Chapter 21

Julian made a strangled noise and promptly took a long drink of his wine. Nina kept a perfectly straight face as she took in the reactions of Julian’s family.

Elizabeth looked wary. Abby was smiling. Loveth looked murderous. Sam had a strange look that could only be interpreted as a cross between regret and sadness, his father, Ben looked distracted, while Ross nodded approvingly. He reached over to slap his son on the back.

“You’ve got yourself a winner here, son. I heartily approve. This one will keep you on your toes well into your old age. I like her.” he said.

Greaaat, Nina thought. She had the approval of her fake father-in-law to be. She looked over at Julian as guilt swamped her. She’d gotten carried away and hadn’t been able to resist the opportunity to needle Julian a bit. Though he deserved it, she still felt bad about carrying things so far.

To her surprise, he was staring thoughtfully at her, his eyes warm with something she was afraid to analyze