Love’s a game without rules

Ever since she threw her cheating fiancé’s ring back in his face, Rose Beharie has avoided men. With her law school reunion fast approaching, she needs a sexy, successful date who’ll prove to her ex that she’s moved on. Sales executive Donovan Carroll more than fits the bill. In fact, from his sensual smile to his compassionate heart, the man seems too perfect for a woman whose emotions are on ice...

One minute Donovan is playing a part as a favor to the gorgeous attorney, the next he’s tumbling head over heels. As soon as their public display becomes a simmering private inferno, Rose backs off. Will he be able to convince her that no revenge could ever be more satisfying than falling hopelessly and passionately in love?

Donovan’s lips released hers. He trailed kisses down the side of her neck and back up. He nibbled her jawline then whispered in her ear. “I’m not a hero, Rose. I’m just a man. But I’d never hurt you. You can trust me.” He shared one last kiss before he released her and went back inside the house.

What just happened?

Rose’s legs shook and her body throbbed. Her underwear was damp. She stumbled across the porch to lean against the attached garage wall. She took in deep breaths to try to calm her body. When that didn’t work, she took several more. What had happened? All Donovan had done was touch and kiss her. But it was the way he’d touched her and the way he’d kissed her that made her want to strip off her clothes and wrap her naked thighs around him. That’s what had happened.

He’d kissed her and made her realize that she wanted him. All of him: the playboy, the hero, the messy executive and every version of him in between. But like every decadent dessert, Donovan Carroll would come at a cost. How high was that price—and was she able to pay it?

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to the Anderson family.

You first met the Anderson men and the Beharie sisters in The Love Game, remember? Donovan Carroll, an honorary Anderson family member, is more than his good looks. Rose Beharie, the eldest sister, believes love brings “Nothing But Heartaches,” to quote a song by The Supremes.

When I first met Donovan in my Writer’s Cave, I was intrigued by his ideas on courtship. Of the three Anderson men, Donovan proved he was the best match for Rose. He wasn’t going to win her over with bold declarations. Nor would he appeal to her with seduction. No, Donovan’s a strategist. He was going to use his natural charm to navigate the thorns around Rose’s heart.

Which would you prefer: bold declarations, irresistible seduction or natural charm? Email me at BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com with your choice and why.

I hope you enjoy Donovan and Rose.

Warm regards,

Regina Hart

Passion Play

Regina Hart

www.millsandboon.co.uk

REGINA HART is the contemporary romance pseudonym of award-winning author Patricia Sargeant. Her various pastimes and hobbies include sports—both college and pros—movies, music and, of course, reading. She loves chatting with readers. Contact her at BooksbyPatricia@yahoo.com. You can also friend her on Facebook as Patricia Sargeant / Regina Hart.

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To my dream team:

My sister, Bernadette, for giving me the dream

My husband, Michael, for supporting the dream

My brother Richard for believing in the dream

My brother Gideon for encouraging the dream

And to Mom and Dad always with love.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Copyright

Chapter 1

“Ben is on my panel.” Rose Beharie dropped that bombshell on her two younger sisters during their weekly Wednesday family dinner. What kind of perverse wench was Fate that she’d pair her with her snake of an ex-fiancé on her law school reunion’s legislative presentation panel?

“Are you kidding me?” Her youngest sister, Iris, recovered from the surprise first. Seated beside Rose, Iris stared at her, wide-eyed.

Rose had met Benjamin Shippley during their first year of law school at the University of Michigan. She’d thought he was The One. Instead, he was one of the biggest mistakes she’d ever made. She must have been insane to register for her ten-year law school reunion without first learning whether Benjamin would be attending. Temporary insanity—or more likely hubris.

She’d read in their alumni e-newsletter that Benjamin and his bride of almost one year lived in Los Angeles. He was an entertainment lawyer. Whatever. Rose was now a partner at one of the most prestigious firms in Ohio. Since they practiced such different types of law, Rose would never have pictured them participating on the same reunion panel. Had someone deliberately put them together? If so, who? Why? And did that person have exceptional health insurance?

“What are you going to do?” Her middle sister, Lily, paused with her glass of iced cucumber water halfway to her mouth. She was seated across the table from Rose.

After their parents had died, Lily had suggested the three of them continue the weekly Beharie family meals. Rose and Iris returned to their family home—now Lily’s home—every Wednesday for dinner, conversation and sibling support.

That’s what Rose needed now. “I have to find a date for the reunion.”

“Why?” Lily finished her tilapia.

“I’ve already registered and agreed to serve on the panel.” Rose moved her green beans to another side of her plate. A deep breath carried to her the savory aroma of seasoned tilapia. “I can’t back out now. Ben will think I’m not over him.”

“But you are over him. You’re so over him.” Iris, her youngest sister, glowered as she stuffed a green bean into her mouth.

“I know.” Rose glared at her half-full plate. Instead of the wonderful meal Lily had cooked, all Rose tasted was the anger, hurt and bitterness of her words. “I want Ben to know it, too. That’s why I need a date.”

“Someone to make Ben eat his heart out.” Iris grinned with evil intent.

Rose stared at the original artwork on the wall behind Lily. It was of a scarlet vase of wildflowers. “Someone handsome, successful, charming.”

“And rich.” Iris sipped her cucumber water.

“I don’t understand.” Lily slid aside her empty dinner plate. “You’re going to bring some stranger to your reunion and pass him off as your fake boyfriend so Ben will know you’re over him? What is this, some sort of low-budget TV movie of the week?”

“No, it’s revenge.” Iris drained her glass of water.

“Ben was cheating on me even before he proposed.” Rose shoved aside her half-full plate and leaned into the table. “Do you have any idea how that made me feel?”

“No, I don’t. But I know how it made me feel.” Lily’s voice was quiet. “And I know how it makes me feel to see you still so hurt and upset. Rose, you don’t have to miss the reunion. You don’t have to bring a fake boyfriend to it, either. There’s a third option.”

“What?” Rose regarded her sister closely.

“You could go by yourself.” Lily folded her hands on the table.

Rose’s eyes widened. “I can’t go to the reunion by myself.”

“Come on, Lil.” Iris added her voice to Rose’s. “It’s been sixteen months. Ben can’t know that Rosie hasn’t even had a date in more than a year.”

“Thanks, Iris.” Rose’s response cracked with sarcasm. Having her youngest sister put her fears into words made Rose feel worse. But Iris was right. She didn’t want Benjamin to know she hadn’t had anyone else in her life since she’d kicked him out.

A sudden restlessness overcame Rose. She stood and gathered Lily’s and Iris’s dishes and silverware, in addition to her own. She sensed her sisters behind her as she carried the load into the kitchen. Rose’s eyes moved over the familiar pale gold walls, blond wood furnishings and stainless steel appliances. Lily had done little to redecorate their family home. Was it because, like her, Lily found comfort in the surroundings?

“Rosie, you’re a successful, intelligent and beautiful woman.” The impatience in Lily’s voice took away from the compliment. “You don’t need a boyfriend—fake or otherwise—to be complete.”

“You’re not getting it, Lil.” Iris returned the place mats to the marble kitchen counter.

“I appreciate the sentiment.” Rose stacked the plates and silverware into the dishwasher. “But if I show up to the reunion alone, people will talk. Some will even snicker.” Her skin grew cold just imagining the negative reactions: stares, whispers, condescension.

Lily carried her step stool to the counter. She mounted the stool, then dug out a plastic storage bowl from the honey-wood cabinet above the stainless steel stove. “You’re acting as though none of your former classmates would be supportive of you. What about those friends you get together with every month?”

“They would be supportive.” To a point.

The Constant Classmates—they hadn’t changed much over the years—were three of Rose’s closest friends from her law school class. They were smart, successful, ambitious, condescending, narcissistic and competitive.

“I don’t know why you’re still friends with them.” Iris returned the pitcher of cucumber water to the side-by-side refrigerator. “You don’t really like them.”

“You guys have only met them once.” Rose continued to carefully load the dishwasher. Lily was very particular about the arrangement of the dishes. “I know they come across as a little full of themselves.”

“A little?” Iris snorted.

Rose gave her youngest sister a look. “We were study partners in law school. I wouldn’t have made it without them. And they were very supportive when I found out about Ben.”

Lily blew a dismissive breath. “You shouldn’t allow other people to make you feel bad if you want to go to the reunion on your own.”

“But I don’t want to go alone.” Rose faced Lily. “I want to go with a date.”

“Then I hope you find someone before the reunion.” Lily carried the dirty pans to the sink and filled them with soapy hot water. “Just let it happen, though. Don’t plan to bring a phony boyfriend.”

Rose straightened from the dishwasher, shutting the appliance’s door. “I don’t have time to depend on chance. The reunion is the weekend of September 18. That’s only three months away.”

“Those three months will just fly by.” Iris carried the baking pan to the sink and began cleaning it.

“Thanks, Iris.” Rose cut her baby sister another look.

“What are you going to do?” Lily propped her hips against the counter. Her blue terry-cloth shorts hung to midthigh. A purple tulip featured prominently on her white cotton T-shirt. “Put an ad in a newspaper?”

“I was hoping you or Iris knew someone suitable.” Rose rested her hips against the counter, facing her sisters. “I don’t know any men outside of work, and I don’t want to invite someone from the firm.”

“I’m dating the only handsome, successful, charming, wealthy guy I know.” Iris’s smile was satisfied.

Iris’s boyfriend, Tyler Anderson, was vice president of product development for Anderson Adventures, a family-owned computer gaming company. They’d met three months ago when Tyler hired Iris’s solo marketing and public relations consulting firm, The Beharie Agency, to help launch his company’s soon-to-be-released game, Osiris’ Journey.

“This is a bad idea.” Lily shook her head. “You’re giving Ben too much power. It doesn’t matter what he thinks. You know that you don’t need a man to validate you.”

“I do know that.” Rose sighed again. “But I really need you to support me in this plan. I’m sure it’s not an accident that Ben and I are on the same presentation panel. Someone deliberately put us together. I don’t want to show up alone.”

Iris crossed to Rose and rested a hand on her shoulder. “If Rosie shows up alone, it will seem as though she hasn’t gotten over Ben.”

With or without Lily’s approval, Rose was moving forward with her plan. But she really wanted both of her sisters’ support. The three of them had always been close, even more so since their parents had died. Iris understood. Why couldn’t Lily? Tension bunched in Rose’s shoulders as she waited for her younger sister’s response.

Finally, Lily turned. “If you’re going to do this, be sure the man you get to play your fake boyfriend is handsome enough to make Ben jealous.”

Rose smiled her relief. “That’s the plan.”

* * *

“I need a lawyer.” Donovan Carroll sat on the gray cushioned guest chair in Xavier Anderson’s office at Anderson Adventures. He balanced one of his company’s oversize coffee mugs on his right thigh. It was a match to the mugs Xavier and Tyler were using.

The tension that dropped into the room after his announcement was tangible. From behind his desk, Xavier’s gaze sprang from his mug to lock onto Donovan. In the matching seat beside him, Tyler, Xavier’s cousin, nearly choked on his coffee.

“Why do you need a lawyer?”

“What’s going on?”

Xavier and Tyler spoke at the same time. The concern in their voices was a reminder that, although he wasn’t related to the Andersons by blood or marriage, they’d accepted him as family since he’d first met the cousins in college.

It was just after 7:00 a.m. on the third Thursday in June. Anderson Adventures was quiet. Very few employees arrived this early. Xavier, the company’s vice president of finance, hadn’t been the same since his recent breakup with his girlfriend. The reason his five-month relationship ended probably disturbed Xavier more than the actual breakup. For that reason, he and Tyler had agreed to start their mornings with Xavier to show their support.

Donovan drew a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. The scent of strong coffee clung to the air. “A pawnshop is trying to move into one of the vacant storefronts in the same neighborhood where our shelters are located.”

In his life away from Anderson Adventures, Donovan, the company’s vice president of sales, served as president of the board of directors of Hope Homeless Shelter in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Once his friends realized Donovan wasn’t in trouble, the tension dissipated.

“I’d read in the newspaper that Public Pawn had plans to expand its locations.” Xavier rolled up the sleeves of his dark blue jersey.

“I hadn’t realized the company had chosen its first expansion location.” Tyler drank more of his coffee.

“The board has been monitoring the pawnshop’s progress. The owner made the announcement at the end of the day, after news deadlines.” Donovan sighed. “We want a lawyer’s help writing and filing a statement with the Columbus City Council against the pawnshop moving into our neighborhood.”

“How much time do you have?” Tyler appeared calm in his dark brown polo shirt and tan Dockers. Usually the workaholic vice president of product development was itching to get back to work after ten minutes. But since he’d started dating Iris Beharie, Tyler had become more relaxed—and also more productive.

“Our response is due next month, the third week of July. We have four weeks to find a lawyer who can research, write and file our statement, all pro bono.” Piece of cake. Donovan’s natural wit failed to find the humor in this situation.

Xavier leaned back on his black leather executive chair. “Maybe our legal counsel has someone on staff who could help you.”

Donovan had considered contacting their legal counsel but then dismissed the idea. “The board can’t afford their rate, and I don’t want to ask them for any favors. That would compromise Anderson Adventures’ relationship with them in the future.”

Xavier’s dark eyebrows knitted. “What’s the shelter’s legal-aid budget?”

“It’s somewhere between zero and a prayer.” Donovan scrubbed his left hand over his face. “The shelter recently transferred its legal-aid funds into an operating account.”

“Wow.” Tyler arched his eyebrows. “It sounds like they were faced with tough budget choices—preserve a legal fund they may not need or pay immediate bills.”

“Exactly.” Donovan nodded. “Frankly, we need a lawyer who would represent us pro bono.”

Xavier exchanged a look with Tyler before meeting Donovan’s eyes. “That could prove difficult.”

“I know.” Donovan drummed his fingers against the arms of his chair as he scanned the room.

Like Tyler’s office, Xavier’s space was meticulous. Black three-ring program binders were arranged on the shelf above the desk behind him. On his back wall, project folders were neatly arranged in a black metal file sorter on top of a three-foot-tall cabinet.

“Didn’t you date a lawyer?” Tyler cocked his head as though searching his memory. “What was her name again?”

“Whitley Maxwell.” She was attractive, intelligent and shallow.

“Whitley, that’s right.” Tyler snapped his fingers. “Maybe you could ask her to help.”

“You’ve still got a lot to learn, Ty, if you think that would be a good idea.” Xavier snorted.

“We didn’t exactly part on good terms.” Donovan glanced at Tyler. Had he brought up Whitley in an effort to amuse Xavier? His smile was faint, but it was the first sign of levity his friend had shown in more than a week.

Tyler shrugged. “She’s a good lawyer and you know her.”

“You’re right.” It wasn’t that Whitley hadn’t crossed his mind. But he was reluctant to return to any sort of relationship with her, considering the way their relationship had ended. “But she may be more trouble than she’s worth.”

“Maybe she’s changed.” Tyler’s voice was pensive.

“Can people really change that much?” Xavier asked.

Donovan studied the other man. He sensed Xavier was thinking about his ex-girlfriend when he posed that question.

He turned back to Tyler. “I’ll see if the other board members have luck finding a lawyer to help us pro bono. If not, I’ll give Whitley a call.”

He hoped the other members had a long list of recommendations for legal representation. He’d much rather not have to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend.

* * *

Rose was the last of the four former law school classmates to arrive at the Ethiopian restaurant after work Friday evening. She wasn’t late. In fact, she was almost ten minutes early. What time had the others gotten off work?

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Rose offered the apology as she sat beside Maxine Ellerson in the booth.

“I just got here myself.” Maxine was the least neurotic of the three other women. Her neat, close-cut natural complemented her pixie, coffee features.

Rose’s companions had their drinks—a water, an iced tea and a lemonade. She waited as they gave their dinner requests to their waitress. The entire table ordered vegetable entrées, as usual. Rose was tempted to mix it up and order a meat dish. Instead she ordered the same thing she always did when they met once a month: the lentil salad, Azifa, and a glass of ice water with lemon.

While they waited for their dinners, Rose listened as the other lawyers brought each other up-to-date on personal and professional events. Maxine was a junior partner with a law firm not far from the restaurant in the Short North neighborhood. She’d been dating a chemist for the past several years. Tasha Smalls was unhappily married with two young children. She was legal counsel for a financial institution headquartered in downtown Columbus. Claudia Brentwood-Washington had her own practice in the suburbs, and never missed an opportunity to boast about her well-trained husband and prodigy daughter.

Why do I do this to myself? Rose’s gaze chased around the warm, vibrant colors of the restaurant’s traditional decor. The air was fragrant with exotic spices, well-seasoned meats and savory stews. Their dinner conversation always reminded Rose of everything she should have had. She wasn’t married. She wasn’t even dating anyone. She was happy with her job at the law firm, but she wanted more. Why am I here?

Their conversation was briefly interrupted as the server brought their entrées, then Rose returned her attention to her former classmates.

She’d met them during their first year at law school while attending a Black Student Union meeting. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, they’d stayed in touch over the past ten years, mainly through emails and these once-a-month dinners.

Tasha shook her head, sending her long, thin braids over her shoulder. “Rose, I felt so sorry for you when I heard that Ben was added to your legislative update panel for our reunion. How are you holding up?”

That didn’t take long.

Rose lifted her eyes to hold Tasha’s dark gaze. There was a time when she would have believed the innocent expression on the other woman’s round, nutmeg face. But now she recognized the satisfied glint in Tasha’s eyes. “Ben and I were over a long time ago.”

“What are you going to do?” Claudia always looked as though she’d just walked out of a salon. How could she maintain a solo practice, care for her family and look perpetually perfect?

“Why do I have to do anything?” Rose shrugged one shoulder, feigning indifference. She swallowed a forkful of her salad. The savory dish tasted like ashes. Her ruined appetite was one more sin to count against Benjamin.

Claudia and Tasha exchanged incredulous looks.

Seated beside Rose, Maxine sipped her iced tea. “Ben probably got himself assigned to Rose’s panel for the exposure, hoping she’d once again make him look good.”

Rose lowered her gaze to her barely touched salad. Long ago she’d come to the same conclusion: Benjamin had used her success and popularity at their law school to meet people who could help him. She’d been so in love with the snake in disguise that she hadn’t realized he’d only been interested in her body and her connections, not necessarily in that order.

“When did you finally notice he’d only been using you?” Tasha’s question echoed her thoughts.

Maxine forked up her salad. “We’re supposed to be getting caught up on each other’s news. Why are we reliving the past?”

Rose glanced at Maxine, grateful for her intervention. However, Tasha wasn’t done.

“Talking about Ben does qualify as catching up with Rose.” Tasha pinned Rose with another watchful stare. “After all, finding out you’ll be presenting with him during our reunion is your latest news, isn’t it, Rose?”

“Actually, it’s not.” The words were out before Rose knew she was going to say them.

“What do you mean?” Claudia’s warm brown eyes sparked with curiosity.

“You have other news?” Tasha was caught off guard. It was a rare occurrence for her.

“Don’t keep us in suspense.” Maxine nudged Rose’s arm. “What is it?”

The moment of truth. Rose took a long drink of her ice water with lemon, then forced out the words. “I’m dating someone.”

Maxine smiled into Rose’s eyes. “Tell us about him. How did you meet?”

“What does he do?” Claudia leaned forward.

“Is he for real?” Tasha hid her sneer behind a tight smile.

Rose met the challenge in her friendly adversary’s almond-shaped eyes. “What makes you think he’s not?”

Tasha spread her hands. “Why are we only now hearing about him?”

“I didn’t want to tell anyone until I knew whether he was serious.” Not bad for an on-the-spot response. Rose gave herself a mental round of applause.

“That makes sense.” Maxine set aside her nearly empty salad plate.

“I understand.” Claudia sipped her iced tea. “You want to take your time.”

“Exactly.” Rose nodded as she finished off her salad.

The young server returned to clear away their empty plates and leave behind their individual bills.

“Why don’t you tell us about him now?” Tasha’s smile was a taunt. She checked her bill, then inserted her platinum credit card into the black leather bill holder.

“I’m still not ready.” Rose added her card to her bill holder, as well. “But hopefully you’ll have a chance to meet him during the reunion.”

Their server returned to collect their bills. Rose searched her brain for a change of topic.

“Meeting your new boyfriend at the reunion should be interesting.” Tasha’s shoulders shook with her laughter.

Rose frowned. “Why?”

Tasha shrugged. “Because Ben will meet his replacement—”

“He’s not Ben’s replacement.” Rose’s tone was sharp. Was Tasha deliberately poking her temper?

“And you’ll meet Ben’s new wife.” Tasha drank her diet soda. “Did you know she’s pregnant?”

The temperature in the café seemed to drop by at least ten degrees. There was a buzzing in Rose’s ears. “Ben’s wife is pregnant?”

“You didn’t know?” Tasha tilted her head. “She may be too far along to attend the reunion.”

A shaft of hurt and anger so sharp sliced through Rose like scalding steel cleaving her in two. She clenched her teeth against the pain. Benjamin was living the life he’d promised her.

“Well, I wish them every happiness.” The lie was sour in her throat. She didn’t want him to be happy. She wanted to hurt him back.

“Good for you, Rose.” Maxine saluted her with her iced tea. “You’ve moved on and gotten over Ben.”

That sounded like something Lily would say. The realization made Rose uncomfortable with her deception. Her gaze drifted away. Their server returned with their credit card receipts.

“It’s getting late.” Rose checked her silver wristwatch. “I’d better get going. It was great to see everyone.”

Claudia stood. “At least show us a photo of this mystery man.”

Rose chuckled as she stood, as well. “I don’t carry his photo.”

“You don’t want to talk about him. You don’t carry his photo.” Tasha led them from the restaurant. “I have doubts that he really exists. I hope we meet him before the reunion.”

Rose’s shoulders tensed. So do I.

Chapter 2

“I need a boyfriend.” Rose puffed the words as she and Iris continued their five-mile jog through the Park of Roses on Saturday morning.

It was the last day of spring, the day before the longest day of the year. Even this early on a Saturday morning, the park was busy with cyclists, walkers and other runners. Rose jogged beside Iris past the tennis courts. The row of maple trees on their left formed a canopy over them. They continued down the incline to the music of the birdsong around them.

“I thought you’d given up on men.” Iris’s strides were synchronized to Rose’s, the result of years of jogging together.

Her youngest sister’s lemon-yellow jersey and navy blue biker shorts were cheerful contrasts to Rose’s steel-gray jersey and black shorts. They veered to the right at the bottom of the hill.

“A fake one for my reunion. Remember?” Rose frowned into the distance. Ben’s fair features and wavy dark hair superimposed themselves over the park’s picnic area. She briefly squeezed her eyes shut to dispel the objectionable image.

“Do you have any candidates?” Iris’s voice became increasingly breathless as she expended more energy on the path.

“Not even one.” Rose had searched her mind Friday night after dinner with her former classmates: work, church, neighbors, anyone.

“What about Leroi? You’ve worked with him for years.”

“He’s dating someone.” Rose leaned forward and shortened her stride as she climbed the incline that led to the high school. Her words came out in puffs. “Besides, Leroi’s successful. And intelligent. And good-looking. But he doesn’t. Hold a candle. To Ben.” And she needed someone whose looks would eclipse her ex-fiancé’s.

“You’re in luck.” Iris took a breath. “I know someone. He’d be perfect. For your assignment.”

“Who?” Rose crested the hill with Iris. Her pulse and breathing slowly returned to normal.

“Donovan Carroll. Also goes by ‘Van.’ He’s Ty’s friend. Vice president of sales. For Anderson Adventures.”

“How’s he look?” Rose looked at Iris, reluctant to believe her sister had the answer to her problem.

“Six-three, six-four. Clean shaven. Classically handsome. Shaved head. Built like a football player.”

So far, so good. “Smart?”

“Very. And charming.” Iris smiled.

“Sounds perfect.” Almost too good to be true. She wiped the sweat from her eyes. What’s wrong with him?

“Ty’s cousin would be, too. But he’s recovering from his breakup.”

“I remember.” Rose felt an empathetic tug in her heart. “You told me.”

“I don’t think your plan would work if both of you brought baggage to it.”

“I agree.”

Two male joggers were advancing toward them. They had the long, lean, well-muscled look of professional athletes or narcissistic gym rats. Their naked torsos glistened with sweat like a neon sign flashing, Warning: Heartbreak Ahead. They caught Rose’s gaze. Their confident smiles seemed to ask, “Do you like what you see?” Rose’s scowl answered, “No, go jump in a lake.” The men looked away. Wise move, boys.

“Maybe Lil knows someone, too.” Iris’s suggestion redirected Rose’s attention.

“Can’t ask Lil.” They reached the end of their path. Rose turned as they jogged back to their cars. “She thinks I should go to the reunion alone. Ben would love that.”

How could she possibly go to her law school reunion alone while Benjamin attended with his pregnant wife? The idea made her want to throw up. Benjamin would think she hadn’t gotten over him. She wouldn’t let him believe that.

Rose glanced toward Iris, who’d fallen silent beside her. She took a deep breath. “I’d like to meet Van.”

Iris nodded. “Great. I’ll set it up.”

“Lunch next week?” Rose heard the tension in her voice.

“Why rush?”

Rose shrugged her shoulders. They’d just passed the high school and were heading back to the incline. She hated hills. “The sooner I meet Van.” She paused to breathe again. “The sooner I’ll know. Whether I need to find someone else.”

Iris chuckled softly. “I think you’ll agree. Van is perfect. For the role.”

“Hope so.” The stakes were high. The risks were steep. She’d already committed to this plan. She couldn’t back out. Rose had to convince Benjamin and her former classmates that she hadn’t given him a moment’s thought since she’d broken up with the lying, cheating snake almost two years ago.

Rose’s shoulders slumped. Why did she have the feeling she was casting the role of a lifetime?

* * *

Donovan hadn’t realized he’d had expectations when he’d accepted Tyler’s invitation to have lunch with him, Iris and her sister, the lawyer. But he was disappointed by the quiet, aloof woman Iris introduced as Rose. It was an appropriate name for someone who seemed covered in thorns. Donovan had assumed Iris’s sister would be as warm and personable as Iris. He tried again to engage her in conversation.

“Where did you go to law school, Rose?” Donovan pitched his voice to be heard above the chatter from the surrounding tables in the crowded neighborhood restaurant.

“University of Michigan.” Her brief glance was dismissive. She returned her attention to her salmon salad.

“That surprises me.” The spicy scent of his chicken parmesan lured Donovan back to his own entrée.

“Why?” Rose’s head snapped up at Donovan’s comment. “Do you think I wouldn’t be able to get into such a highly ranked law school?”

“Rose, I’m sure that wasn’t what Van meant.” Iris stared at her older sister beside her. She sounded surprised by Rose’s reaction.

“That’s not what I meant.” Donovan was relieved to know Rose wasn’t always this prickly. What had caused her uncharacteristic response? “Iris told me you and your sisters were born and raised in Columbus, home of The Ohio State University. I’m surprised you’d go to OSU’s rival school.”

Rose looked down her nose from the other side of the table. “I wasn’t concerned about their rivalry. The University of Michigan has a good law school.”

Tyler lowered his glass of iced tea. “Xavier and I were born in Columbus, too. But we chose to go out of state for college. That’s where we met Van.”

Rose nodded as though she was filing away the information on how he’d met the Anderson cousins.

Donovan heard the note of caution in Tyler’s voice as his friend and coworker waded into the conversation. Perhaps Tyler also was caught off guard by Rose’s behavior during this lunch. He’d thought Tyler had met Iris’s two sisters. Did Rose seem different from the first time he’d met her?

Maybe Donovan should stop while he was ahead. He couldn’t imagine Rose agreeing to help the shelter pro bono. She didn’t appear to be a very compassionate person. But he couldn’t convince himself to leave the lawyer alone. He needed legal assistance to speak for his clients and their families. Besides, something about her chilly, judgmental demeanor challenged him, and Donovan had always been attracted to challenges.

“Are you saying you’re not a Buckeye fan?” Donovan allowed his gaze to roam over Rose’s face.

She was lovely. Her skin looked as smooth and warm as honey. Her elegant features were perfect: winged ebony eyebrows, a long, narrow nose, high cheekbones, a pointed chin. Her cocoa-brown eyes were wide and curious and framed by long, thick lashes. Her full, pink lips were classically curved. Such lips were meant for smiling. And kissing.

“I don’t like college sports. I prefer the pros.” Rose pinned him with a stare. “What about you?”

Would she grade me on my answer? “I like all sports, college and pros. Which teams do you like?”

“The Ohio ones, of course.” She shrugged one slender, sexy shoulder. “I just wish they were better.”

Rose earned points for supporting her home teams despite the fact that it had been longer than a while since any of Ohio’s professional franchises had sniffed a championship. It took a lot of perseverance to stick with a team through its darkest seasons. But her chilly personality left her with a scoring deficit because she didn’t seem approachable. Regret settled on his shoulders like a coat. Rose couldn’t provide the legal representation they needed. He wanted someone who cared about the people, not just the process.

Now that he knew he wouldn’t be working with her to represent the shelter and its clients, there was no reason for them to see each other again. Was there?

* * *

Rose considered Donovan in her peripheral vision. Iris had been wrong. Donovan wasn’t right for the role of her fake boyfriend at all. Yes, he was successful and intelligent. But he was too charming. If he attended her reunion, he’d cast a spell over half of the attendees, if not all of them. And he was far too attractive. Rose glanced at him again. Contrary to popular opinion, she believed there was, in fact, such a thing as “too handsome.” And Donovan Carroll fit that description. To perfection. So did Tyler. Judging from the attention the two received from the women at the other tables, Rose’s theory had support. Did Iris notice the stares directed toward their table? How could she not?

Rose took another peek at Donovan. His shaved head was the sexiest thing she’d ever seen. His classically handsome sienna features were hypnotizing. She enjoyed watching his long, elegant hands move. And his bright, hazel eyes made her think wicked thoughts.

No, he wasn’t a good choice for the role he’d unknowingly been auditioning for. Rose had known that the moment she’d seen him walk into the restaurant with Iris and Tyler. Their fake relationship would be blown the minute they showed up at the reunion. She’d have to keep track of the hotel room keys he’d be collecting. She didn’t have time for that. But even with that realization, Rose couldn’t stop auditioning him.

Donovan had settled back onto his seat beside Tyler in the booth. He was staring at his half-empty glass of iced tea as though it held the key to his future.

Rose took a sip of her ice water. “Your office must be very busy preparing for the launch of your latest computer game.”

Iris had told Rose more than she needed to know about Anderson Adventures’ upcoming release, Osiris’ Journey, but it had been wonderful seeing her sister so excited and engaged in the project. It had been the happiest she’d seen Iris in years.

Donovan looked up from his drink. “Iris has done an excellent job with the product launch. Anderson Adventures is breaking all sorts of preorder records with Osiris’ Journey.”

“Thank you for the kind words, Van.” Iris inclined her head. “But I think the preorders are a reflection of the product, not my work.”

Rose glowed as though Donovan’s compliment was meant for her. “Iris is fearless, in addition to being very talented and creative. She’s going to go far. And so will Anderson Adventures, if you stick with her.”

Iris’s cheeks grew pink. “Rosie, Anderson Adventures is already very successful.”

Rose swept a dismissive hand. “Imagine how much more successful they’ll be with you on their team.” She tilted her head. “Are you blushing?”

“I think she is.” Tyler chuckled. He reached across the table and covered Iris’s hand with his own. “You’ve given us the best product launch we’ve ever had. And you’ve helped us establish processes that will continue to grow our customer base.”

Rose lowered her eyes to Iris and Tyler’s joined hands. The genuine caring and affection in that gesture filled Rose with joy for her sister—as well as envy. She looked up, and her eyes were caught by Donovan’s bright, hazel gaze.

She cleared her throat. “So what’s next for Anderson Adventures?”

“We’re working on future releases and our fall catalog.” Donovan straightened.

“We’re also planning a release party with Iris’s help.” Tyler looked to Rose. “You and Lily should join us.”

“Oh, no.” Rose swung her wide-eyed gaze from Tyler to Donovan. “We wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“It’s not an intrusion,” Tyler assured her. “Families are welcome. And we’re bringing back the disc jockey from the internal associates launch.”

“She was a big hit.” Iris grinned. “You and Lily should come. You’d have a great time. I’m planning the party so I should know.”

Rose laughed. “All right, you’ve convinced me. But I want to be there when you invite Lily.”

She looked again at Donovan. Her grin faded as she found his attention fixed on her mouth. The glint in his eyes caused her pulse to trip. His bright gaze lifted to hers. She caught her breath. What was happening? What was he thinking? Donovan blinked, and the moment was gone. What a relief.

Rose lifted her water glass to her lips. Her hand shook just slightly. Now that she’d ruled out the charismatic sales executive for the role of her fake boyfriend, there wasn’t any reason for them to see each other again. Was there?

* * *

“What did you think?” Tyler followed Donovan into his office after lunch.

Tread carefully. We’re talking about Ty’s girlfriend’s sister. Donovan thought highly of Iris, not only for her professional expertise, but also because she made Tyler happy.

“Thanks for introducing me to Rose.” Donovan circled his desk and sank onto the black leather executive chair behind it. “But I don’t think she’d be interested in this project.”

Tyler lowered himself onto one of the gray visitor’s chairs in front of Donovan’s desk. “Rose was a little...”

“Aloof?”

“Yes, but she wasn’t like that the first time I met her.”

“I’d wondered about that.”

“And Iris loves her. She, Rose and Lily are very close. And a lot alike.”

Donovan had wondered about that, too. But why had she been so cold and abrupt during lunch? “Did you tell her that I needed a lawyer?”

“No.” Tyler’s response was swift and definite. “I never mentioned it. I didn’t think you’d want me to.”

“I didn’t.” Donovan rubbed his forehead with his right hand. What should I do now? “I’d hoped to at least tell Rose about the shelter’s situation, but she doesn’t seem very approachable.”

“Do you want me or Iris to speak with her?”

Donovan was shaking his head before Tyler finished his thought. “I don’t want to put either of you in the middle. This is my problem.”

“When are you going to understand that when one of us has a problem, we all have a problem?” Tyler’s frown was chastising. “That’s the way family works.”

“You know it’s hard for me to accept help.” Donovan restrained himself from squirming on his seat.

“This isn’t for you. It’s for the shelter’s clients, the families you’re trying to support.”

“You’re right.” The truth in Tyler’s words brought Donovan up short. “But I’ll be the one to talk with Rose.” If he decided it wouldn’t be a waste of time.

Tyler spread his hands. “There’s no harm in asking her, Van.”

“So I’ve heard.” He’d always hated that saying. “I may be asking too much, though. I need an experienced lawyer who cares about the case, but I also need someone who’s willing to work for free.”

“It’s for an important cause.”

Donovan swung his seat to better contemplate the cerulean, cloudless sky from his office window. Summer finally had landed in Columbus. They’d had a long and difficult winter, followed by a petulant spring. Although born and raised in Chicago—a much colder city—Donovan had lived in Columbus long enough to breathe a sigh of relief when the first rays of summer brought warmer temperatures.

“Most of the board supports filing the statement against allowing the pawnshop to move into our neighborhood. But a few members don’t.” Donovan spun his chair to face Tyler. “It’s hard keeping the board together and focused on the plan. I’d like a lawyer who’s sympathetic to our position so that I’m not pulling both the board and the lawyer.”

“With great power comes great responsibility.” Tyler quoted the line from Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man.

Donovan gave a half smile at the reminder. “The other board members are looking for lawyers, too.” Although Donovan suspected they weren’t having any better luck than he was. No one had called him with recommendations. He swallowed another sigh.

Tyler checked his bronze wristwatch. “I thought you said your response was due next month? Today’s June 22. You’re running out of time.”

And options. “I know. If we don’t find a lawyer who’ll work with us pro bono, I’ll propose that the board members pool our money to pay a lawyer.”

“How do you think that will go over?” Tyler arched a skeptical brow.

“Not well. It’s also a poor precedent to set.”

“If I were you, I’d talk with Whitley before suggesting the board split the bill.” Tyler stood to leave.

“You’re probably right.” The thought of asking his ex-girlfriend for a favor turned his stomach.

As Tyler left his office, Donovan’s thoughts returned to Rose. She would be a far better option than Whitley, but he’d have to offer her a proposal she couldn’t refuse.

* * *

“What did you think?” Iris skipped the more formal greeting when Rose answered her office phone later that afternoon.

Tread carefully. Rose sat at her desk at the law firm of Apple & Spencer LLC. She’d been dreading Iris’s call. She didn’t want to offend her sister, but Iris had been wrong. Donovan wasn’t fake boyfriend material.

“Van seems like a very nice person.” Rose looked away from the documents she was reviewing on her computer screen. “But I don’t think he’s the right man for this plan.”

There was a moment’s surprised silence before Iris responded. “Are you kidding me? Why not?”

“He’s a player.”

“No, he’s not.”

“Are you kidding me?” Rose’s eyebrows jumped toward her hairline. “It’s in his eyes. It’s in his smile. He’s just too charming.”

“Rosie, not every good-looking guy is a player.” Iris’s tone was gentle. “They’re not all like Ben.”

“I know.” Rose squeezed her eyes shut. Consciously, she knew that, but subconsciously, she was still suspicious. “I don’t want to take that risk.”

“What risk?”

Rose opened her eyes. Her attention landed on the black metal inbox on the far corner of her cognac cherrywood desk. She’d emptied her inbox when she’d arrived early this morning. When she’d returned from lunch, it was full again. Her black wire organizer on the opposite end of her desk already was stuffed with project folders. Her cases and workload were multiplying like rabbits.

“Flirting is second nature to men like Van. They probably don’t even realize they’re doing it. If I took him to the reunion, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from flirting with other women.” Rose rubbed her shoulder. Her gaze drifted to the matching cognac cherrywood bookcase on her left. It was swollen with reference books. Her certificates and awards hung nearby on the eggshell office walls.

“Van isn’t like that.” Iris’s voice was adamant. “He’s one of the good guys.”

“You’ve only known him for three months. Ben fooled me for two years.”

“Ty has known Van for seventeen years.”

Rose froze. “Did you tell Ty that I wanted to check out Van as a possible date for my reunion?”

“Of course not.” Iris seemed insulted by the question. “I’d never do that to you. And I’d slap you if you did something like that to me.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” Rose rubbed her right shoulder, trying to ease the tension building there.

“It’s all right.” Iris sighed. “Well, if Van’s off your list, do you want to meet Xavier?”

“No, thank you.” Xavier had just broken up with his girlfriend. This probably wasn’t a good time to ask him to pretend to be in love with her.

“Then what are you going to do?”

I wish I knew. “I guess I’ll have to ask Lil if she could recommend someone.”

“Good luck getting Lily to cooperate with your plan. Do you think she even knows anyone who fits your criteria?” Iris sounded dubious.

“I don’t know.” Rose frowned. “But I’m desperate.”

Lily would probably once again try to talk Rose into going to the reunion alone. That was something Rose was not going to do. She’d rather go to the reunion with Donovan “Heartthrob” Carroll than face Benjamin without a date. Unbidden, an image of Donovan came to mind. At least she’d have someone good to look at for the weekend.

Chapter 3

“I can’t stay long, but I did want to ask you for a favor.” Rose smiled as Lily closed the door behind her Monday evening. Rose had called her sister as soon as she’d rung off with Iris that afternoon to ask if she could come by Lily’s house after work.

“If I can, I’d be happy to help you. You know that.” Lily kicked off her shoes before leading Rose down the hallway to her living room.

Rose took off her shoes and followed. She sank onto the powder blue love seat as Lily settled onto the near corner of the matching sofa.

“I found out Friday that Ben’s wife is pregnant.” Rose had given her explanation a lot of consideration on her forty-five-minute drive to Lily’s house.

“Oh, Rose. I’m so sorry.” Concern darkened Lily’s whiskey eyes. “I can understand how that would hurt.”

“Thank you.” Rose had never been comfortable expressing her feelings, but Lily’s caring made it easier. “I’d been uncomfortable about going to my reunion when I thought it was going to be just Ben and his wife. Now that I know his wife is pregnant, I’m even more uneasy.”

“What do you have to be uncomfortable about?” Lily tilted her head. “You’re not the one who was cheating on your fiancée for two years. Ben and his wife should be the ones who are uncomfortable.”

“I agree with what you’re saying, logically. But you know feelings aren’t always logical.” Rose wished she was more like Lily, calm and rational.

“I know.” Lily inclined her head, the image of grace and serenity. “That’s why we have to think before we act so we aren’t impulsive. That’s what you’re always telling Iris.”

Iris, the impetuous one.

Restless and impatient, Rose stood from the love seat to pace the living room. Her stocking feet sank into the plush, violet carpeting that Lily had had installed last year.

“I have thought about it, Lil.” Rose crossed from the love seat to the fireplace. “I’ve given it a lot of rational consideration, and I’ve decided that I want to hurt Ben. A lot.”

“I understand.” Lily’s voice carried from behind Rose, where she remained on the sofa. “When Ben hurt you, I wanted to hurt him a lot, too. But you’re going about it the wrong way.”

“You think the right way is going to the reunion alone?” Rose turned toward her sister. Irritation flooded her veins like an electrical current. “I’m after revenge, not a higher level of enlightenment.”

“How will showing up at the reunion with a fake date avenge you?” Lily’s voice was frustratingly calm.

“Not just any fake date—someone who’s more attractive, successful and intelligent than Ben.” Someone like Donovan, her mind whispered. Rose shook her head to banish the voice.

“But he’d be a fake. That doesn’t prove that you’re over Ben. That just proves that you’re creative.”

Rose didn’t appreciate her sister’s attempt at humor. “The Constant Classmates are pitying me. I don’t want to get the same looks and comments from the rest of my class.”

Lily shifted forward on the sofa. “Rosie, if you pander to other people’s reactions and judgments, you’ll exhaust yourself. Don’t follow other people. Be yourself.”

“I am being myself.” Rose paced away from the fireplace and back to the love seat. “It’s my own idea to get a fake fiancé.”

“Can you even hear yourself?” Lily seemed part amused, part frustrated. “You’re going to be yourself by doing something fake. That doesn’t make sense.”

“Not to you because you’re a confident person.” Rose leaned forward, resting her forearms on her knees and linking her fingers together. “I used to be confident, too. Ben took that from me.”

“Then take it back.” Lily ran her fingers through her wavy, shoulder-length hair. Her movements were graceful. “I know Ben shook your self-confidence. Do you think it’s easy for me to see you like this?”

“I’d feel better if I could get even.”

“You’re giving Ben too much power.”

Rose expelled an impatient breath. She rubbed the knotted muscles in her right shoulder. “Lil, are you going to help me or not?”

Lily frowned her confusion. “What can I do?”

Rose hesitated. “Do you know any eligible men who might be willing to be my date for the reunion?”

Lily seemed to consider the question. Rose appreciated that. At least she didn’t dismiss Rose’s request immediately.

“No, I’m afraid I don’t.” Lily offered a smile. “The men I know are either in relationships or you don’t have to ask why they aren’t.”

“It sounds like we know a lot of the same men.” Rose’s tone was wry.

“Have you asked Iris?”

“She doesn’t know anyone suitable.” Donovan’s image taunted Rose.

Lily nodded. “You and I disagree on this fake date idea, but in the end I just want you to be happy. I want you to be Rosie again.”

Rose wanted the same thing. She wanted to get rid of this bitterness, anger and jealousy, and move on with her life. But how could she do that? What was the first step back to herself?

* * *

Donovan didn’t want to have this conversation again. However, it seemed that Cecil Lowell, the newest member of the Hope Homeless Shelter’s board of directors and the most junior member of the five-person legal subcommittee, didn’t have anything better to do.

“We already voted on this motion last week.” Donovan regarded the young banker. He drew a deep breath to hold on to his patience. The conference room in the shelter’s offices smelled as old and musty as the rest of the building.

The subcommittee had voted during its previous meeting, and presented their decision and reasoning to the entire board of directors. Now with the board’s support, they were preparing to move forward with their challenge to allowing a pawnshop to move into Hope Homeless Shelter’s neighborhood. Why did Cecil want to revisit that near-unanimous decision? Was it because he had been the only nay vote?

Donovan sat at the head of the honey-wood conference table. The other four subcommittee members—two women and two men—were on either side of the small, rectangular table. Cecil was on his immediate right.

“I know.” The flush on Cecil’s round cheeks almost matched his curly red hair. “But I’ve thought of some other things that we need to consider.”

“Like what?” Kim Lee, seated across from Cecil, had served on the board longer than Donovan. The retired university professor glanced at her silver watch. It was the only sign of her impatience.

“The reason we need a lawyer pro bono is because the shelter’s low on dollars.” Cecil glanced around the table as he spoke.

“That’s one of the reasons.” Salma Vargas propped her elbow on the table and balanced her pointed chin in the palm of her hand. The certified public accountant eyed Cecil with vague curiosity.

Cecil continued as though Salma hadn’t spoken. “If the city allows Public Pawn to open in our neighborhood, the owners could be persuaded to become regular donors. They could increase our fund-raising base.”

“You said you had something new to add,” Kim said, crossing her arms over her dark green blouse. “You said basically the same thing last week.”

Cecil shook his head. “I hadn’t suggested how we could use the extra money.”

“Your new proposal is that we ask the pawnshop owners to make regular contributions to the homeless shelters. Is that correct?” Medgar Lawrence’s brown eyes focused on Cecil seated beside him.

“Exactly.” Cecil seemed excited that someone understood his plan.

“I don’t think supporting homeless shelters is Public Pawn’s primary mission.” A few more creases lined Medgar’s dark, weathered brow as his frown deepened.

“We could at least ask them. There’s no harm in asking.” Cecil leaned forward on his seat.

“Medgar is right.” Donovan nodded his understanding of Medgar’s point. “Cecil, these are two separate issues. If Public Pawn’s owners wanted to support the shelter, they would already be donors. The other issue is that this committee has already voted to oppose the pawnshop locating here.”

Cecil glanced between Donovan and Medgar. “You don’t understand—”

“No, Cecil, you’re the one who’s confused.” Donovan turned to the younger man. “The subcommittee voted on this matter last Wednesday and presented our position to the board, who approved our decision. Now we’re moving forward.”

“All right.” Cecil threw up his hands. “I thought you’d want to hear different ideas.”

“We heard different ideas last Wednesday.” Donovan spoke slowly and clearly. “Now it’s time to act.”

“I agree. What’s our next step?”

Donovan inclined his head toward the accountant, acknowledging her support. “We need to find a lawyer who’ll take the case pro bono. I can’t stress that enough. The shelter doesn’t have the money for legal representation.”

Kim glanced around the table. “But we need someone who’s experienced with filing statements with the city.”

“I’ve already checked with a couple.” Medgar shook his head. “Neither one was interested. They said it was too many hours not to get paid. And a lot of those hours are spent following up with the city.”

“Can we offer some nominal fee?” Salma asked. “Maybe we could at least get a deep discount.”

Donovan looked around the table. “If it comes to that, we’ll see if someone will take the case for a modest fee.”

“A very modest fee.” Medgar held Donovan’s gaze. “If we sneeze in the wrong direction, our budget will end up in the red.”

Donovan pushed away from the conference table. “And remember, everyone, the clock’s still ticking. We need to find help fast.”

* * *

Donovan winced after his first sip of coffee Friday morning. He turned to Tyler, seated beside him in front of Xavier’s desk. “You call this coffee? Why bother?”

Tyler cradled his twenty-ounce, silver-and-black coffee mug between his palms like a day-old baby. “This is actually the way most humans drink coffee. We don’t usually use it to peel off the soles of our shoes.”

Donovan scowled into his coffee mug. He really could have used something stronger this morning. Worry about the shelter had kept him from sleeping, but unfortunately, he hadn’t gotten to the office early enough to make the first pot of java.

Xavier gave him a considering look. “How was your conversation with Whitley last night?”

Donovan drank more of the warm water masquerading as coffee. What were the chances it would taste better if he just added more grounds? “She’s not interested in the project.”

Although she had made it quite clear that she was interested in a physical relationship with him. If he’d been eighteen, he might have accepted her offer. Whitley Maxwell was a beautiful woman. At one point, he’d considered spending the rest of his life with her. But at thirty-six, Donovan was done playing games. He was looking for something more serious.

Tyler set his right ankle on his left knee. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out.”

“So am I.” Today was June 26. They had two weeks left to file a statement with the city council. Donovan could almost hear the clock ticking. It had kept him up late last night and driven him out of his house early this morning.

“This confirms you were right to break off with Whitley in the first place.” Xavier sat back on his executive chair.

“She broke off with me, remember?” Donovan rubbed his forehead. “But now I’m officially out of options for legal representation. None of the other board members have found someone willing to represent us for free, either.”

Tyler cocked his head. “You’re not completely out of options.”

“You’re talking about Rose.”

“You haven’t even asked her if she’d be interested in your case.” Tyler gestured toward Donovan with his mug. “You’re basing your decision on your first impression, which I admit was not great.”

“Did she come across as that bad?” Xavier looked from Tyler to Donovan.

“Yes, she did.” Donovan sighed. “But I was thinking of calling her later today. As Ty said, there’s no harm in asking.” He didn’t feel any more optimistic about asking Rose than he’d felt asking Whitley.

“Good luck.” Xavier saluted him with his coffee mug.

“I’ll need it.” Donovan looked to Tyler. “Do you have any suggestions on how to approach Rose?”

“Let her know how important this filing is to you and how many lives would be impacted.”

Xavier inclined his head. “That’s good advice. You may also want to let her know what’s in it for her.”

Donovan gave his friend a puzzled look. “Which would be what?”

Xavier grinned. “Having you in her debt.”

“Very funny.” Donovan stood to leave. But Xavier’s comment raised an interesting question. If Rose did this favor for him, what would she want in return? And would he be willing to cut a deal?

* * *

Later Friday morning, Donovan’s phone rang. Apple & Spencer LLC appeared in his caller identification display. Donovan stared at his phone in disbelief. How could one of the most prestigious law firms in the city have his direct phone number, and why were they calling him? Had someone on the board’s legal subcommittee reached out to Apple & Spencer about their situation?

He tamped down his excitement and grabbed the receiver by the third ring. “Donovan Carroll.” Silence met his greeting. “Hello?”

“Van, this is Rose Beharie. I know this is short notice but I wondered if you were free this evening? I’d like to discuss a, um, business proposal with you.” Her voice poured over the phone like warm Scotch. It took him a moment to focus on her words.

“I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.” Was he hallucinating?

“Am I calling at a bad time?”

It was never a bad time to listen to a voice like hers. The soft, smooth tone made him think of silken sheets and turned-down lights. A little Teddy Pendergrass music playing softly in the background.

Donovan gave himself a mental shake. “No, this isn’t a bad time at all. It’s good to hear from you.” He winced. He’d sounded stupid.

“I’m glad that you think so.” Rose chuckled. The sound caused the muscles in his lower abdomen to dance.

Donovan pictured her as he’d last seen her in the restaurant. Her dark red blouse had made the honeyed tones of her skin glow. Her pencil-straight, knee-length skirt had hugged her slim hips. But her aloof demeanor had distracted him from her grade A, sexy voice. “You said something about a business proposal.”

“That’s right.” She hesitated. “Are you available to meet with me after work today? Perhaps I could buy you a cup of coffee.”

This was perfect. Donovan had been intending to call Rose later this morning, but he hadn’t figured out how to get the conversation started. Now she’d called him. He imagined himself pumping his fist in victory. He wasn’t out of the woods yet, though. He stared blindly across his office while his mind spun with questions. “What kind of business proposal do you have in mind?”

“I’d rather not go into the details over the phone.”

Now he was really curious. “Could you give me a hint?”

She gave him another sample of her sexy chuckle instead. “I promise that it’s nothing illegal or morally compromising. It’s nothing that would show you or Anderson Adventures in a poor light.”

“I hadn’t imagined it would be.”

“Then you’ll meet with me this evening after work?”

“Yes, I will.” In fact, he was looking forward to it, perhaps more than he should be.

They took a few minutes to select a time and place. They settled on a downtown coffee shop at six o’clock.

“I appreciate your agreeing to meet with me on such short notice, Van.”

Donovan frowned. Rose still sounded uncertain. Should he be concerned? What was this business proposition, and why did she seem unsure as to whether she wanted to involve him?

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you later.”

They ended their conversation. Donovan recradled his phone, then sat back on his chair. This was an interesting development. Finally, something good had happened. He was cautiously optimistic about the evening ahead. What was her business proposal and how could he use it to his advantage?

* * *

When Donovan entered the little coffee shop near downtown Columbus Friday night, Rose experienced the same reaction she’d had the first time they’d met. Her heart bounced. Her breath stuck in her throat. Her skin heated. That afternoon at lunch with Iris, Tyler and Donovan, she’d thought her reaction was just nerves. Was it nerves again tonight?

Her wave caught his attention and his half smile trapped her breath again. He moved with the fluid grace of a natural athlete. He was so deliciously tall and wickedly fit. Did he know his forest green jersey molded to his chiseled biceps and his cocoa slacks hinted at the strength of his thighs? She imagined Benjamin gnashing his teeth in envy and smiled.

Once again, Rose was left to wonder why a strikingly handsome, dangerously sexy, successful, intelligent man was free on such short notice on a Friday night. There must have been someone in his little black book that he could have hooked up with.

“Have you been waiting long?” Donovan folded his long, lean body onto the seat on the other side of the small circular table. He sounded concerned.

“I was early. Nerves, I guess.” Rose could have pulled her tongue right out of her head. Why did I say that?

“Sounds like you could use a cup of coffee.” Donovan’s hazel eyes were bright with curiosity, but he didn’t push. Rose appreciated that.

She led the way to the customer counter, aware of Donovan’s presence close behind her. At the cash register, Rose ordered two cups of coffee.

Donovan placed his hand on her forearm. “I can get it.”

Rose tilted her head back to meet his eyes. He was a bit taller than Benjamin. That was another point in his favor. “I invited you. I should pay.”

A stubborn light flashed across his bright eyes before he dropped his hand from her arm. “I’ll get the next one.”

Rose smiled. He already envisioned them sharing coffee a second time. That was a good sign, wasn’t it?

At the coffee station, Rose filled her mug, then doctored her coffee with cream and sweetener. Donovan drank his coffee black and sweet. They returned to the table. Fortunately, no one else had taken it.

“Thank you again for meeting me this evening.” Rose reclaimed her seat.

“I was curious about this business proposition you mentioned.” Donovan angled his chair to sit with his long legs away from the table.

She still wasn’t sure how best to ease into her request. “It’s actually a bit of a long story.”

Donovan shrugged his remarkably broad shoulders. “I don’t have any plans for the night.”

Why was that?

“My law school class’s ten-year reunion is this September. It’s actually September eighteenth through the twentieth. I need an escort.”

“An escort?” Donovan’s almond-shaped eyes held her gaze as though he could read her mind and separate truth from fiction.

Rose took a deep breath, drawing in the scent of every item on the café’s menu. “I need someone to pretend to be my boyfriend for the weekend.”

Donovan blinked. He was silent for too many seconds. “Are you asking me to do that?”

“Yes.” Rose’s voice was thin, the word barely audible. She straightened her shoulders and tried again. “Yes, I am.”

Again Donovan was silent. “There’s got to be a story in there somewhere.”

“That’s not important.”

“I think it is. If you want me to play this part for you—for an entire weekend—I need to know what I’m walking into.”

Rose gave Donovan her best prosecutorial stare. The sales executive held her gaze while he sipped his coffee. He wasn’t backing down. Rose smothered a groan. What could she tell him?

“All right.” Rose heaved a sigh. She took a drink of her cooling coffee, then told him just enough. “My ex-fiancé and his newly pregnant wife will be at the reunion.”

“So?” Donovan shrugged again.

Rose followed the movement, fascinated by the play of muscles beneath the dark jersey. “So we didn’t part on the best terms, and I’d rather he didn’t know that I’m not dating.”

“How long ago did you break up with this guy?”

“Why does that matter?”

“I’d like to know the circumstances that I’ll be walking into.”

Rose gritted her teeth. She hadn’t counted on having to reveal so much of her background to a virtual stranger. “It’s been almost a year and a half.”

Donovan’s thick, dark eyebrows jumped up his broad forehead. “And you haven’t dated anyone else in all that time?”

Rose’s temper started a slow burn. “Are you willing to help me or not?”

He cocked his head as though giving it some thought. “Why did you break up?”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“I’m sorry, but I think it does. It will help me to understand how you’ll react when you see this guy. What’s his name?”

“Ben Shippley.”

“Why did you and Ben break up?”

He was persistent. Rose usually admired that quality in a person; not this time.

“Our values were too different. We didn’t want the same things.” She wanted monogamy; Benjamin did not. “And those are the only questions I’m going to answer for you. Are you willing to help me or not?”

Donovan stared into her eyes as though once again trying to read her mind. Rose held his intense gaze—and her breath. What would she do if Donovan turned her down? She wasn’t going to her reunion with a perfect stranger. And the registrations were due next week. If she were going to decline to attend, it was now or never. But she didn’t want to back out. She didn’t want Benjamin to even consider that her absence had anything to do with him, the Snake.

“All right.” Donovan broke the tense silence. “I’ll accompany you to your reunion as your boyfriend—”

Rose’s features relaxed into a smile of relief. “Thank you—”

Donovan held out his left hand, palm out, to stop her. “But I want something in return.”

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