I open the wicker picnic basket and dig out a couple yogurts, green grapes, sharp cheddar cheese slices, and peaches. "Want a Diet c.o.ke or iced tea?"

"Tea."

I slide a bottle her way. "I wasn't completely honest with you at the party last night."

"Duh."

I raise an eyebrow. "What?"

"You distanced yourself after you returned from your walk."

"Guess I did." I had a good cry after I left the gazebo. I did my best to dry my eyes and put on my happy face, but apparently Katie and Foster are observant enough to know when I'm upset.

"Did you put that a.s.shole in his place finally?"

"No."

"Why?"

I swallow, searching for the right words to explain the unique situation I'm in. "Family obligations are a big part of the reason my parents want me to marry him."

"Family obligations?" she repeats. "Are you part of the royal family?"

"Of course not."

"Then the only duty you have is to find someone who makes you happy."

"He's blackmailing us."

She drops her spoon in the yogurt container. "Go to the police."

"That's not how things are done, Katie."

"Bulls.h.i.t. Last time I checked, extortion was a felony."

"My father is a compulsive gambler."

"Oh c.r.a.p."

"If I refuse Thomas, his father will seize control of Covington Industries. We'll lose everything."

She rests her elbows on the table and leans forward. "You mean Robert and Meredith will lose everything. You still have a life."

"The media will eat us alive."

"You're not responsible for the sins of your father."

I breathe out heavily. My life is unraveling so fast I can't keep up. "I wanted to choke Thomas last night. His blatant disregard for my feelings and my father's reputation demonstrated what a cold-hearted man he is."

"I'll have a little talk with Kingsley" She fishes her cell out of her purse. "Give me his number."

I reach across the table and pat her hand. "I appreciate your offer. Nothing will change his mind. He admitted he always wanted me."

"So does Foster Wagner, who by the way, is probably in love with you."

"Don't complicate things. He likes me, a lot."

"Whatever, Erin. Keep denying it, you'll find out soon enough."

"I doubt we'll ever speak again." I share what happened last night.

"You loved him?"

"Very much."

"Have your feelings changed?"

I avert my eyes, focusing on the grayish-blue water. Spending time with him again, laughing, kissing, almost making love, and just knowing he's close . . . My feelings haven't changed at all. In fact, they've grown. "No."

"Oh. My. G.o.d." She gives me a sad look. "He's a hot-shot executive. Ask for help. I'm sure he knows people. Let him deal with Thomas."

The thought crossed my mind last night. But I can't involve anyone outside the family. Besides, all I have left is my pride. And I refuse to beg. The simple solution is to marry Thomas and carve out a tolerable existence as a Kingsley. Maybe we'll divorce in a few years and I can start over again. "I can't." I pop a grape into my mouth.

"Negotiate with Thomas."

"What do I have to offer as consolation? My store? There's the lakefront property in Sandia, a hundred acres, but it's not worth much."

"Isn't there a cabin on it?"

"Yes, my grandfather loved to fish and hunt."

I can see the wheels spinning inside her head. She's a problem solver. "I can't picture that wuss doing either."

I giggle. "Probably not." A nervous knot forms in my belly once I realize what few a.s.sets I have. My condo is paid for, but Thomas would never want it. And my business is worth so little. All-in-all, I might be able to raise a quarter million. "Admit it," I say, "I'm screwed."

"What about Jeffrey?"

"You're not suggesting . . .?"

"Asking him for money? h.e.l.l no. In reference to Lazarus."

"It's the one bright spot left."

"I want you to be happy, Erin. Lord knows you'll need something to get you through the next few years."

I agree, but I still hate the feeling of defeat.

Foster "Believing natural gas will continue to play a critical role in global energy needs, Quantum Energy made its first major acquisition in five years, purchasing Santigram Systems, Inc., for $26 billion. As one the United States' largest publicly traded oil companies, the deal opens up new opportunities for Quantum Energy to focus on natural gas being discovered in dense rock formations around the world . . ."

I'm only half-listening to the young executive reading the latest spotlight from the Oil and Gas Journal at our monthly staff luncheon. Three bottles of champagne are waiting to be served, and I'm supposed to make a toast. Yes, I had a big part in closing this deal, but my thoughts are invested elsewhere.

Erin Covington.

"Congratulations, Mr. Wagner," Tasha, one of our newest interns, smiles at me.

She's nineteen and has a body to die for but she's no different than most of the women willing to lift their skirts. In fact, she cornered me in the executive bathroom last Monday and offered me a b.l.o.w. .j.o.b. How can she play so innocent now? Maybe she takes acting cla.s.ses, too.

"Mr. Wagner?"

I look up. "Yes, Ms. Rosen?"

"Would you like to say something?"

"Of course." I adjust my tie and stand. "First, I'd like to extend my grat.i.tude to my team." My gaze sweeps over my personal staff of six. "None of this would be possible without you. But our work isn't done. With development spending on the rise in Norway, the country's service sector is already operating at full capacity."

I hear a couple excited gasps.

I grin. "I know, I know. There's going to be heavy compet.i.tion to see who makes the initial team to travel to the North Sea region. Our greatest challenge is convincing the Scandinavians we possess technologies that can save them time and money."

"What's our strategy, boss?" Tyrone asks, rubbing his hands together.

"I've spoken with the Minister of Petroleum and Energy several times over the last two weeks. He reminded me that the country's main objective is to ensure creation of environment-friendly management of their energy resources. This is a major opportunity for us to improve our Quality a.s.surance and Quality Control programs. Get suggestions on my desk by next Friday, okay?" I wait for acknowledgement. "Good. Now eat. You deserve to celebrate."

I grab a sesame seed bagel and a foil packet of cream cheese off the conference table and head to my office. I'm not in the mood to socialize. I check my cell for missed calls or a text from Erin. Nothing. Should I reach out? The last time I waited, she left, and I've already promised myself that's never going to happen again.

Restless and sick of waiting for her to contact me, I grab my car keys and walk to the reception area. "Cancel my afternoon appointments, Amanda. I'll return tomorrow."

"Yes, sir." She doesn't question me.

I rush to the garage. I'm making an unannounced stop at the bookstore.

Thirty minutes later, I park in Moore Plaza. It's windy as I walk. Maybe a cold front is blowing in. I gaze up at sky before I enter her store. Dark clouds are rolling in. I welcome the colder weather.

"Mr. Wagner." Mary meets me at the door.

"It's nice to see you again. How's business?"

"Honestly? We've been incredibly busy lately."

I've heard that members of Lazarus have been frequenting the shop. "Glad to hear it. Is Erin available?"

"She's at lunch."

"With Katie?" I scan the area for her best friend.

"No."

Her voice is shaky. What is she hiding? "Is she okay?"

"She's fine, great, actually."

I don't like her answer. "Where did she go?"

"I'm not sure I should-"

"Mary." I touch her arm. "I've known Erin for a long time. Trust me."

She sighs, then offers a weak smile. "Macaroni Grill, across the parking lot."

I kiss her cheek and leave.

The lunch crowd has thinned out. It's after one. I check the main dining area. There're a few tables with people, but no Erin. A hostess stops me halfway to the bar.

"Can I get you a table?" She leans close, and her breast skims my arm.

Her flirty manners are something I used to appreciate in a pretty girl. "No, I'm looking for a friend."

I find Erin sitting at a high top with Jeffrey, their backs to me. My hands instantly fist at my sides. I don't know what to think. Seeing her with another man, especially one from the club, p.i.s.ses me off. Her beautiful laughter should be reserved for me. And that body . . . I take in her form, posture perfect, long blond hair cascading down her back. Her aqua-colored blouse hangs off her left shoulder, revealing a hint of creamy skin. She's wearing tight jeans and black boots. My throat goes dry. Meeting Jeffrey outside Lazarus isn't something I antic.i.p.ated. f.u.c.k.

Their stools are too close, arms touching. What in the h.e.l.l is he doing? My first instinct? Pluck Jeffrey off his perch and punch him. But I swallow my rage and search for a table where they won't see me. I find one, hidden behind a white pillar decorated with plastic ivy. I sit and wait for a server.

"Would you like a menu?" he asks, setting a gla.s.s of ice water in front of me.

"No. I'll have a gla.s.s of red wine and lasagna."

"Five-cheese lasagna, sausage, hamburger . . ."

"Bring me whatever you like best."

He nods and takes off.

It's time to break up the party. I text Erin. We need to chat.

Half a minute later, she shifts on her stool. She must be checking her mail. Not now.

Don't play games with me.

I've been completely honest, she shoots back.

Where are you?

At work.

I frown. Do you have company?

Yes, can't talk.

Go somewhere private. Now.