Page 58 of Feel the Rhythm

“What are you doing here?” I repeated back to him, cutting him off before he could ask me anything else.

“This is a breakfast event for my company.” He pointed at the sign that saidNicholas Taylor Investment Banking—Celebrating 30 Years!“Didn’t you see?”

I shook my head. “It’s a little early for me,” I said with a small smile.

He gave me a half-smile. “Yeah, I wasn’t sure if it was you, considering how early it is.”

I huffed a laugh. He did know me.

But I wasn’t about to stand here and go down memory lane with him. The longer I spent in his presence, the weaker my resolve became. “I’d better . . . go serve more food,” I said, gesturing with my free hand.

“Oh, okay.” He cleared his throat one more time. “Do you think we could get together? Catch up?”

I shook my head. There was no way I could even meet up with him for a friendly coffee or dinner without losing my resolve to stay away. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. And I’m really busy.”

“Clearly.” He reached out with one hand and brushed his fingertips lightly down my arm. Fire and ice followed everywhere he touched. “Are you . . . are you okay?”

I pulled back from him. “I’m fine. Just busy.”

He nodded. He opened his mouth to say more, but decided against it. “All right. I’ll let you work.”

I smiled, tight-lipped, and wandered off to find more of Scott’s co-workers to serve. Once my tray was empty, I headed back into the kitchen and took a deep breath.

Thea wandered in a second later. “I didn’t realize who would be here,” she said.

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re telling me.”

She cocked her head. “Someone you don’t want to see here?”

“Not particularly. Ex-boyfriend. You?”

She paused. “It’s complicated.”

“Okay. Who are you avoiding?”

She cracked the door open and pointed at the tall man who looked just like a Ken doll. Exactly as Amy had always described. “Him.”

I whipped my head over to her. “Ethan Taylor? What’s wrong with him?”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t get me started. Now, who are you trying to avoid?”

I pointed at Scott. “Scott King.”

Her eyes widened. “Scott is your ex—”

“Shh!” I slapped my hand over her mouth. “The good news is they don’t like each other. You take Scott’s side, and I’ll take Ethan’s.”

She nodded in agreement. “You got it.”

We spent the rest of the morning keeping to opposite sides of the room, and neither of us had awkward run-ins with the boys causing us problems. After we finished serving, we scurried out of the banquet room and rushed to our cars.

“Thanks for helping me out there,” she said.

“I need to hear the story about Ethan,” I replied.

“Only once you tell me about Scott.”

“Hmph.” Not ready for that. “I guess I’ll see you at the studio later.”