to react to having my own driver, I smile and nod.

Cheryl is already waiting for me when I get there, but I soon realize she’s not alone. Vickie and Alan yell surprise when they see me, and I can’t help but roll my eyes at them.

“Since you didn’t invite us, we decided to crash,” Vickie says. “Besides, you can’t keep anything from us, anyway. We might as well know upfront.”

“I tried to sneak out, but these two are like bloodhounds. They were supposed to do something with your dad.”

“Dad’s gotta get another job. I’m not doing another jigsaw puzzle or ship in a bottle with him. And then the evil one was acting super evasive about where she was going. Good thing I overheard her and dad talking about it,” Alan says.

This time I roll my eyes at my nosy siblings.

“Please, don’t tell us you’re having man trouble already?” Vickie says.

“I’ll kick his ass while I’m in town.”

“Alan, please,” I tell him. “I’m not having man trouble, but…” I leave the sentence unfinished.

The waiter comes to our table, and because we’ve been here so many times, we all place our order without looking at the menu. Once he’s gone, I turn back to face Cheryl, who’s sitting in the booth across from me next to Alan.

“But what, darling?” Cheryl says.

I take a deep breath and say, “His ex-wife has decided she wants him back.” The table goes eerily quiet at my admission.

“Can I kick a woman’s ass?” Alan asks.

“No,” Vickie says. “But I can.”

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