Searching for Perfect

fourteen

NATE WATCHED WOLFE pin his gaze on the ball, draw back, and swing through. The club face was nicely square, and he watched his approach shot fall close to the green. Quite respectable, especially for a novice.

Wolfe looked over, not trusting it was a good shot. Nate grinned. “Nice job. Your form has really improved and you’re hitting the green. We haven’t had to trudge through the water or sand in a long time.”

Wolfe laughed as they began walking. “Hell, I’m getting it on the green and on the right course. It’s a miracle.”

“Nah, your swing is pure power. Must be that tattoo.”

“You should see what a piercing can do. Especially in a painful place.”

Nate winced. “Gonna pass on that one.”

They played the next few holes in comfortable silence. Nate missed having guy friends. Wayne rarely spoke about anything other than work, and his brother was family, so he had to take his shit one way or the other. He’d never peg Wolfe as the type of guy who’d want to be friends with him. Nate figured he’d ditch him after a few sessions, but he seemed genuinely interested in continuing the golf lessons and even suggested meeting for a beer after work last week.

“When’s your golf meeting set up for?” Nate asked. His club sliced the air and the ball sailed in a full arc to drop a foot from the hole. Yes. If only Ken could see that one.

“I maneuvered a Friday morning session into his group. Let me tell you, it was tougher than infiltrating the CIA. This sport is hard-core.”

“You’ll be ready. How’s Purity going?”

Wolfe took his shot. It hooked to the left but straightened out enough to keep away from the hazard. “The big opening is in a few weeks, and I’ve recruited a solid list of celebrities. Decided to combine it with a charity event to also give back to the community. New York is a breed unto its own, so I need to run this one different than Milan, and my dad agreed it’s my call. First project I get to run from top to bottom.”

“Your dad sounds cool. Do you get to see each other often?”

“He and Julietta, my stepmom, live in Milan. She’s the head of La Dolce Famiglia bakery and just had a baby, but I’m sure she’ll make it to the opening. She’s hard-core.” The softening of his face told Nate she was well loved. A stab of envy hit him in the gut. What would it be like to have a parent actually care about you and your life? At least Connor was by his side for the long haul, and that was a hell of a lot more than most people got.

“I think I just had a brilliant idea.”

“What?”

“Payment for golf lessons in sweets. I love my pastries.”

Wolfe grinned. “Done. Two items are guaranteed to grab a woman’s attention, and one is good food.”

“What’s the other?”

“A cute, furry animal.”

Hmm. Nate wondered if he should invest in an adorable puppy and recruit Kennedy to help. The idea had merits. Ah, crap, he was nuts. Who thought about buying a pet just to keep the woman he loved? Since the night she had confessed her past, he’d been haunted by her strength and vulnerability. He also realized that she didn’t see it.

He’d woken up Sunday morning in her bed, and she’d already escaped. Safely showered and dressed, she greeted him with a false brilliance that annoyed the crap out of him. He should’ve stripped her naked and dragged her back to bed, where she always listened, but his gut screamed to give her space. Without a word, he’d kissed her good-bye and walked out. He hoped a day to ruminate on their relationship might help bring her to the conclusion they were perfect together. But somehow, he doubted it.

She didn’t call. Didn’t show up for Zumba Monday evening either. And now it was midweek and still not a peep. He needed some sort of sign of what to do. His instinct drove him to be direct, but sometimes women needed subtlety. And he was playing for keeps.

He glanced at Wolfe’s cool tattoo, confident air, and model looks. He always wore these badass leather wristbands that only added appeal. Damn man made it look easy. “Hey, Wolfe?”

“Yeah?”

“You ever been in love?”

He stiffened. Took his eyes off the ball and met his gaze. Those blue eyes suddenly looked haunted, but he answered the question. “No.” Wolfe studied him. “You got nailed, huh?”

Nate pushed his hand through his perfectly cut hair. “Yeah. Literally and figuratively. It’s the figuratively I’m having a hard time with.”

His friend laughed. “Leave it to a scientist to tell it like it is. She into you?”

“I think. She’s a certified commitment phobic. Afraid to stop and look too deep, as if she’s already convinced it’ll end badly. I don’t know how to convince her I want long term. That I’ll stick. That she’s worth it. Ah, hell, any of this make sense?”

“Yes.” Wolfe looked out over the horizon and remained quiet. Nate recognized in his silence another soul who needed to work things out, and suddenly he realized there was a hell of a lot more to Wolfe under that male model billionaire surface. “Sometimes people don’t believe they deserve a happy ending. Most don’t get it. Did you tell her how you feel?”

“No. I figured that would be the end of it. Damn woman would probably change her name and move out of state in an effort to get rid of me. I figured I’d play it cool. Not push. Let her have space.”

“It’s tricky, Nate. Could go either way. But I know one thing. You’re gonna have to fight hard for her and you may lose. She still worth it?”

“Yes.”

“Glad I’m not you.”

“Thanks, Dr. Phil.”

Another short laugh. “You’re gonna have to tell her. She should know. If she runs, you just wait her out. Maybe you need to prove you don’t scare easily.”

He tried not to let a wimpy sigh escape. “Maybe.”

“Listen, what are you doing Saturday?”

“Asking me out?”

“You wish.”

Nate grinned. “Just golfing.”

“A good friend of mine is having an engagement party. It’s a pretty big event, and it’ll be fun. Why don’t you come with me?”

He drew back in surprise. He had a feeling it was a big deal to be invited into the inner circle of his new friend. “Will he mind?”

“It’s a she, and no, the more the merrier. Listen, it will be good for you to meet some new people. If things don’t work with this woman, it’s good to realize you have options. Gen’s family is incredible, and it will take your mind off this stuff for a bit.”

“Wouldn’t you rather bring a date?”

“Nah, I just got out of a weekend relationship thing—I’m exhausted. A buddy is what I need right now. You in?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

They finished the game and headed out. Nate slid into his car, buckled up, and heard the ping of his phone. Like a lovesick teen, he quickly checked the text.

Hi Nate, it’s Mary from the mixer. Kennedy told me to contact you about scheduling a date. Said you were really excited to get together. I’m free this Friday and Saturday night so let me know. Looking forward to it—enjoyed speaking with you at the mixer. Have a great day!

He dropped his head on the steering wheel. Well, Kennedy had finally made the first move, and it was a doozy. Scheduling him a date with another woman after they slept together was definitely a sign.

Just not the one he wanted.

His next move was critical. Time to scan the newest issue of Cosmopolitan and pray.

KENNEDY LOOKED UP AT the sprawling mansion set out on endless acres of property and turned to Kate. “Wow. Alexa went all out for this event, huh? Can she be my adopted sister?”

Kate laughed and grabbed her fiancé Slade’s hand. He juggled the gaily wrapped bridal gift—two small pink bags with Barbie splashed on them—and still managed to look masculine. “You can be mine, Ken,” he said.

She blew a kiss at the man who had stolen her best friend’s heart and began walking up the elaborate stone pathway. “Her mom’s house was too small, and David only has an apartment. They went back and forth on different venues, but Gen really wanted something with a homey feel,” Kate said.

“Yep, all six thousand square feet of cozy. It’s gorgeous.”

“Nick designed it himself. I keep forgetting you haven’t been here. The whole crew is coming, so things should get lively. Holy crap, is that a peacock!”

A gorgeous blue and violet creature strolled elegantly past them and toward the back of the manicured lawn. White umbrellas were scattered amid rows of pristine white and yellow roses. A seven-piece orchestra played classical music on a platform flanked by marble sculptures. A harpist sat in a long white gown with flowers in her hair and strummed as if plucked right from a fairy tale.

“Oh, boy. I’m never gonna let Gen live this down. Is that a champagne fountain? Let’s go.”

Slade laughed. “That’s my girl, always the most excited over the liquor.”

“I bet it’s the good stuff,” Kennedy piped up. “I’m right behind you.”

They weaved amid the crowds with their target in sight. Slade did a quick turnaround at the last minute. “Were those crab cakes? Babe, they got crab cakes.”

“Yes, darling, pace yourself. The buffet consists of New York strip and lobster tails.”

“I love engagement parties. Catch you later.”

Kate giggled and watched him zero in on the elegantly dressed waiter. “The man knows good food. Uh-oh. Are you ready?”

“For champagne? Yes.”

“For chaos. One, two, three, and—”

“Kate! Kate’s here, Kate’s here!”

Two screaming little girls came tearing across the lawn at high speed. The older one wore white patent leather shoes and a long pink dress, and her inky dark hair was coiled in ringlets. The younger one trailed behind, ribbons half cocked and twisted at odd angles on her head, dress torn and muddy, and barefoot. Kate knelt down and caught both of them and they tumbled back laughing.

“Hi, girls! Do you remember my friend, Kennedy?”

The girls looked up and gave her big grins. Ken remembered Alexa’s daughters well. The older one, Lily, was quite the sophisticate, and the younger one was all free spirit. Maria pointed. “Like Barbie’s Ken! But you’re a girl.”

Lily huffed. “Maria, her full name is Kennedy. I think it’s a beautiful name.” The little girl’s gaze roved over Kennedy’s citrine sheath dress, shiny jewelry, and four-inch matching sandals. “And I love your outfit!”

“Thanks, honey. I love yours too.”

“Where’s your aunt and mom, girls?”

“On the deck. Kate, I’m gonna be a flower girl for Aunt Gen! And I get to hold a basket and drop flowers all over the church!” Maria burst out.

“Just on the aisle,” Lily corrected.

“Did you bring us presents, Kate?”

“Maria, that’s rude!” Lily admonished.

Kate tugged on a wayward lock stuck around a ribbon. “I did. If you can find Slade, and give him a big hug and kiss, I bet he’ll give them to you.”

“Yay!” Maria tore off across the lawn.

Lily sighed. “Thank you, Kate.”

“You’re welcome, my sweets. Now go get him and we’ll find your mom.” Lily took off.

“Mom’s right here.”

Kennedy took in the dark-haired, curvy woman before her and smiled. Alexa was Gen’s older sister and one of the sweetest, kindest people she’d ever met. Whenever she tagged along with Kate and Gen, she was treated like family. They all hugged.

“Where’s Slade?” Alexa asked.

“Running after the crab cakes. I cannot believe this place; it’s incredible. You did an amazing job.”

Alexa settled her hands on her hips. “It was fun to plan. Since my nuptials were a big hoax, I’m putting all my backed-up wedding enthusiasm into Gen’s. Do you like the peacocks? They’re from an animal conservation farm and very well cared for. The swans were too nervous to be around large crowds, but these do quite well.”

Ken wondered if she had heard wrong. Kate looked just as surprised.

“Love them. Umm, wedding hoax?” Ken asked.

Gen’s sister waved her hand in the air in dismissal. “Not important. It ended up becoming real. I need to find the guest of honor. We spent only a minute together before she disappeared.”

Kennedy spoke up. “I’m sure she’s meeting so many people, also from David’s side. Engagement parties are a lot of work.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Mom and Dad are fawning all over David’s parents. He may trump Nick in the son-in-law department, which pisses him off.” Her gaze narrowed on something across the lawn. “Why is Maria barefoot and muddy?”

“Because she and my son were chasing peacocks and fell in the mud pit. Hey, girls.”

Alexa’s best friend and Gen’s surrogate aunt, Maggie Conte, joined the group. She wore a daring black cat suit that even Versace’s models couldn’t pull off. Her cinnamon hair was chopped off at a sharp angle at her chin, and she symbolized chic and fabulous. She had always been one of Kennedy’s role models, and was always free with her fashion advice. They exchanged brief hugs.

“Did you bring your yummy men?” Maggie asked. “And why is no one drinking yet?”

Ken laughed. “We got waylaid on the way to the champagne fountain. And I’m solo today.”

Maggie crinkled her nose. “Pity. Your dates are usually drool worthy. Has anyone seen Gen? David’s looking for her.”

Alexa frowned. “She’s MIA again. She’s so stressed out with her work schedule, I keep telling her to slow down.”

“Guess it’s the reputation of brilliant surgeons in training. Ken and I were trying to have a talk with her this week, but she kept canceling on us. Is Izzy coming?” Kate asked.

Maggie and Alexa shared a look. “Don’t know. It’ll be a surprise.” Gen’s twin was on the outs with the family. Izzy had isolated herself from the MacKenzie clan and driven a wedge between the tight-knit group. A variety of factors was cited as the cause. Drugs. Heavy partying. Abusive men. No one knew for sure what kept her away. Ken wondered if that was another stressor to Gen. She’d ended up picking Kate as her maid of honor, so maybe there was some backlash from Izzy.

“What will be a surprise?” a voice interrupted.

Maggie’s sister-in-law, Carina, joined the group. She held a baby under one arm and a drink in the other. Her dark hair spilled over her shoulders in a mass of silky waves. Almond-shaped eyes lit up with an energy and zest no first-time mother with a newborn should possess. Immediately, everyone began cooing and babbling to the baby.

“Gen’s twin, Izzy. We’re not sure if she’s coming or not. Babe, your boobs are huge! Maximus must be one very happy boy,” Maggie said.

“Which one? The father or son?” Alexa piped up.

They burst into laughter. Max Jr. was wrapped in a crocheted blue blanket, with one of those tiny knit caps stretched over his head. Dark hair peeked out from underneath, and his sleepy eyes rolled open to check on them, then slid back to slumber. Kennedy itched to bury her nose in his powder-scented skin and cuddle forever. “Hey, I get to have one drink while I’m nursing, right?” Carina asked. “And don’t say no, because I already drank it.”

“One glass of champagne is fine, sweetie. How are you holding up?” Maggie asked.

Carina rolled her eyes. “I’m fine. Max is a wreck, though. The first few days we were home I caught him just staring at the baby with this wondrous expression on his face.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Kate sighed.

Carina raised a brow. “Yeah, but that’s all he did. Refused to change his diaper or dress him or bathe him. He was afraid he’d break something of the baby’s. Probably his penis. So I did all the work.”

Kennedy winced. “That would drive me nuts. What did you do?”

Maggie and Carina shared a wicked glance. “I left.”

“What? You left your husband?” Kate asked.

“Just for the day. Told him Maggie was taking me out to the spa for a massage and a mani-pedi. He freaked out, begged me not to go, but I told him it’s time they get to know each other.”

Maggie grinned with pride. “Trust me, there’s nothing like bonding over a poopy diaper. And it worked.”

“Yep. When I got back that evening, he was rocking him to sleep, and Max Jr. had on a clean diaper and onesie. Sometimes you gotta throw the husbands in the deep end and make ’em swim.”

Alexa laughed. “You two rock. Nick once told me to hold Lily while he got something, and he actually left the house. In his car. Let’s just say he paid dearly for that move.”

Kennedy laughed. God, she loved this group of women. Strong, sassy, family oriented. They were everything she wanted to be when she finally settled down. One day.

Maybe.

The thought of the man she had shared her most intimate secrets with, taken deep into her body, and refused to acknowledge this entire week haunted her. She missed him. Missed Zumba, and golf, and the sex, God, the sex. She missed the way he spilled stains on his shirt and studied her with all that gorgeous concentration.

But she had to save him.

From herself.

Siccing Mary on him was rattlesnake mean, but she had no choice. By pushing another woman into his arms, she was confirming everything he suspected about her. She could never be the mate he needed and deserved. Eventually, her crappy issues would rear their ugly heads. She’d find something wrong with one of them and break his heart. Better to free him up now. Mary would help him forget.

She pushed the image of Nate firmly from her mind and refocused.

“Why don’t we split up and see if we can find Gen?” Kate suggested.

They all agreed. Kennedy filled her glass with champagne and headed inside the house to search. She chatted briefly with Gen’s parents, met David’s parents, grabbed some celery sticks from the veggie tray and nibbled. She thought she might faint if she caught sight of the steak, so she made a battle plan to stay outside where the air neutralized all those wonderful scents.

The main floor held no missing bride-to-be, so she headed to the second level. The massive open staircase was an architectural dream, with a six-tier glittering chandelier in a rich bronze gold as the main focus. She popped her head into a few rooms, but everyone was outside or on the first level, so she doubted she’d find anyone. She was just about to turn around when a soft creak reached her ears.

She pushed open the door. It was Lily’s room. Decorated in happy, bright yellow, a beautiful lace coverlet lay upon the canopy bed, and a huge assortment of dolls and stuffed animals were displayed in every corner. The arched bay windows were open, and the breeze drifted in, filling the room with sounds of laughter from outside and delicious smells from the party.

Gen was perched in the white rocker, staring out the window.

“Uh, Gen?”

She popped up. Surprise skittered over her face, quickly followed by a complete shutdown of emotion. Ken stared at her friend, her gut screaming at high pitch that something was very, very wrong. “Oh, my God. I’m sorry, Ken. I didn’t hear you!” Her laugh was forced, and she twisted her engagement ring round and around her finger. Ken noticed the spot was rubbed raw around the band and up to her knuckle. She was dressed impeccably, her vanilla cream blouse and long cream skirt giving her an air of mystical innocence. Her dark hair was caught up in a fancy twist, and diamond studs glittered in her ears. Her eyes, so like Alexa’s, were piercing blue. She emanated a nervous, jumpy energy that bordered more on fear than excitement.

“It’s okay, sweetie. What are you doing up here?”

She glanced out the window with a half smile. “I just needed a minute alone. I’m meeting a ton of David’s friends and associates, which is hard now that I’m being introduced on an equal level. David’s been my boss for two years, so it’s just a bit strange. I don’t want to disappoint him.”

Kennedy walked over and grabbed her hands. “Sit with me for a minute. I want to talk to you.” They both sat on the padded bench next to three pink frilly pillows. “Why would you think such a thing? David loves you, and you couldn’t be a disappointment to anyone. What’s really wrong? We’re worried about you, sweetheart.”

Gen gripped back with a surgeon’s strength. She spoke carefully. “There are a lot of people who expect things from me. I don’t want to let anyone down.” She lifted her head and gazed at her directly. “I don’t want to fail.”

Ken’s heart broke. Another successful, gorgeous woman afraid of dropping the ball. Life was just overwhelming sometimes. Was David really right for her, after all? Shouldn’t her friend be over the moon in love and happy to be planning a wedding? Or was it just societal pressure to have everything perfect?

“There’s nothing to fail at,” she said. “Alexa, and I, and Kate will help you plan every last detail. You’re our family. You need to take a step back and see what you’re doing to yourself. Too much pressure won’t make you happy, or David, or your patients, honey.”

Gen nodded. “I know you’re right.”

“Have you talked to David? Maybe you can figure something out to slow things down?”

Gen’s grip tightened. Her hands suddenly went clammy. “No! No, he’s under a lot of strain at work since they doubled his responsibilities. He’s traveling back and forth to Manhattan, and he’s doing the best he can. It will be fine.”

Kennedy studied her friend and took the plunge. “Are you happy with David?”

She jerked back. “What do you mean? I’m marrying him!”

“That wasn’t the question, was it? I didn’t even ask if you loved him. I asked if he made you happy.”

Those blue eyes widened. Seconds ticked. Ken felt on the verge of something hugely important, and she was afraid to breathe and break the moment. Her friend dragged in a breath. Opened her mouth. And—

“Hey, is this where the party is?”

The delicate moment shattered and was abruptly lost.

Wolfe stood framed in the doorway, his head almost touching the top. Gen’s face lit up and she raced over to give him a big hug. “’Bout time you got your ass here,” she sassed. And just like that, the old Gen was back.

Wolfe laughed and flicked her earlobe. “Nice rocks. Is that what med students get paid in now?”

“Yeah, right. David gave them to me.”

“Niiiice,” he drawled. “Hey, Ken, I haven’t seen you in a while. Things good? Making millions matching up poor schmucks looking for love?”

Ken rolled her eyes. “When are you going to break down and become my client? Really, Wolfe, I would’ve never picked the last woman I saw you with. Still together?”

“Nah, she only wanted my body. I wanted respect.”

Gen snorted. “She was awful. She couldn’t even throw a dart.”

“Speaking of darts, you owe me another opportunity to get even. You keep canceling on me. I can’t drink and aim sharp weapons alone.”

“Sorry, Wolfe, I promise we’ll do it next week. Wednesday night good? My shift gets out early.”

A chilly voice cut through the room. “I don’t think that will work, Genevieve. We have the nurses meeting and the charity fund-raiser.”

Silence fell. Gen jumped up and ran to David’s side, as if he normally had her on a short leash and the daily walk was over. Wolfe’s jaw clenched along with his fists, but he forced a smile at Gen’s fiancée. “Good to see you, David. Congrats.”

David was a powerful presence in a completely different manner than Wolfe was. His suit was tailored in a neutral gray and obviously custom cut. White shirt. Demure tie. Thick blond hair was tamed and smoothed back from his face. Not a speckle of stubble, and his face held the lines and grace of an aristocrat. Kennedy watched in fascination as their opposing male energies swirled and combated with each other on two separate planets. Damn. They did not like each other.

She rose to her feet and walked over. “Hi, David, we met before. Gen’s friend, Kennedy. Congratulations.”

His smile was impeccable. White teeth flashed. “Thank you, Kennedy, it’s a pleasure to have you.” The cool bite of his voice softened as he stared at Gen. “Darling, I’m sorry for interrupting. There are a few people downstairs I really need you to meet—they’re on the board. You’ll forgive me, right, Wolfe?”

“Sure.”

David slipped his arm under Gen’s elbow. “I promise you’ll have time to hang with your friends in a bit.”

“Of course, no worries. I’ll see you both later,” Gen said, stiffly following him out.

Ken caught Wolfe’s expression. Pissed off described it well. Boy, something was going on here. They obviously hated each other, but was it because they were both competing for Gen’s attention? Or did the whole subtle put-down verbal challenge mean more?

She decided to talk to Wolfe about it while they were alone, but a toilet flushed, a door opened, and someone trudged toward them. Oh, well, she needed to get in conference with Kate anyway. Where was her champagne glass? She turned and scooped it up.

“Oh, there you are. Hey, Ken, this is my friend, Nate.”

She froze. Turned her head. And gazed at Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle.

Wow. Just . . . wow.

He pulled his own weight next to Wolfe in the “holy hotness, Batman” category. No tats, piercings, or staggering height, but Nate didn’t need it. Those moss green eyes shimmered with heat and intensity, and the strong line of his jaw and cheekbones screamed command. Broad shoulders were clad in a hand-stitched black silk button-down. She’d picked it out personally. The fabric shimmered under the light and showed off his lean, muscled chest. The sleeves were rolled up and golden brown skin sprinkled with light hair confirmed his golfer’s tan. His spectacular ass was cupped in dark-washed Banana Republic jeans, with a large silver belt buckle. He was completely . . . solid. Energy swirled and tightened around them in a familiar sensual challenge that had been there since day one. She just hadn’t been ready to see or accept it.

She still wasn’t.

His eyes widened in pure surprise at seeing her there. So this wasn’t planned. Oh, no, this was some sort of crazy God universe thing who liked to laugh and torture her. What were the odds? And how the hell did he know Wolfe? She tried to squeak out something, but it took a few times before words took hold. She didn’t need to worry. He said the exact thing she would’ve bet he’d come up with no matter what the situation was.

“Hey.”

The worst part was the softening of her heart at the familiar greeting. “Hey.”

Wolfe looked back and forth between them. “You know each other?”

“Yes,” they both said together.

Nate explained further. “Kennedy is my matchmaker.”

“No way. You’re hooked up with Kinnections? Dude, you never told me.”

“Small world,” Nate murmured. His gaze roved over her, hot and hungry and . . . knowing. He knew she loved when he nibbled and bit the crease where her neck met shoulder. Knew the exact pressure to use on her nipples to bring them to a point of pain/pleasure. Knew how to curl his fingers just right when he slipped inside her to bring her quickly to orgasm.

Knew way too much.

“How do you two know each other?” she asked.

“Nate saved my ass showing me how to golf. I’m courting a big client for Purity, and the only way to get close is on the course. Of course, I sucked, and he took pity on me. He’s got this scientific thing with figuring out a swing.”

“Yes, he’s quite the teacher.”

Nate remained silent.

The air between them grew heavy and thick with unspoken words and arousal. Wolfe seemed to catch something weird going on, because he kept shifting his glance as if trying to figure out what it was. “Nate’s been a wonderful client. I’m excited about his new match.”

Nate crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Yeah, Mary does seem perfect. Too bad I’m still stuck on that last woman I was with. Don’t you think I need some time to get my head straight? Or convince her to take a chance on us?”

She shook her head hard. “You need to look at the big picture. Mary is more suited to you; this other one will break your heart.”

He took a step in. “How do you know?”

“Because she’s a mess.”

“Maybe I like messes.”

“Maybe you don’t know what’s good for you because she fogged your head with sex.”

Wolfe whistled. “Way to go, Nate.”

Nate continued, staring Kennedy down with everything he had. “Maybe she should give me more credit to know what I want and see the situation clearly. Maybe she’s so terrified of taking a chance on a real relationship because she’s never had one before.”

“Maybe she’s the only one seeing things clearly and trying to protect you.”

“Maybe she’s full of shit.” He took another step in. His eyes gleamed with a fierce light that shot sparks of fury and frustration. “Maybe she just doesn’t want to know the truth.”

“What truth?” she asked.

“That I love her.”

She gasped. Her heart stopped. Then took off at heart attack pace. The room spun and the glass almost slipped from her numb fingers.

“Uh, dude, when I told you to admit your feelings, I meant to the woman herself. Not your matchmaker.”

They locked gazes and ignored Wolfe. “Don’t say that,” she whispered. “It’s not true.”

“You don’t get to tell me what I feel. You can throw a bunch of women at me, hide away, pretend this is something it’s not, but I’m done with the lies. I love her, and it’s not going away. Go ahead and make me date Mary, or Sue, or any other woman you toss in, but it won’t change the outcome. I love her.”

Her body shook with mini convulsions. He had said he loved her. He thought he loved her. But how could he? How could he know all her secrets and still think she was a good match for him? Men loved her body, her face, her persona. They loved the way she looked on their arm, and her power career, and that she didn’t need a man to make her happy. They didn’t look into her damaged soul and love the hidden parts. How could they when she didn’t even love them herself?

Coldness seeped into her skin and bones. She couldn’t do this anymore. He’d already become way too important, and she was slipping under his spell. She had to cut him loose.

“You’ll get over it.”

The words dropped like stones between them. He jerked back as if slapped, and her heart crumbled into tiny pieces that she feared would never be able to be sutured back together.

“Is she that much of a coward?”

“She’s that much of a realist,” she said brokenly. “You need to go out with Mary.”

Wolfe cleared his throat. “Okay, this is way over my head. Why don’t I leave you two alone?”

Nate clenched his jaw. Disappointment, and a deeper emotion she didn’t want to name, emanated from his defeated stance. “No, Wolfe, that’s okay. We’re done here.”

He turned and paused in the doorway. “I’ll text Mary and take her to dinner this weekend. Thanks for the advice, Ken. You truly are an excellent matchmaker.”

Her knees trembled as she watched them walk out the door. She stumbled to the bench to grab on to her composure, trying to settle her nauseous stomach. What had she done?

The right thing. The only thing. Right?

Feeling faint, she placed her head between her knees and dragged in long breaths. She heard her name being called from a distance, but she didn’t look up, just concentrated on getting oxygen in her lungs. When she raised her head, Kate knelt in front of her.

“Sweetie, did you drink that much champagne already? You need to pace yourself better. We found Gen, and she’s with David. Are you okay?”

“No. Something happened.”

Her friend’s face lit with alarm. “What?”

She gulped. “I slept with Nate Dunkle.”

“Oh, my God. When? You didn’t tell us. Was it good? Are you happy? Is he off the client list?”

Kennedy mashed her fingers against her mouth. “No, it’s terrible, well, the sex was off-the-charts amazing, but this whole thing is terrible, I made a big mistake, and now I think I screwed him up. He needs to fall in love with Mary, not me. Oh, please let him fall in love with Mary this weekend so I can go back to my normal life.”

Kate sighed, rummaged for her phone, and tapped the screen. “This is too much for one of us. I’m going to Skype Arilyn in so we can discuss.”

“But she has the flu.”

“She can talk from bed. She probably needs a distraction anyway, she was so upset she couldn’t make Gen’s party. Hang on.”

Ken waited. After a few minutes of back-and-forth texting, her screen flashed on. Arilyn was propped up in bed, her nose bright red, glasses on, her hair a bird’s nest of a mess, and a grim expression on her face. “Tell me nothing dramatic happened. Did Gen call off the engagement?”

Kate frowned. “No. Why? Did you suspect something?”

“Gen hasn’t been happy lately. I got a bad feeling. What’s up?”

“Kennedy has a crisis. She slept with Nate Dunkle.”

A coughing fit mixed with a gulp of surprise. “The rocket scientist?”

“Aerospace engineer,” Kennedy corrected. “Yes. Him.”

“Once? Twice?”

“About fifteen times over last weekend.”

“Bitch,” Kate murmured. “You need a rest, not an intervention.”

“Kate, focus,” Arilyn said.

“Fine. But I think my record is twelve. Slade has to work harder.”

“Sweetie, why are you panicking? Kate slept with her client and they’re happy. Sure, it’s against the rules, but sometimes rules are meant to be broken. I can contact the dates you set him up with and straighten out the situation. I’m sure it will be fine.”

Kate sighed. “No, Arilyn, you don’t get it. Kennedy wants him to fall in love with someone else and already set him up with Mary for a date.”

Arilyn cursed. “What is up with you guys pushing the men you want into another woman’s arms? I feel like we’re doing the Slade thing all over again.”

Kennedy shook her head. “No, it’s different. I can’t have a relationship with Nate.”

“Why?” Kate asked.

“Because! I don’t do long-term relationships. I get itchy and restless, and I’m a bitch to deal with, and he needs someone sweet and smart to complete his life and give him babies and all that stuff I can’t.”

Arilyn sniffled, wiped her nose, and glared at the screen. “Back up. You are all of those things. You deserve happiness, too, Ken. Why are you so reluctant to take it?”

“I’m not! I’m being realistic about what I can handle and give back. You guys are always saying I find things wrong with men all the time. I’m not ready for forever.”

“Okay, give me a list of everything wrong with Nate and why it wouldn’t work,” Kate demanded.

Kennedy sniffed. “Too much to name.”

“Give me one.”

“He loves golf.”

Silence. Arilyn glared through Skype. “You went golfing with him and told us it wasn’t bad.”

“Once was okay. Twice maybe. Not every weekend!”

“Lame,” Kate declared. “Next.”

“He’s too intellectual.”

“So are you. You’re a complete Gemini—two halves of a coin. You love Science Today as much as Vogue, and don’t deny it.”

“He doesn’t respect my food choices. Always makes me try unhealthy things.”

Kate laughed. “Well, amen, sister. About time to join the land of the living, and salad makes you a cranky bitch. You’re toast. You love him.”

“No! I don’t love him.” She moaned and clutched her stomach. “I don’t, he’s going to marry Mary.”

Arilyn groaned. “God, you’re just as delusional as Kate was. Listen, babe, we can beat you over the head with the truth, but you need to find it within yourself first. You need to let go of these restrictions from your past finally. You’re worth everything, and Nate would be lucky to have you. Trust yourself to love him back.”

“No.”

“Bitch,” Kate muttered. “I knew she’d be the toughest out of all of us. You are meant for Nate. I know this.”

“How?”

Kate shrugged and didn’t meet her gaze. “I just do.”

“I don’t want this intervention anymore. My head hurts, I’m in a bad mood, and I just want to drink and celebrate Gen’s engagement. Okay?”

Kate and Arilyn shared a deep look over the iPhone. “Fine,” Arilyn said. She sneezed. “Take some photos for me and give Gen a hug. Miss you guys.”

“Bye, A.”

Kate clicked off. Frustration beat from her in waves, but she stood up and offered her hand. Ken took it. “I am going on record to say your plan is asinine and you will end up together, either the hard way or the easy way. But I will drop the subject and drink with you. Slade is designated driver. Now, let’s hit the fountain.”

“I love you, Kate.”

“Back atcha, babe. Back atcha.”