The Billionaire Next Door

“I want to try lacrosse, but Auntie Taylor and Mimi said I can’t do both because the games are both on the weekends. Did you ever play soccer?”

For a girl who wasn’t even seven, Reese seemed able to carry on good conversations. Or maybe all kids her age could. “No, I played football and lacrosse. My older brother tried soccer, but liked hockey better.”

Reese considered his answer while she enjoyed her tea. “If you want, I can teach you. I’m really good.”

Priscilla came up behind Reese’s chair. She gave him a look that said “I’m sorry.” “Curt’s probably too busy right now, sweetie. He’s got that whole house to work on.”

“Oh.” The girl’s smile vanished.

“Maybe one weekend you can give me a lesson.” He hated the disappointment on the kid’s face, and what was an hour or so?

Reese’s smile returned immediately.

Make sure you let us know when it blows up in your face. He remembered Gray’s final comment before they’d changed the subject entirely Sunday night.

Taylor picked what she considered the nicest dress in her closet. Not much of a shopper, her choices for the night were limited to a handful of sundresses, and this outfit, which she’d bought a while ago. Even if the dress was a year old, it’d be fine for their destination tonight. The previous spring she’d attended a friend’s bridal shower at Pellegrino wearing this very outfit. She paired it with the open-toed heels that matched, shoes she hadn’t worn since the last time she put on the dress. Actually, she hadn’t worn heels in months. Generally, the only time she dug them out was when she had to make an appearance in court for a case. Tonight, before heading down, she walked across her bedroom a few times, getting the hang of walking in them again.

Taylor stopped at the kitchen doorway in time to hear Curt say, “Maybe one weekend you can give me a lesson.”

He had his back to her, but she saw the big smile spread across her niece’s face. He might not have spent time around kids Reese’s age, but he was damn good with her. She’d noticed that on both occasions he’d had dinner with them. What she heard now was further proof.

“And if you want, and it’s okay with your grandmother, I’ll give you a lesson or two in lacrosse.”

Reese had bugged them about trying lacrosse this spring. They hadn’t told her no, but rather made her decide between it and soccer because the two conflicted. As expected, Reese stayed with soccer. She’d started playing in preschool and loved it.

Excitement filled her niece’s face. “Please, Mimi? Can he?”

“If Curt wants to give you a few lessons, it’s fine with me. But no bugging him about it. He’ll let you know when he has the time,” Mom answered.

Taylor wouldn’t put it past Reese to ask him about it every time she saw him. “Mimi’s right. You can’t nag him about it.”

Hearing Taylor’s voice, Reese switched her attention from her grandmother to her aunt. “Auntie Taylor, you look so beautiful.”

Beautiful might be stretching it, but she appreciated Reese’s compliment.

Curt stood and turned when Reese spoke. “She’s right.” His voice sent a ripple of sensual excitement up her spine. A sensation she hadn’t experienced in a long time.