About That Night

Until Kyle changed the game on her.

“But your ex needs to understand that we’re together,” he said definitively. “In fact, I think it’s time everyone understands that. No more hiding out in your apartment, no more secret dates. If we’re really going to do this, let’s do it right.”

And just like that, they were having The Talk.

“YOU WANT TO have this discussion now? Right here?” Ryla

“I was hoping there wasn’t much to discuss.” Kyle studied Ryla

Admittedly, his timing probably wasn’t the best. But seeing how she had a guy waiting in her kitchen whom she’d once wanted to marry, a guy who now wanted her back, his possessive side was coming out with a vengeance.

He wanted all of her, plain and simple. And this time, he wasn’t going to settle for anything less.

“You knew when we first got together how complicated things are because of my job,” she said.

“I thought things had changed. Especially after last night.”

Her expression softened. “Last night was great. I told you, the best first date I’ve ever had.”

“It could be that way every day, Ryla

And this was that moment.

So he peered down into her eyes. “After everything that happened with Daniela, I told myself I wasn’t going to get serious with anyone for a long time. But then you came along and changed everything. I don’t want to be some guy you’re fooling around with anymore, Ryla

Because I’m in love with you.

But when the words rose to his lips, he held them back.

Not because he didn’t mean them—far from it. He knew, as he looked into those gorgeous amber eyes that he’d never forgotten, just how true they were. But he also saw the uncertainty on Ryla

So he fell silent, waiting for her answer.

“I want to be with you, too,” she said.

Kyle smiled and pulled her closer…until he realized she wasn’t finished. “But?”

“But I need more time. You’re all over the news with your new company and the Twitter thing, and now there’s going to be the interview in Time. This is not the week to go public with the fact that we’re dating. Let’s wait it out a few weeks, or a couple months, and then when things cool down—”

“A couple months?” He pulled back and said nothing for a moment. “You’re really that embarrassed to be seen with me?”

Ryla

Gee, thanks for clarifying. “So let me make sure I have this right: Ryla

She threw up her hands in frustration. “What do you want me to say, Kyle? Shutting down Twitter may have been fu

Kyle stepped back, his tone dry. “Wow. And here I thought I’d never feel more like a thug than the day they threw me behind bars at MCC.”

Ryla

Ah…finally, Kyle understood what was going on here.

She wasn’t sure how she felt about him.

For years, he’d played the field, always keeping things fun and casual, never taking the time to get too serious with any woman. Even with Daniela, he’d held back, not truly letting her in. But that wasn’t the case with Ryla

And yet, seemingly, it still wasn’t enough for her.

Not much else a man could say in these circumstances.

He stepped closer and gently cupped her chin. “The difference between you and me, counselor, is that I don’t need more time. I know how I feel. You love your job—I understand that. It’s one of the things I admire most about you. But I haven’t waited thirty-three years to find something real, only to settle for always being second place in your heart. I want more than that.”

Ryla

“You didn’t have to say it, Ryla

Because he knew it anyway.

So he lowered his head and kissed her forehead in good-bye. Then he steeled his heart, not looking back when she called his name, and walked out of her apartment for good.

Thirty-three

LATER THAT EVENING, Kyle walked into EPIC, a loft-style restaurant located in the city’s River North area, and spotted his family—future brother-in-law included—sitting at a table near the back.

Jordan had called him earlier and had mentioned that she’d invited Nick to join them for di

“You don’t have to run it by me, Jordo,” he’d said. “Nick and I are cool now.”

“Aw, you two really have bonded,” she’d said teasingly. “That’s so cute.”

“Yeah.”

There was a long silence on the phone.

“That’s it?” Jordan had asked. “No sarcastic response?” Her tone immediately turned worried. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just distracted with work,” he’d lied. “I’ll see you later, at the restaurant.” Then he’d hung up the phone before she could ask any more questions. He simply wanted to get through the di

As he approached the table, he put on a smile and acted casual. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic on the Drive was murder.” He sat down at the empty seat between Nick and his father and picked up the menu in front of him. “So what looks good?”

When nobody answered him, he peered over his menu and saw three pairs of eyes staring incredulously at him.

“You’re really going to make us ask?” Grey said.

Kyle shot Jordan a look of death from across the table. What did you tell Dad?

Nothing, she glared back. “Your deal with Twitter?” she prompted him.

Oh. Right. He’d forgotten that he hadn’t spoken to either his sister or father about that yet. They’d called as soon as the press release had gone out, but he’d been busy talking to prospective clients and, later, on his date with Ryla

Hard to believe that was less than twenty-four hours ago. Last night had been incredible, and then within the blink of an eye, everything had changed.

Better to know now where you stand with her.