Holy. Shit.

The air in Kat’s lungs left her in an abrupt whoosh.

Carter smiled, seemingly pleased with himself, and sat back.

Arrogant bastard.

“I take it you liked my work, huh?” He began to look through the comments she’d made on his writings.

“It’s— I, um … yeah, it— What?”

“I said you liked this shit.” The edge of his mouth twitched with a conceited smirk. “So are we doing some work today or what?”

Still embarrassingly incapable of stringing a full sentence together, Kat pulled the papers closer while leaning forward, placing her arm only half an inch from his. She felt the buzz, the crackle, the hum. She managed to keep her arm in that position for about sixty seconds before she had to move it away.

For the next forty-five minutes, Kat watched Carter complete task after task, dutifully and perceptively. His discussion points were insightful and the sound of his voice as he became more and more enthusiastic about the poem made her insides twist in the most delicious ways. His brow creased adorably when he concentrated and his eyes grew impossibly darker when she said something that challenged him. Sparring with him about iambic pentameter, imagery, and metaphors was undeniably sexy.

An academic type of foreplay that left Kat craving more.

Before she knew it, the guards came to take Carter back to his cell. She packed up slowly, unable to refute the heavy sensation filling her stomach at the thought of not seeing him for two days.

As she reached the door, she heard Carter stand from his seat. “Miss Lane.”

She turned. “Yes, Carter?”

The left side of his mouth lifted. “See you Monday.”

* * *

With a birthday card and beautifully wrapped present in hand, Kat walked into Beth’s favorite Italian restaurant in SoHo and laughed when she spotted her friend. A huge, flashing TWENTY-FIVE badge covered the left side of her pink knee-length dress, accompanied by an even pinker sash.

“Kat, you’re here!” she cried excitedly as she approached.

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it!”

Beth stood stock-still, looking at her friend in a way that made Kat brush her hands nervously down her black silk top and black jeans. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Something’s different about you.” Beth gasped, then grinned. “You’re all glowy and— Holy hell. What’s his name?”

Kat’s mouth popped open, then she gave a small snort. “God, you’re crazy. Move your ass.”

Beth obediently followed Kat’s index finger, which was pointing toward the bar. “Just making an observation,” she replied with her palms up.

Kat hummed skeptically. “Well, observe this instead.” She smiled, handing Beth her present. “It’s from me and Mom.”

The red Hermès clutch purse was exactly what Beth had not-so-subtly asked for in the run-up to her birthday. She clasped it to her chest and cooed lovingly. If only everyone could be so easily pleased.

Kat glanced around the bar area as they waited for their drinks. “Adam’s not here yet?”

Beth shook her head as she handed the bartender a twenty. “He had to work late. He’ll be here soon.”

“The life of a CFO, huh?” Kat smiled.

“He’s working so hard with his brother,” Beth said. “We’re like ships passing in the night. When I’m not grading and planning for school, I’m planning the wedding, which we’ve decided will be next summer. FYI, you’re going to be a bridesmaid.”

“Oh God,” Kat joked.

“Be nice,” Beth scolded. “I will not be Bridezilla!” They laughed. “What about you, anyway? How’s life behind bars?”

“It’s like nothing I ever imagined.” Kat described her amazing students and the sessions with Carter, while also recounting the hair-raising moments with Corey and Jason.

“You look happy, Kat,” Beth stated sincerely as they took their drinks from the bar. “And it’s a good look on you.”

Kat’s cheeks flushed. “It’s a good feeling to finally be doing something that feels right.”

“Your father would be proud.”

“I think so. I’m helping, and it feels really good.” Kat ran her index finger around the rim of her glass.

“Then why the face? What’s wrong?”

Kat hesitated. “I just wish my mom would see how happy I am. I mean, Jesus, we can barely be in the same room for five minutes, we fight so much.” And it hurt. “She’s convinced something’s going to happen to me, instead of trusting me and being proud. It’s like nothing I do is good enough, and I’m doing all of this to spite her.”

Beth squeezed Kat’s shoulder. “She’ll always worry, hon. That’s what moms do. Even more so in your case.”

“I know, but—”

“Maybe try to show a little more understanding.”

Kat clenched her teeth. She didn’t want to hear it. She loved Beth dearly, but her constant understanding of Kat’s mother was starting to grind. “So,” she said, changing the subject. “Apart from working tirelessly, how’s Adam?”

“He’s good. He invited his brother, Austin, tonight. He’s the CEO at WCS. He got divorced last winter and Adam’s determined to get him ‘back out there.’ He’s really nice and very handsome.”

It took Kat a moment to recognize the tone in Beth’s voice. “Oh no, no, no,” Kat exclaimed with a shake of her head. “I don’t need a man right now.”

“Pfffft. If you say so.” She gave a mock serious scowl. “Is reclaiming your chastity at twenty-four, like, a thing now?”

Kat pushed her friend playfully. “Shut up!”

Beth laughed while her eyes widened over Kat’s shoulder. “He’s here!” She all but skipped across the restaurant and kissed and hugged Adam. He was only a couple of inches taller than Beth, with neatly cut brown hair. He was dressed in a dark blue pair of jeans and a red button-down. He had green eyes and beautiful white teeth.

“Nice to see you, Kat,” he said as she approached. “What can I get you to dri—”

“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was fucking terrible and the cabdriver was a complete ass!”

Kat turned toward the voice to see a head of chaotic black hair. It was that just-got-out-of-bed look, and he worked it well. The man was tall, towering over Kat and Beth, who was still at her side, and smiled at them both before turning his attention to Adam, who slapped him on the back before ordering a round of drinks.

“Kat, this is Austin Ford, Adam’s brother,” Beth said. “Austin, this is my friend Kat Lane.”

“Hi,” she said, holding out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Austin stooped and took her hand, placing a soft kiss on the back of it. “Likewise.” He smiled.

Yeah, he was very attractive. He had broad shoulders covered in a black polo shirt that was open at the neck, showing a black string that hung down underneath it. His arms were tanned and strong-looking, which matched his masculine, angular face. He resembled Adam but appeared rougher around the edges.

Kat studied him discreetly while sipping her martini. He had all the traits she usually went for and, if he was as nice as his manners, he’d be golden. Yet a feeling of unease in the pit of her stomach made her pause in her visual examination of Austin. It twisted uncomfortably, settling like a weight deep within her.

The sensation became stronger when Austin smirked.

It was an unnervingly familiar gesture, which made Kat’s skin heat.

“So what do you do, Kat?” Austin asked, noticing her stare.

“I’m a teacher,” she answered quickly. “English literature.”

“Like Beth,” he offered. “That’s great. What school do you teach at?”

“I teach at a prison, actually. Arthur Kill.”

Austin’s eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. “Wow,” he said, glancing surreptitiously at his brother, who coughed uncomfortably into his palm.

Kat frowned. Okaaaaay.

“Beth didn’t mention it,” Adam said quietly, staring at his fiancée.

Beth shrugged. “Why would I?”

“Kill, huh?” Austin mused, his eyes still on his brother. “What a small world. We know a guy who’s spent time there. It must take some patience.”