Free Risk & Reward by Alisha Rai Page B

strange, because he did make you so happy. Neither of you cheated on each other—”
    “Of course not.” Betrayal wasn’t something she’d ever be comfortable with.
    “Or lied to each other, or somehow transgressed hugely, so it’s strange that something you can’t remember would destroy your relationship.”
    Tatiana shifted, struck. “Yeah. I suppose it is kind of weird.”
    They drank in silence for a minute. “With the exception of last night, how are you trying to keep yourself from old patterns?”
    Tatiana considered that question. “Well, I think we’re naturally more considerate of each other’s time. When we were younger, we didn’t really respect what the other person did. Wyatt assumed his work was more important than my schoolwork, and vice versa.”
    “It’s clear that Wyatt is proud of your business.”
    A small, pleased smile crossed Tatiana’s lips. Yes, she wasn’t happy Wyatt had jumped to her defense with her parents, but she generally liked his fascination and pride in her skill.
    It wasn’t a business, not to her. Wyatt understood that. Even though her mother, with her unconditional love, didn’t. “He is.”
    “Good. It’s hard to find a man who appreciates a woman for her brain and talent.”
    Since her mother was something of a genius, Tatiana knew she was aware of what she spoke about. “Yes. We’re also not fighting. I mean, we’re super careful to make each visit with each other peaceful and happy, not chaotic.”
    Janet released a crack of laughter. “If you figure out how to sustain that whole no-fighting thing, let me know. Your father and I have been quarrelling for almost forty years.”
    Tatiana laughed along, but unease slithered through her.
    Her mom sobered. “In seriousness, Tatiana, be careful, please. Long-distance romances are tough because it’s hard to address all of the important issues when you’re trying to pack a lot into short visits with one another.”
    “I know.”
    The other woman gave a sigh. “Good. And please, tell Wyatt I’m sorry. And that we’d really like to start fresh with him. I swear, I will make your father be civil. We don’t want to be the cause of any tension between you and the man you’re with.”
    Tatiana nodded. The concession was kind, but she wouldn’t be able to relax unless she knew Wyatt was on board with making nice in the future. “He asked me to convey his regrets as well.”
    “Did Ronald call you? He wants to have a barbecue tomorrow, while we’re here. Maybe Wyatt can come to that. It’ll give him and your father a chance to be around each other in a more relaxed atmosphere.”
    The bitter laugh spilled from her lips, shocking her. Yeah, sure. During the past seven months, Wyatt had gone out of his way to avoid her brother, like he had gone out of his way to avoid the rest of her family.
    Her mother was staring at her, concerned, so she tried to force a grim smile. No need to paint Wyatt any blacker in her parents’ eyes.
    He’s making you choose. Making you separate your worlds so they won’t ever have to touch.
    Tired of the effort it took to conceal her worries, Tatiana leaned back in the chair. “Yeah, sure. We’ll see.” No doubt tomorrow she’d have to sneak off and see her family like they were some terrible secret. Hard to do when it was Saturday, but Wyatt would probably find some excuse to bury himself in work if he had the slightest notion he would otherwise have to interact with her kin.
    “Good. They will come around.”
    Her skepticism must have been obvious, because her mom laughed. “Trust me, I know how to handle a proud, arrogant man. Arrange them around a grill, and they’ll all start to bond. Now…” Her mom wiggled her eyebrows. “Let’s see how many pitchers we can finish before your father gets his lunch break.”
    “Do I get to drunk yell at him for being mean last night?”
    “Certainly, darling. I’ll help.”

Chapter Eight
     
    Tatiana let herself back into the