“That car looks exactly like my idol’s ride!” Preston Winslow blurted out in surprise. “But my idol’s is a souped–up race car–no way Niamh can compete with that.”
The white BMW sped off into the night, temporary plates pressed against the window, barely visible in the darkness.
Marina noticed Jonathan couldn’t take his eyes off the direction Niamh’s car had disappeared, a flicker of surprise in his gaze illuminated by the streetlights.
“Niamh’s a great driver, isn’t she?” Marina said, voicing what Jonathan was clearly thinking.
“She’s alright,” Jonathan replied, cool and noncommittal.
“Yeah, yeah, just alright. My idol’s still the best,” Preston chimed in with a grin.
They said their quick goodbyes–Preston heading for his own car, Jonathan and Marina leaving together.
A royal blue Bentley tore off in the opposite direction, parting ways with the white
BMW.
After buying her car, Niamh’s schedule got even busier.
For days, she threw herself into searching for the perfect office space for her new studio. Too far out of town and it’d be inconvenient; too central and she couldn’t
dream of affording the rent.
In the end, it was Marcus, her investor, who found her a promising spot.
Pinnacle Youth Tower sat on the edge of a tech park–close enough to the action for convenience, but not quite prime downtown real estate. The setting was green and pleasant, and the commute would be a breeze.
Best of all, Marcus had connections. He managed to get her a solid discount.
Niamh was tempted. Only one thing bothered her–the Thomas Group’s main office was right there in the tech park. The last thing she wanted was her new studio too
close to them.
Marcus took her on a morning tour of several office buildings, but by noon, Niamh still couldn’t make up her mind.
For lunch, she picked a stylish bistro just outside the tech park. Pricey, sure, but after all the help Marcus had given her, she figured he deserved a good meal.
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They’d barely set foot in the restaurant when she spotted Jonathan.
He was alone.
Niamh assumed he was meeting someone, but to her surprise, Jonathan walked straight toward her.
“What a coincidence.” He greeted her, standing at the edge of her table.
Niamh felt a little awkward. The last thing she wanted was Jonathan hanging
around when she was having lunch with her investor.
“Marina’s not with you?” she asked automatically, peering behind him.
Jonathan’s face didn’t change as he shot back, “Do you think we’re joined at the hip?”
Niamh had no comeback for that.
Still, it was true–wherever Jonathan went, Marina was never far behind.
Jonathan glanced coolly at Marcus, then turned to Niamh. “Mind if I join you?”
“What if I do mind?” Niamh’s expression tightened as she shot him a warning look.
Whatever Jonathan knew or didn’t know about her new venture, she was certain he didn’t support her striking out on her own. For all she knew, he was here to sabotage her project.
“Then you’ll just have to live with it.” Jonathan smoothly pulled out a chair and sat down beside her.
What was supposed to be a table for two suddenly became a table for three. It was a little cramped.
Niamh’s face darkened. She kept sneaking glances at Marcu
off.
orried he’d be put
But Jonathan, completely unfazed, turned to her and asked, “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
“This is Marcus, my angel investor,” Niamh said honestly.
Jonathan smiled faintly and offered Marcus his hand. “Nice to meet you. Jonathan–Niamh’s husband.”
I’m
