Page 5 of Share with Me

Chapter Two

Before Brinleyand her sister could reach the family table, a tall, lanky man with his hair tied up in a ponytail jumped in front of them, his arms immediately going to Zoe’s waist and his lips on hers in ways that were so intimate Brinley had to avert her eyes. She’d seen a lot of things, but not this slobbery smooching whatever that the lovebirds were trying to claim in public. Brinley backed away, trying to give her sister some privacy.

Right. In front of hundreds of dinner guests.

When they separated, they left a smacking sound in their wake, the same kind of sound one heard when a suction cup came off a piece of glass. Zoe’s eyes, all occluded, were on Brinley, who was still stepping back.

“Brin, meet Quincy McMillan.”

One arm on Zoe, Quincy reached toward Brinley with his long, spindly fingers that was surprisingly well-manicured. Brinley guessed that he must be at least six five, a whole foot and a half taller than petite Zoe in her Jimmy Choo heels. As for Brinley, the top of her head came up to his neck.

“I know who you are. Brinley Brin, your dad calls you.”

Brinley chuckled. “Nice to meet you, Quincy.”

“Did you see Ivan, my brother? He plays a smashing violin, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, he does,” Brinley replied.

“You’d never know he was once a crossover violinist.”

“Really.”

Quincy seemed to study Brinley. “That haircut frames your face well. Who is your stylist?”

“Whoever is available.” Brinley had never been particular about grooming.

“Lovely. Brown hair looks good on you.” Quincy waved his free hand at Brinley’s head. “Hope there isn’t too much chemical in that dye.”

Brinley glanced at Zoe.Where did you dig up this guy?

Zoe waved her off. “Quincy is a hairstylist. Can you tell?”

“This is my original hair color,” Brinley explained. Yep. Straight brown hair. Dull, plain, not glamorous enough to keep Phinn happy.

“Au naturel. I like that.” Quincy leaned toward Zoe. “Since you’re half as lovely as your sister here, I’m confident we’re going to have some pretty kids. Isn’t that right, sweetie pie?”

Half as lovely?

Brinley’s eyes darted toward her sister.Seriously?

Zoe couldn’t stop laughing. “Isn’t he funny?”

Sure. Funny.

“You know what Quincy bought me for my birthday?” Zoe asked Brinley. “A Maserati Quattroporte GTS.”

On his hairstylist’s salary?

“She picked the color and chose the model all on her own.” Quincy grinned. “While she was at it, she paid for it on my behalf. She sent me a thank-you card. Isn’t that sweet?”

Sweet?Brinley didn’t know how to respond.

Zoe patted Quincy’s chest. “Let’s get to dinner before you put the other foot in your mouth.”

“Ladies first.” Quincy stepped back but still held Zoe’s hand.

It was endearing. Brinley couldn’t remember the last time Phinn held her hand. Every time they’d been together they’d done nothing but argue and bicker about one thing or another. That went on for two whole years.

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