Page 103 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

When I got into my car, my phone rang. I answered it, feeling happier than I'd ever thought I would be to get a call from Ethan Stark, who had once been my nemesis.

"Hi, Ethan."

"How's it going, Lauren? It's been a few weeks. I wanted to check in on you."

"It's good. I brought some flowers to my mother's grave today, and Victor showed up with all kinds of tempting offers. He wants me to head the Carrington Foundation and be a part of his life."

"That sounds interesting."

"I don't need his foundation to spend his money. I have his diamond locked away in a vault at my bank."

"That's true. You have options."

"And I'll think about all of them. We had a good talk. He seemed sincere in wanting to have a relationship with me, and I feel like I want to at least get to know him better. But I don't want money or a job to be a part of that."

"That makes sense. You don't need to rush into anything. You can investigate, research, and make sure you choose what's right for you."

"That's good advice. What are you doing these days?"

"Victor made me an offer, too. He wants me to be in charge of security for all his properties, both business and personal."

"What do you think about the job?"

"I'm tempted. It would be broader in scope than what I've been doing, and I'd get to travel around the world."

"That could be fun. You should investigate, research, and make sure to choose what's right for you," I said, repeating his earlier statement.

He laughed. "In other words, take my own advice."

"Exactly. You're a smart man."

"And you are a smart woman."

"I am. So, where are you now?"

"I'm headed to New York to talk to the current head of security for Carrington Resorts, who is retiring at the end of the month. The research begins. What are you doing tonight?"

"I'm having drinks with Harper and Jamie. I'm not sure where that friendship will go in the future, but they didn't have anything to do with what happened to me, and at times they did try to warn me about Andrew, so we'll see." I paused. "Maybe you and I could get together if you ever come back to California."

"I'll be back," he promised, sending a little tingle down my spine. "As long as you're there."

"I'm here."

"But I want to make it clear that next time we go out, Lauren, I'll be buying. I don't want money to come between us, either."

"Is there going to be anus?"

"I guess we'll find out."

"When we're done investigating and researching," I said with a laugh.

"Exactly. So, I'll see you when I see you."

"Yes, you will. Have a good trip, Ethan."

"Have a good night, Lauren."

As I ended the call, I smiled to myself. I didn't know when I'd be ready to take another chance on love, because I needed to be on my own for a while. But if I did want to take that chance, it might be on a cynical, pragmatic, and sexy man who had once been my enemy but had turned out to be my best friend.