Page 8 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis (In The Heart of A Valentine #17)

But as he launched into a story about his latest acquisition, I found myself comparing him to Christian.

Nathan’s conversation was as phony as his personality.

He’d concocted this persona in an effort to show how brilliant, wealthy, and funny he was.

Yet, he was still single, and no woman could stand to be his ‘one and only’ for longer than dinner.

I know because he’d told me as much. Of course he blamed it on them not knowing when they had a good thing, but I knew better.

Even his laugh was fake. When Christian laughed, it was because something amused him.

When Christian spoke, there was substance beneath the surface, not just skillful corporate lecture.

“The merger should be finalized by December,” Nathan continued, cutting his steak with a knife. “Once we acquire their distribution network, we’ll control sixty percent of the Midwest market.”

“That’s impressive,” I said, taking a sip of the wine he’d selected. “Your shareholders must be pleased.”

“Ecstatic. However, success is much sweeter when you have someone sophisticated to share it with.” His eyes lingered on me and as long as I had been on these dates with him, he still had his hopes up that I would become more than a dinner companion.

This was my job, to listen with interest, to make him feel like the most fascinating man in the room. But tonight, the performance felt more daunting than usual.

“Tell me about your art collection,” I said, steering the conversation to safer ground. “I noticed the Rothko in your office.”

Nathan’s face lit up, and he spent the next twenty minutes detailing his acquisitions.

I nodded at appropriate intervals, asked thoughtful questions, and played the role of the cultured woman who found his taste impeccable.

But part of my mind wandered to Wednesday night, when Christian had cooked for me and let me fall asleep against his shoulder, content just to have me there.

After dinner, Nathan suggested drinks at his penthouse. It was a predictable request—most of my clients enjoyed showing off their homes, their success, and their ability to afford my company for an entire evening.

Nathan’s penthouse was what I’d expected, marble floors, modern art, and a view of the city. He poured wine while I settled on his white leather sofa, crossing my legs and arranging my red dress.

“You’re quite lovely,” he said, sitting beside me close enough that I could smell his expensive and aggressive cologne. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

“Have you?” I accepted the wine glass, letting warmth creep into my voice.

“Absolutely. You know, I was thinking...” His hand slid across my knee, his fingers resting there possessively. “Perhaps we could make this a regular arrangement. I travel to St. Louis frequently for business. It would be nice to have someone... reliable to accompany me to events.”

“I’d have to check my schedule,” I said, gently moving his hand back to his own knee. “But I’m sure we could work something out.”

“Excellent. There’s a charity gala next month, black tie, very exclusive. Having the right woman on my arm will make all the difference.”

I smiled and nodded, playing the part he was paying for.

But as the evening wore on, as he showed me his art collection, his imported cigars, his view of the city, my mind wandered to Christian’s hands.

Not in a sexual way, but in the way he’d touched my fingers when we’d sat together watching that ridiculous movie.

Gentle, without an agenda, like he simply enjoyed the connection.

Nathan walked me to the door at midnight, pressing a generous tip into my hand along with a kiss on the cheek that lingered.

“Next month?” he asked.

“I’ll be in touch.”

The air was sharp against my skin as I waited for my car. I pulled my coat tighter, watching the city lights blur through the windows of passing vehicles. My phone buzzed with a text from my driver, and I walked to the curb where my BMW was waiting.

“Good evening, Ms. Blackford,” Clark said as he held the door open.

“Good evening, Clark. I’m headed home, thank you.”

“Yes ma’am.”

The drive back to my condo gave me time to think, which was the last thing I wanted to do. I stared out the window at the empty streets, trying not to compare Nathan to Christian.

My phone rang just as we pulled into the garage of my building. I glanced at the screen, expecting to see Journey, Frankie, or one of my girls. Instead, it was my father.

“Hey, Daddy.”

“Hey, baby girl. I hope I’m not calling too late.”

“It’s never too late for you. How are you feeling?”

There was a pause, and I could hear the weariness in his voice when he answered. “I’m managing. I had another appointment with the VA today.”

I braced myself. “And?”

“They’re still fighting the insurance on my new wheelchair. Saying this one is adequate, even with the wheels locking up.”

“Daddy, that’s ridiculous. You could get hurt if that chair malfunctions.”

“I know, baby. But you know how it is with these bureaucrats. They see dollar signs before they see veterans.”

I closed my eyes, frustrated. My father had served three tours in Afghanistan and came home with a Purple Heart and a shattered spine. He deserved better than to fight for basic equipment.

“I’ll make some calls tomorrow,” I said. “There has to be someone who can expedite this.”

“You don’t need to.”

“Yes, I do. You shouldn’t have to fight for what you’ve already earned.”

“You’re a good daughter, Naomi. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“You raised me right. That’s what you did.”

“I love you, honey.”

“I love you, too, Daddy.”

“Will we get to see you this weekend? You know your mother misses you as soon as you’re gone.”

I smiled thinking of my mother. “I miss her, too, and I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, well, I won’t hold you. Love you again.”

“Have a good night, Daddy.”

I ended the call and sat in my car for a long moment, thinking about duty, sacrifice, and the things we do for the people we love.

My father had given everything for his country and was still fighting for basic dignity.

I ran a business that many people would judge, but it allowed me to take care of the man who had taken care of me my whole life.