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these days, but statistically, we should never bump into each other in a city this size.
    He saw me, and shame unfurled in my gut. My cheeks burned at the memory of what happened, and I fought to stay calm. We didn’t have to speak to each other. It wasn’t as though we were friends any more. Judging by the way his dark brows tugged together, he was as disconcerted as I was.
    Livy was still talking. “I’ll ask Hot Jase to introduce us. Come with me, Jen.”
    I’d rather stick pins in my eyes. I needed a diversion, and fast. Spinning on my heel, I spotted Isobel’s boyfriend gazing at a giant piece of artwork on the wall. He’d do.
    “I, umm… Greg. You go.” I had to sound like an idiot, and I didn’t wait for Livy’s reply. I scuttled to Greg’s side, feeling sick to my stomach. Please don’t come over . Please walk away. Pretend you didn’t see me.
    God. What if Rob saw him? I sucked in a shaky breath, black dots dancing in my vision. That could not happen. I wouldn’t let it.
    Think , Jen. I emptied my glass of wine and stared at the painting. Panic bubbled in my chest. Cade had only just arrived, so he’d be here a while. I could slip out now and wait for Rob outside. I’d walk past Cade and pretend he wasn’t there.
    Oh, great. Now Greg was talking to me, and I’d no idea what he said. Focus. I dug deep and managed an artificial smile. “Sorry. I didn’t catch that.” Every atom of me was on red alert, waiting for the footstep behind me. The hand on my shoulder. For Cade to speak to me.
    “ Purgatory ,” said Greg.
    “What?” This was more like my idea of hell.
    He gestured toward the painting with his glass. “I don’t get modern art,” he said.
    “No.”
    I didn’t know him very well, but he was a safer option than staying with Livy. How soon could I escape?
    I checked my phone, though it hadn’t vibrated. As if he’d read my mind, a text from Rob popped up.
    5 mins. I’ll stop outside. Be ready.
    Thank God. I might get out of this mess without any blood being spilled. I’d hold my head high and walk straight to the exit. It’d take me a couple of minutes to get out of the building, and then I could go home with my husband and pretend this nightmare never happened.
    I thought I said goodnight to Greg, but I couldn’t be sure. One step and then another, I skirted around the edge of the room, making sure I knew where Cade was as I moved. He stood by the bar, facing away from me.
    Please don’t turn around.
    Livy waved to me. I waved back.
    No stopping. Keep moving.
    I accelerated a few steps from the doors, and hurried through them as though racing for the last bus. Cool air hit my face, and I gulped a shaky breath. Rob would be here any minute. I had to calm down. If he thought for a second that Cade had been here, it wouldn’t be pretty.

Chapter 2

2.1 Jordan
    It took a lot to disturb my practiced composure. As Vice Chairman of TM-Tech, my father’s multi-national company, I had a lot of people working for me. I was used to handling them and their problems on a daily basis, but when it came to Louisa? She pushed all my buttons.
    I sat at the back of the conference hall, my gaze fixed on the keynote speaker, but my mind dancing back and forth. Louisa seemed to think I could offer advice on her marriage. Really ? I’d never been married, for heaven’s sake, nor come close. My last steady relationship was months ago. Too many months. Why did Lou think I was qualified to counsel her?
    I couldn’t turn my back on her. We grew up together and were more like siblings—so close, she’d driven two hundred miles down to Exeter from London, rather than talking over the phone or waiting until the conference was over. She was only in the country for a few more days, and then she’d be going home to Texas.
    She was married to Marcus, which meant taking sides was impossible. She joined him in Berlin for a short break, but they argued. Again. What the hell could I tell her?
    I sneaked a