Page 47

Eric gestures between us. “Rachel, this is my brother Daniel.”

Daniel offers me his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

His smile is brief, but his handshake is warm.

Tom stands a few feet away, half-turned from us as he talks to another guest. He looks younger than his brothers and far more relaxed. His bow tie is a little crooked, and his smile comes easily when the man beside him says something.

“This is my friend Chloe Baxter,” I say.

Daniel shakes her hand, and Eric introduces himself, though Chloe clearly knows who he is. Then Daniel reaches over and taps Tom’s arm.

“Tom.”

Tom turns, and recognition lights his face. “Ah, Rachel Hartwell.”

“That’s me.”

“And this is Chloe Baxter,” Eric says.

Tom turns to Chloe. His smile fades, and for a second, he simply stares at her as if he’s forgotten where he is. Chloe holds out her hand. Tom keeps staring until Daniel nudges him. He takes it without looking away from her face.

“Voss Tom.” His eyes close briefly as color rises into his cheeks. “Tom Voss.”

“Nice to meet you,” Chloe says.

Tom continues holding her hand. When Chloe glances down at their joined hands, he releases her at once. Eric watches with raised brows while Daniel presses his lips together to hide a smile.

Chloe studies Tom for half a second. I know that look. She’s already building a client profile in her head.

“Are you single?” she asks.

“Very.”

“Do you have three min⁠—”

“Yes.” His answer comes before she can finish.

“Great. Let’s find somewhere quiet.”

Chloe heads toward a quiet corner beyond the bar. “How old are you?” she asks over her shoulder, already beginning her questions.

“Thirty-four.” Tom watches her walk away for one stunned moment, then hurries after her.

Eric watches Tom follow Chloe, then looks at Daniel. Daniel gives the smallest shake of his head, and amusement crosses Eric’s face. They seem to understand each other without saying a word.

I glance toward the bar. Chloe already has her phone out, typing notes while Tom answers her questions. She’s going to be thrilled.

Eric’s attention returns to me. “Rachel. Come with me.”

“Why?”

“I need a minute alone with you.”

“I…” I look toward Oliver, hoping for an excuse to stay. He’s already turned to Daniel and is speaking with the same eager interest he showed Eric. When I face Eric again, he’s waiting with one hand in his pocket, as if he already knows I’ll agree.

“Fine.”