Page 100 of Perfect Assumption

I buff my nails against my dress. “Not from where I was sitting. I believe your exact words to set her off were, ‘You can sue my ass all you want. You’re not getting another damn dime out of me.’”

A flush rises against his swarthy face. “I may have said something to that effect—”

“Exactly that.” I’m enjoying myself.

“Wow, Kris. I see your phone skills haven’t improved,” Meadow interjects drily. “This reminds me an awful lot of the first time we ever spoke.”

“I was under a lot of strain, Meadow Laurence. And don’t you offer any lip. You weren’t on the phone with Carys at the time.”

Meadow whirls excitedly to me. “Carys? You work for Carys? What’s she like? I’ve been compared to her by Kris for years.”

“Oh, you’d love her. I do.”

“Tell me all about her.”

“I’m doomed. What was I thinking introducing the two of you?” Kristoffer groans while Kody laughs.

I hold up a hand to high-five Meadow, which she promptly does.

Ward’s scent hits me before I feel his arm slip around me. “I don’t know what you were thinking, Kris, but it was a great idea. Kody.” He reaches past me and shakes the other man’s hand.

“Ward. Good to see you, man. How are you liking the condo?”

“Haven’t spent a lot of time there lately.”

“Good. If you decide to sell it, let me know. I’ve got a list of buyers salivating for the chance.”

“Wait, Ward. Meadow said she runs Nature’s Song—what is that, by the way?”

Meadow opens her mouth, but Ward beats her to the answer. “You’re standing in Nature’s Song, Angel. As for Kody, he’s Laurence Construction. He’s one of the best home builders in the United States. He refurbished my condo and developed a bunch of other well-known communities around the country. He and Meadow also did the repairs on this place when it was damaged a few years ago.”

My jaw drops because I recall Carys telling me and David how Kristoffer’s house had been vandalized but how he lucked out with the most brilliant team to restore his family’s getaway. “That was the two of you?” I exclaim.

They both nod, before exchanging looks of such devotion, my heart aches. “I still design custom homes but try to limit my own builds within a certain radius. That is, unless someone like Ward Burke calls.”

Ward gives him the finger. “Please. Like you weren’t dying to get your hands on a place that big in the city.”

“That may or may not be true.”

Meadow changes the direction of the conversation. “Do you like working for an entertainment lawyer?” At my nod, she goes on. “I changed careers just a few years ago. Recently, I took over the vacation rental business I originally moved here to work for. It’s a crazy story how we both ended up living here, but we both love it.”

We continue to chat with the Laurences for a few moments before I glare up at Ward. “Aren’t you supposed to be mingling? Making deals?”

“I wanted to check in to make certain you were all right.”

I spin away from his arm. “Go conquer the legal world, Ward. I’m going to stand here bugging Meadow about more places to shop…”

“Can I come conquer the legal world with you, Burke?” Kody deadpans. We all chuckle.

Ward brushes a finger along my cheek. “Have fun. I’ll be around.”

After he walks away, Meadow pounces on me like I’m fresh meat. “I promise to give you the inside scoop about shopping at non-kitschy stores if you’ll tell me one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Did I interpret what you said right? Do you know Beckett Miller?” Her voice has that slightly high-pitched squeak most women get because they lust after Becks.

“Oh, for the love of God. Standing right here,” Kody growls.