Chapter 3

      Austin arrived at Ethan and Jordin’s home fifteen minutes early. He was surprised to find that Bree had already arrived. She was standing at the wrought iron railing on the second-floor balcony, facing Jordin as they talked.

      He stared at Bree, looking her over. The deepening sunlight framed her figure, outlining her curves. She was beautiful in a simple, natural way. Austin was shocked to feel desire streaking through him like a current.

      Jordin saw him and waved. “C’mon in. The front door is open.”

      Austin entered the house and was met by Ethan. “Hey...” he greeted. “Your wife told me to just walk in.”

      “No problem. Good to see you, man.”

      He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Jordin descend the stairs followed by Bree.

      “Austin, I want you to meet my best friend,” she said. “Actually, she’s more like a sister to me. Bree, this is my brother, Austin.”

      He was rendered speechless for a moment by her beauty. Austin swallowed hard, struggling to recover his voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said finally.

      His eyes darted to hers and locked.

      He cleared his throat softly.

      She met the smile and the hand that was offered. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, as well. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

      Austin lost himself momentarily in their chocolate depths. His gaze fell to the creamy expanse of her neck. She was dressed to perfection in a teal-colored, sleeveless silk dress. Bree was tall and slender, but with an athletic build. She wore her shoulder-length hair in soft curls around her heart-shaped face. Her flawless skin was the color of a new penny.

      “Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes,” Jordin announced. “We’re still waiting on a few people to arrive.”

      “Would either of you like a glass of wine?” Ethan offered.

      “I’m fine,” Bree responded.

      “Austin?”

      “I’ll take a glass.”

      Austin could feel Bree’s eyes studying him. He met her gaze, forcing her to look away. He smiled to himself.

      The front door opened.

      “Hey, family,” Ryker said with a grin. “Look at this...the newlyweds are hosting their first dinner party.”

      His wife, Garland, gave him a playful pinch. “Leave them alone.”

      There was something in the wistful turn of Bree’s lips that made Austin sense the pain beneath the surface, and he longed to make it better. She had lost her husband in a tragic way and he could only imagine that while she was truly happy for Jordin—grief still resided in her heart.

      Jadin arrived with a date a few minutes later, whom she introduced as Michael.

      Austin leaned over and said to Bree in a low voice, “I guess we should’ve brought a plus one.”

      “I think you’re right.”

      “Well, will you be my plus one for the evening?”

      She turned, easing into a smile. “Sure.”

      Austin glanced up and saw Jordin standing in the doorway. She gave him a quick thumbs-up, then announced, “Dinner is ready.”

      He and Bree were seated beside one another.

      “How do you like living in Charleston?” Bree inquired as she used her fork to slide the fettuccine noodles around her plate.

      Austin smiled faintly, laid his napkin across his lap and, picking up his knife and fork, sliced into a strip of grilled chicken. “I’m enjoying it. I’ve always liked this area.”

      He took a bite of his food. The delicate Alfredo sauce and chicken were cooked to perfection.

      “Jordin, did you cook this?”

      Ethan chuckled and was awarded a sharp glance from her. “Just so you know, I can cook. I will confess that I called Aubrie for help with ingredients and such.”

      “It’s delicious,” Ethan said.

      Everyone agreed.

      “Does Aubrie ever hang out with the family?” Austin asked. “I think I’ve seen her maybe three times since I moved here. I’d like to get to know her better, especially since she’s my first cousin.”

      “My sister spends a lot of her time in New Orleans,” Ryker announced. “She goes there to spend time with the chef who mentored her in culinary school. Each time she comes back with new entrées for her restaurant.”

      Bree took a sip of her iced tea. “She must really enjoy her work.”

      “I’m not so sure this is just about her work,” Jordin stated. “I think there’s another reason why she spends so much time there.”

      Jadin agreed. “Aubrie isn’t talking, but I suspect she’s seeing someone.”

      “She was always one to keep secrets,” Ryker said. “My parents keep hoping she’ll come to her senses and join the firm, but it’s not going to happen.”

      “How’s Aunt Rochelle doing?” Jordin inquired.

      “She hates being on crutches, having a cast on and not being able to drive. Mom’s driving my dad crazy. He threatened to come stay with us until she’s back on her feet.” Ryker wiped his mouth on his napkin. “I love my mom, but when she doesn’t get her way...”

      “When Aunt Rochelle isn’t happy—nobody’s happy,” Jadin said.

      They all agreed.

      When they finished their meal, they gathered in the family room.

      Austin couldn’t tear his gaze away from Bree.

      Members of his family wandered in and out of his line of vision, locking Bree and him together, but nothing could shatter the connection alive and sizzling between them.

      She felt it, too.

      He could see it in her eyes, in the firming of her luscious lips. Just as he could see that she was trying to make sense of what she was feeling.

      Their gazes connected and held.

      Bree was an incredibly beautiful woman. Ravishing didn’t even come close to describing her.

      Austin broke eye contact with her and stared down into his glass of wine. He bit back a satisfied smile. Good to know he wasn’t the only one being twisted into knots. However, he