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“I know that our engagement and wedding is supposed to strengthen both families’ businesses and political platforms—”

“Bryce”—his father lifted a hand, cutting him off—“my platform doesn’t rely on a wedding. Nor does the success of the law firm. Or Pete Felton’s judiciary platform. All of that has been created and nurtured over time. Nothing will be lost if you break off the engagement, other than the women’s fantasy of bringing the families together. This isn’t ancient times, son. If you’re unhappy, I want you to do what is right and what makes you happy. But I’d like to understand why.”

“What about the friendships between you and the Feltons?”

“My son’s happiness comes first, Bryce. All else will work itself out. If a decades’ old friendship turns sour over this, then so be it, but I would hope the Feltons have more dignity than to become bitter toward us. After all, if the roles were reversed and Kate had second thoughts, I wouldn’t hold it against her or her parents. So, did you and Kate get into an argument?” His father unstopped the decanter and held it out to top off Bryce’s shot. “Or is there someone else?”

Bryce shot him a startled look. The corner of his father’s mouth turned upward in a half-grin as he poured more whiskey for them both.

“I wasn’t born yesterday. I’d like to think I know you well enough to see the subtle changes in your behavior.”

Bryce grinned. He’d always had a solid relationship with his father, even if the man was hung up on his career more than he was home.

“When did things change?”

“The night after I proposed to Kate. She planned a spontaneous celebration at a nightclub in Hoboken. I ran into a”—Bryce rubbed his chin, gathering his words carefully—“an old friend from a long time ago. Something happened. Something came alive between us. I can’t explain it, but ever since we bumped into each other, I can’t simply accept marriage to Kate when I’m constantly thinking about this other woman.”

“Have you been seeing her?”

“No.” He contemplated tossing the whiskey back in a single gulp, but after the night before, he’d learned his lesson. Instead, he took a small sip and placed the unfinished drink on the table between the two chairs, next to the decanter. “I wouldn’t participate in an affair like that. Actually, I haven’t seen her until tonight. She came into the store.” The memoryof her breathtaking appearance and the feel of her hair, her presence, made him smile. “She didn’t realize I would be there.”

“Does this old friend of yours have a name? Have we met her?”

“Her name’s Rihanna and no, you haven’t met her. She was more of a distant acquaintance.”A dream-world acquaintance.“I wanted to discuss this with you before I called off the engagement. To hear what you’d say.”

“What I’d say?” Mark Hampton reached over and grabbed Bryce’s hand. Bryce lifted his gaze and met his father’s, surprised by the gleam of satisfaction in the older man’s eyes. “Follow your heart, Bryce. Don’t get caught up in the games of politics and prestige. The social tiers don’t come first. I watch you speak of this woman and I canfeelyour joy as if it were my own. All I can say is that I hope to meet this woman soon. And I’ll deal with the backlash from your mother—”

The office doors flew open. Bryce and his father twisted in their seats. His gut plummeted as he watched his mother cross the room, her face aglow with excitement. Her eyes flashed toward him and she clapped her hands once, folding her fingers beneath her chin.

“Honey, I’m so glad you finally had a chance to speak with your father and that you’ve come to your senses.” Her smile fell in a carefully perfected thoughtful expression. “Although, it’s going to be a lot of work to get this together. Ah!” Her smile returned and she stepped up behind his father’s chair. “It’ll be fine, and it’ll be fabulous!”

Bryce rose to his feet, confusion settling on his shoulders while a dark voice whispered a warning in the back of his head. Something was off.

His father pressed to his feet beside Bryce and turned tohis wife. “My dear, what is all this excitement about? I’m afraid Bryce and I haven’t any idea what’s happening.”

“Oh, Mark. Don’t be silly!” She gave his arm a playful nudge. His father cast him a baffled glance. Bryce shrugged but couldn’t take his eyes off his mother. What on Earth was going on? “I just got off the phone with Donna, and guess what?”

“You’ll have to tell me.”

His mother’s gaze beamed as it cut from Bryce to his father, and back to Bryce. “Our children have picked a date for the wedding and they want it to be next month!”

9

Bryce pounded on the front door, his blood boiling despite the flurries that fell from the night sky. He couldn’t believe this! How the fuck could she dare orchestrate such a production?

“Kate, open the damn door!” he barked. For the first time in six months, he wished he didn’t leave the key to her condo at home.

After ten minutes with no answer, he growled and stormed back to his Hummer. The muscles along his neck and back tensed to the point of pain and tremors. He sped away from her condo as he dug out his phone. No texts. Eerie silence.

He called her, went right to voicemail. Called again with the same result. He didn’t stop calling until he pulled into his driveway and cut the engine. Now, she hid. Avoided him because sheknewhe’d be infuriated. She staged this setup and thought she’d escape him?

“Damn it, Kate,” he spat as he barged into his house.

He came up short.

Dozens and dozens of candles flickered from the swooshof air caused by the opening door. The lights were off, but he saw the rose petals leading up the stairs, along with items of clothing every few feet. A shoe here. Another a few steps up. A shirt.

Bryce slammed the door behind him and leaped up the stairs until he came to his bedroom door. On the floor at his feet, a red lace bra and a matching thong.