Her heart thundered, roaring in her ears. “It may be too late.”
“It’s never too late. Don’t waste yourself on a career unworthy of you. You’re better than that.” His gaze flicked over her. “You’re better than Wolfe, too.”
She opened her mouth to protest but he’d already turned on his heel and walked away.
Gen stared at the empty pavement. So many decisions. She enjoyed Kinnections. It was more challenging than she originally thought, and working with her best friends was a dream come true.
But she was a doctor. A surgeon. The medical field was in her DNA, and though she’d tried to run and forget it, hoping she could have a fuller, more balanced life than before, Gen realized all roads led back to the hospital.
She had a lot to think about.
Gen headed toward her house, thoughts spinning.
WOLFE STARED AT THE large-screen monitor in front of him. He’d just closed a big account that would be booking all its future conferences at Purity. Screw you, Plaza. We have arrived.
He looked forward to telling Sawyer about his recent coup. Every win was another opportunity to give back to the man who’d offered him a chance and dragged him out of the gutter.
As usual, his blood heated at the idea of using his brain and skills to get what he wanted. Especially in business. His personal life had been a flat, unending desert plain with nothing in sight he craved. Made things so much easier. Empty, but easy.
Until Gen, of course. Now he bounced through his workday like a kid looking forward to Christmas.
He shook his head in self-mockery and looked around his office. He’d furnished it in a replica of Sawyer’s office in Italy. Mahogany wood. Burgundy carpet. Interesting sculptures and knickknacks that appealed to him. A floor-to-ceiling bookcase filled with rare editions and popular fiction. And a private entrance to a gym where he pounded out his frustrations on a punching bag to eighties heavy metal.
How many times had he slept here without thought? Now the minute 5 p.m. arrived, he headed out the door. His personal assistant almost fainted when he announced his refusal to stay late and chair a meeting. Wolfe knew he wasn’t needed. He just liked being involved in all stages. Until a sexy brunette cast a spell on him.
He pushed back the worried thoughts ready to spring loose. Couldn’t last. He didn’t care. One full week had already passed and things were perfect. He decided to wring out every last ounce of pleasure until what they had slowly dissolved. Who would’ve thought this friends-with-benefits thing could work? But so far, it did. They spent their time together, engaged in mind-blowing sex most of the night, and enjoyed each other’s company. No questions, restrictions, or contracts. No promises. Just the moment, and a boatload of pleasure.
His cell buzzed and he quickly scooped it up. A smile curved his mouth immediately. “Hey, Sawyer. How the hell are you?”
A low laugh echoed over the receiver. “Was gonna ask you the same. Heard you beat out the Plaza in the Conway contract. Nice work.”
Wolfe shook his head in disbelief. “Who do you have planted here? The ink’s still wet and I planned to call you later to give you the good news.”
“I couldn’t wait. Listen, I wanted to ask you a favor.”
He clenched the phone. “Anything.”
“Think you can fly out here next week? Spend a few days with us?”
“Is everything okay? Julietta? Gabby? You?”
Another laugh. “Calm down, we’re all great. We just wanted to share something. Plus, Julietta misses you. So do I.”
The emotion surged hot and strong, enveloping him in the only comfort he’d ever had in his life. “I miss you, too. Yeah, I’ll wrap up in a few days and get out there.”
“Good. I want to catch up on things. Texting and Skype just aren’t the same. And Gabby needs to torture her big brother.”
Sawyer grinned. “Give me a break. You guys just want a sitter.”
“Busted. I already bought the tickets to La Scala, so don’t think you’re backing out now.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“The plane will take you when you’re ready. Just text me.”
“Done. See ya soon. Give the girls a kiss.”
“I will.”
The phone clicked.
Home. Funny, New York was the place he decided to settle and grow with his career, but Milan would always hold his heart. The first time he’d learned about family, and love, and respect. The first time he’d been given an opportunity to be more than a piece of garbage. He couldn’t wait.
The thought of leaving Gen even for a few days dimmed the joy, but he pushed it aside, refusing to deal with the hornet’s nest of emotion ready to sting.
His cell rang again. He picked it up. “Everything okay?”
Her soft sigh spilled into his ear. Instantly, he grew hard. Damn, she was a sorceress. “I forgot the Italian bread. Can you pick some up on the way home?”
“Of course. What’s for dinner?”
“Scampi with pasta.”
His stomach rumbled. He was getting spoiled by her cooking, and had begun making up for his lack of culinary skills by cleaning and fixing up her house. He’d sealed the cracks in the tub, fixed the broken front step, and painted the bathroom. The pleasure on her face made every drop of sweat worth it, and he enjoyed using his hands to make their home nice.
Her home.
He ignored the mental slip.
“Sounds great. I’ll snag a bottle of red to go with it. Hey, did you DVR Love It or List It last night?”
“Yep. Why?”
“No reason. Just figured you wanted to see if they ended up selling it. I thought she did great with the renovations, but the guy was kind of a jerk. I mean, how was she supposed to know once they ripped up the basement there’d be mold?”