Mismatch Read online

  “Okay. But only for a little while.â€�

  The hotel room is unreal. We’re on the very top floor, the penthouse apartment. The windows are enormous, so I feel like I’m flying over Arizona, or looking at another landscape painting. We’re on the outskirts of town, and the hotel looks directly out over the mountains. It’s easy to imagine we’re far away from Payson, all alone.

  Inside, the penthouse suite is majestic. The living area is larger than my whole apartment and furnished to an elite standard. Two luxury leather sofas sit in the middle of the room on marble flooring, a thick, white rug between them. There’s a bar to the far left, and a piano in the corner.

  I take a seat, the whole of Arizona laid out before me. “It’s amazing here.â€�

  Vincent sits beside me, crosses one leg over the other. He passes me a cocktail I now recognize, a Manhattan. “It’s not bad. You should see the penthouses they have in New York.â€�

  “I can’t even imagine.â€�

  “Maybe I could take you sometime.â€�

  I let out a laugh and fix Vincent with a fond look. “You won’t be thinking of me when you’re home.â€�

  He moves closer. “You don’t think very highly of me, Lily. Do you think money makes a man cold? I don’t know what you think I’m looking for, but I’m telling you that all I want is something that’s real.â€� He trails a finger along my thigh. “Doesn’t this feel real to you?â€�

  My heart beats a little faster as I watch Vincent’s fingers brush against my skin. His eyes are hungry. His desire hangs in the air between us, making my breath catch in my throat.

  If I wanted, I know I could kiss him right now. I know he would rip my clothes away and carry me to the bedroom. I know we’d make love against the backdrop of the mountains, and share a night I’d never forget.

  But a night I’ll never forget is already on my mind. A night with Ethan.

  Vincent has smooth moves and says all the right things, but Ethan and I have history, and nothing can make that disappear. I’m still not over him.

  Laying his palm flat against my thigh, Vincent’s hand begins to move upward. I gently pull his wrist away. “Sorry, Vincent.â€� I take a deep breath, trying to find a reason I can give that doesn’t sound like complete bullshit. “Let’s see how things go once you’re back in New York. I’m not looking for a one-night stand.â€�

  Vincent snaps away and leans back against the sofa, letting out a long breath. “I’ll tell the driver to take you home. We’ll take things slow if that’s what you want.â€�

  He’s not angry. He’s calm. He smiles like he understands, but I can sense his frustration.

  “I’m sorry,â€� I repeat.

  Vincent takes me by the shoulders and kisses my forehead. “I like you because you’re not like other women. You don’t want something cheap—I respect that. Let’s meet again before I go back to New York, though. I’ll call you.â€�

  The drive back home in Vincent’s limousine is silent, and I’m cursing myself. Vincent’s reaction to my rejection makes me question why I’m pushing him away in the first place. He’s a kind and patient man, looking for something real. Why am I making him jump through hoops?

  Because you’re still hung up on Ethan.

  I close my eyes and groan. Chloe is going to have a field day with this one.

  Ethan

  After a morning meeting with the team, Jennifer and I go out for lunch to discuss our plan of action.

  I choose a new place I’ve not been to before, some kind of upscale coffee joint that serves its food on things that aren’t plates. I have pancakes on a platter that looks like a clock face. I frown as the syrup leaks off the edge and forms a sticky ring in front of me.

  Jennifer hides a smile as she takes a triumphant bite of a salmon and cream cheese bagel without spilling a crumb.

  At least the coffee is good—espresso, black.

  “Did you read the fourth draft of the proposal last night, Ethan?â€�

  I nod. “It’s excellent. They’ve done everything I’ve asked them.â€�

  “You need to make sure you kill the presentation. That shouldn’t be a problem. Healy loves you. Go through everything like we planned, and it’s in the bag.â€�

  “It’s all come together,â€� I agree. “We have to keep our eye on Vincent until the very end. I’m still preparing for his last-minute strike.â€�

  Jennifer lets out an audible groan. “You’re getting paranoid, Ethan.â€�

  “If Vincent wasn’t after blood, then why would he go after Lily?â€�

  “Maybe because your app matched them. That’s kind of the point.â€�

  I shake my head. “No. It’s more than that. He’s up to something.â€�

  “We both know that. He’s trying to distract you, but he’s already failed. The fourth draft is as good as that proposal’s going to get, and you’re ready to talk seriously with Healy. It’s pretty much a case now of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.â€� She licks a smear of cream cheese off a finger, then adds, “And winning back your girl.â€�

  “I know which one’s going to be harder.â€�

  Jennifer shakes her head slowly. “You really went over there and told her that Vincent was using her to get to you? I told you that was a bad idea.â€�

  “I know, I know. But I had to explain to her why I’d come back to Payson.â€�

  “And you couldn’t have said ‘I missed you’?â€�

  “I’m not good at this stuff, Jen.â€�

  “Tell me about it.â€� She finishes the last mouthful of her lunch and sits back. “I still don’t know anything about this mysterious love of your life that you’d never mentioned until last week. Tell me about her. How’d you meet? How long were you together? What happened?â€�

  “It’s a long story.â€�

  “We’ve got time.â€�

  “Her name is Lily. We used to live close to each other as kids. Then we went to the same high school and started dating. I graduated first and stuck around, working in a factory, waiting for her to graduate. The plan was to travel the world together.â€�

  “What changed?â€�

  “My mom got sick and passed away.â€�

  Jennifer’s face creases in sympathy. She knows I have no family, and I’m sure she knows the story, but I’ve never told her myself before.

  I gesture to the waitress for a refill, then turn back to Jen. “After that, Lily’s dreams and mine weren’t the same anymore. I wanted more. I loved her, but I needed to go my own way.â€�

  “Why couldn’t you have stayed? Wouldn’t she have understood?â€�

  “Lily would have done anything for me,â€� I say. “If I’d have told her that I was going to Columbia, she would have followed me—and she’d have been miserable. I never wanted to change her.â€�

  I take a sip of the fresh espresso and let my gaze grow distant. “I thought she’d find someone else. I can’t believe she’s still on her own.â€�

  “Maybe you two were meant to be,â€� Jennifer says, leaning forward on the table with a dreamy smile. “She’s still available, and you’ve realized you made a mistake.â€�

  “Except she’s not still free, is she? Vincent’s managed to sink his claws into her.â€�

  “It’s only been a couple of dates, Ethan. You two have h
istory. You can win her back.�

  “How?â€�

  “You need to make a gesture. Show her that you care.â€�

  “I told you before, Jen—she’s not the sort of girl who’s going to swoon at diamonds or a new car.â€�

  “I’m not talking about throwing money at her. I’m talking about the kind of gesture that comes from the heart, something that will be meaningful to her.â€�

  “Hmm.â€�

  “Trust me,â€� Jennifer says with confidence. “I’m a woman, after all.â€�

  I’m proud of Lily. Sitting in the auditorium amongst the hundreds of others watching the class graduate, Lily is all I see.

  She spots me, grins, and waves. She’s wearing a black dress, heels, a gown, and her graduation cap. The tassel keeps falling in front of her eyes, and she keeps flicking it back.

  When they call her name, her family goes wild, cheering and clapping. Next to them, I clap too, a deep sadness growing inside me.

  I watch Lily from a distance. She’s an adult now. As she steps up to accept her diploma, I know it’s almost the end. My new job begins next week; I leave in three days.

  The ceremony ends, and I stand back from the crowds for a while as Lily hugs her parents and takes a thousand photographs. Her smile is so huge. It’s impossible to lose her among all the other students.

  Half an hour later, she starts to look around over the heads of everyone around her. She spots me in the distance, standing under a tree on the grounds.

  She leaves her parents milling with the others and joins me. She stands on her tiptoes to kiss me, her eyes shining.

  “Congratulations,â€� I say. “I’m terribly proud of you.â€�

  Her diploma is seized in her fist, and she laughs happily. “This is it, Ethan! We’re done with school. I can’t believe this is finally happening!â€�

  “I got something for you.â€�

  I hand her the little wrapped parcel that I’ve been carrying in my pocket all day. As her fingers begin to peel apart the paper, I worry that she’ll be disappointed. The size and shape of the gift could be mistaken for jewelry.

  My doubts disappear when Lily finishes unwrapping the present. Her eyes light up. She grins and throws her arms around my neck, kissing me deeply.

  “Watercolors? Ethan, thank you! I love them.â€� She opens the tin and bites down on her lip with excitement as her eyes wander over the fresh colors. “I’ll be able to use them when we start our adventures.â€�

  The knife of guilt twists in my stomach. I say nothing. I just wrap my arm around her and lead her back toward the graduates. “We’ll make plans later,â€� I tell her. “Today is about you.â€�

  “When I first saw Lily in the park after all that time, I thought she was going to walk right by me.â€�

  “I bet she didn’t even recognize you.â€�

  “She did. I could see it in her eyes. Shock. Anger.â€�

  “Eleven years is a long time to go without reaching out.â€�

  I nod slowly. “When she said I could see her again, it was amazing. I guess I didn’t even realize how much I’d been missing her until she was in front of me again.â€� I pause, then shake my head. “That’s a lie. I’ve missed her every damned day.â€�

  “Now’s your chance to win her back. That’s why we’re here.â€�

  “Maybe it would be easy if Vincent wasn’t in the mix. I’m the guy who left her—twice—and he’s her one true soulmate, according to Destiny. He’ll be telling her everything and anything to make her fall for him.â€�

  “If she loves you, she’ll come back to you. And if she’s moved on, then maybe that’s the way it’s meant to be. At least you’ll have closure.â€�

  “I just don’t know how I’m ever going to get her to forgive me. I tried to explain myself, and she didn’t want to hear it. I tried to say I was sorry.â€�

  “From what you told me, it wasn’t much of an apology,â€� Jennifer says. “Sounds more like you rambled on about Vincent’s conspiracies and lost sight of the real issue—like you always do. If you really love Lily, then you need to forget about Vincent, one hundred percent. What you do from this point has to come from the heart. Talk to her like Vincent was never in the picture. Lay yourself out, Ethan. Don’t hold back.â€�

  “I’ve been an idiot, Jen. You were right about this rivalry with Vincent. You told me that if we kept going, I’d end up losing something that mattered. If I’d have thought for one second that he’d go after her, I would have backed off years ago. Lily—she’s what matters.â€�

  Jennifer’s smile is soft and warm. “I’m glad you finally see sense, Ethan. Win Lily back, and then draw a line under this whole Vincent thing. Be the bigger man, walk away, and be happy. That’s the real victory.â€�

  Lily

  It’s the first time I’ve been out on a date with Vincent in the daytime. I feel a thousand times better in my regular clothes: a floaty floral blouse and a pair of fitted blue jeans. Vincent is wearing a pair of chinos and a designer polo shirt, about as casual as a billionaire can ever be.

  We’re eating on the patio of the hotel restaurant. It has beautiful grounds with landscaped hedges, ornate fountains, and lush trees. It looks like the garden of Versailles. I can hear the water trickling through the fountain and birds singing nearby. Other hotel guests are eating at tables further down the patio, laughing and joking. The atmosphere is relaxed, and so am I.

  “Mmm.â€� I let out a contented breath and stretch out my arms. “Isn’t it lovely here?â€�

  “I thought the hotel might be a bit more private than somewhere in town. I hope it’s okay.â€�

  “It’s perfect.â€�

  “I hope you don’t mind if I quickly check the paper. I like to keep my eye on the business pages, even when I’m out of New York. No rest for the wicked, as they say.â€�

  “Go ahead.â€�

  Vincent quickly leafs through the paper in front of him while I enjoy the view and the feel of the sunshine. Soon it will be autumn again, and I want to make the most of the remaining summer sun.

  I wonder if I should make the most of what’s left of Vincent, too. I know his trip is almost over, and he’ll soon be flying back to New York. I tell myself not to question what will happen then. Enjoy today for what it is, Lily.

  “It says here that Destiny has had record sales,â€� Vincent tells me. He looks up and smiles. “For once, I’d say ‘fair play.’ Ethan was onto something with that app. I know I’m impressed, anyway.â€�

  “I guess your companies compete sometimes?â€�

  He lets out a low laugh and nods. “Most definitely.â€�

  I notice bitterness in the tone of his voice. “You don’t like him?â€�

  Vincent folds up the paper and leans back in his chair, squinting in the sunlight. He threads his fingers together as he weighs his words. “I’m sorry to say that I don’t trust Ethan Steele anymore. He’s played dirty one too many times.â€�

  “What do you mean?â€�

  “He’s a nightmare, Lily,â€� Vincent tells me, shaking his head. “I mean, I know business is business, but there are unspoken rules. Lines you don’t cross. Ethan has crossed them all.â€�

  “In what way?â€�

  “He destroyed my company, for one thing. It was my first startup. I made some bad investments, took a few risks with new technologies that didn’t take off, and it was on the
rocks. I could have recovered, but Ethan started buying out my suppliers and cutting me off at the root. Then, with nothing left, I had no choice but to sell my company. He bought it and sold it in pieces to make sure I’d stay down. It was ruthless.�

  “I guess he was protecting his business?â€�

  Vincent frowns. “No. At that time, the company wasn’t a threat. We weren’t making money, only testing the waters. Ethan sabotaged every effort I made to break into a new market, and he did it merely because he could.â€�

  I almost say, ‘That doesn’t sound like him,’ but then I remember I’m pretending I don’t know Ethan Steele. “It’s a shame. Two great minds like yours, maybe you’d have been better working together.â€�

  “We almost did—once.â€�

  “You did?â€�

  “Straight out of Columbia, we were going to start a business together. I thank God every day that I backed out of that arrangement. Even then, I could sense that Ethan was only looking out for himself. I got this bad feeling about him and decided to walk away. Ever since then, he’s been out for blood. I don’t think he ever got over the fact that I went my own way. It meant he couldn’t take the fast lane to success. He needed me.â€� Vincent shrugs. “But I stand by my decision. Ethan couldn’t be trusted, and he’s proved that time and again ever since. It was a lucky escape.â€�

  I look down at the table. I can’t imagine Ethan behaving like that. Or maybe I don’t want to—I’ve learned that I can’t depend on Ethan like I used to. “I guess money changes people.â€�

  “Oh, he was a cold bastard before he made a dime.â€�

  “He was?â€�

  Vincent nods and leans back as the waiter refills his glass of orange juice. Then he leans in again and fixes me with an intent stare.

  “Ethan had a reputation at Columbia. He was a playboy, but the real sleazy kind. It was like he was letting loose. He wanted to screw every woman he laid eyes on.â€�

  Hurt wells up inside me. I want to shut my eyes and sob, but then I’d give myself away. I force my gaze to stay steady, fixed on Vincent.