A CATERED AFFAIR by Carolyn Matkowsky

“Nice place you have here.”

Mary Beth jumped at the sound of the deep male voice behind her. Water from the pot she was filling sloshed onto the floor. She jerked the faucet shut and gripped the counter edge.

His voice. Richer, mellowed. Warming her with old memories, old yearnings. She was eighteen again. In love. Dreaming of a life spent by his side. Until he betrayed her.

Anger jolted her like boiling liquid spilling on her lap. Biting down on her lip, Mary Beth turned slowly to face Tom Sackett.

He filled the doorway, his masculine power reaching out, drawing her in as it always had. Despite his aristocratic breeding and elegantly tailored suit, he still had the look of the renegade about him. His thick black hair curled around his ears and trailed down his neck, a trifle too long. The hot, deep blue of his eyes scorched her.

She lifted her chin and willed starch into her spine. “You’re early,” she said, glancing at the clock. “The meeting isn’t for another half hour. My partner’s not here yet.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Hello to you too. That’s not much of a greeting after twelve years.”
She placed a hand on her hip. “As I recall, our last meeting was less than cordial.”
He tightened his jaw. “People change, Mary Beth.”
“Do they?”
“Believe it.” The determined set of his rugged features stopped any further argument. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.” She tugged on her braid, trying to gain control of her emotions. For the sake of her company, she wouldn’t let her feelings interfere. “We have a business deal to negotiate. Nothing more.”

Tom’s harsh features softened. He scanned her face, making her wonder if her tension showed. “You’re more beautiful than I remembered.”

Awareness and a flash of anger tightened her stomach. She dug her nails into her palms. “Saving my company is my primary concern.”

“Mine too,” he said. “A businessman expects a return on his investment.” He strode into the kitchen with a confidence born of inherited wealth and family standing.

Squaring her shoulders, Mary Beth fought the onslaught of old hurts. She’d grown up in the years since he’d humiliated her. Her family might not have his social connections, but her poverty-stricken upbringing had made her strong. Strong enough to fight for her professional life and keep her pride—and her heart—intact.