Free Wyne and Song by Donna Michaels Page A

future sister-in-law.
    Phoebe.
    “Hello.” She smiled.
    Damn . That explained Mason’s strange line of questioning. Bastard could’ve warned him she was at the resort.
    Why was she at the resort?
    Ah, hell. He hoped it wasn’t for him. His chest tightened. No way would he get involved with her. No matter how much his body protested.
    “Hi,” he finally said, sitting down next to her after Mason joined Jill. “This is a surprise.”
    Seriously? A booth? Couldn’t they have grabbed a table? At least then his leg and arm wouldn’t have the ability to brush his ex-lover’s sweet curves. And that’s what she was, his ex -lover. This meal would not lead to bed like the last time they’d eaten together.
    No way.
    Not happening. Even though his crotch already twitched to life, confirming his twig and berries were still intact.
    “Yeah, sorry about that,” Phoebe said, her dark gaze contrite. “I only just found out yesterday, right before the final two performances of my Broadway play.”
    “It closed?” he asked.
    “Yes.”
    “Then we got to see you just in time,” Mason said.
    Excitement lit Jill’s face as she grabbed his brother’s arm. “And you can see her again, soon. She’s in Phantom of the Opera .”
    “Great movie. The original one.” He hadn’t seen the remake, but he did remember his sister, gushing about it. And someone named Gerard.
    “So was the recent one,” Phoebe said. “Emmy Rossum was phenomenal and Gerard? He nailed it.”
    Jill nodded. “Yeah, who knew he could sing like that?”
    “Wait.” Mason leaned forward. “You’re doing Phantom ? Do you mean the local summer production at the Ross Theater?”
    “Yes,” she replied.
    He stiffened.
    No… shit , no.
    This was bad. Real bad.
    Resisting the woman for a day was one thing, but two and half months ?
    Ah, hell . He could feel the coffin lid closing on him already. He was screwed.
    “How great is that?” Jill beamed. “She’ll be around for Lea’s wedding preparation and get to enjoy the Poconos for the summer.”
    Mason nodded, grin way too broad for Ethan’s liking. “Will you be staying here? We can give you a great discount.”
    No…shit, no!
    He’d never survive. His willpower was about to go through the ringer. Especially with her staying right in his resort.
    “That’s sweet of you, but I only booked for a few days. I was hoping you all could help me find a small cabin or something I could rent.”
    Thank God.
    Tightness easing from his chest, Ethan nodded. “Maybe you’re in luck. This is the weekend Jill is moving in with Mason.” He turned his attention to his brother’s fiancée. “Is your place rented out already?”
    “No, actually, it isn’t anymore.” Jill smiled. “My landlord told me the guy who was supposed to move in just accepted a job in lower Manhattan. So the place is back on the market.”
    “Sweet.” Phoebe pulled out her phone. “What’s your landlord’s number? I’ll call him after lunch.”
    With the temptation’s future accommodations rectified, and not in the proximity of his son, Ethan relaxed and enjoyed his lunch. Good food, good company, and only two interruptions from guests wanting Phoebe’s autograph, made the hour go fast. His booth-mate never leaned into him, or stared, or placed a hand on him while she laughed. The perfect lunch companion. He finally enjoyed an hour grope-free.
    As she explained how her screen test had been pushed back until the end of the summer, and she ended up signing on to do the play, her gaze had remained friendly, but never lingered. 
    In fact, throughout lunch, her whole demeanor remained unobtrusive. She treated him no different than Mason. No one would ever guess, a few weeks ago, she’d been naked and moaning beneath him, begging him for release.
    His glass froze at his lips. He’d just been friend-zoned.
    Son-of-a-bitch. Was he that forgettable?
    He clamped his jaw shut to keep from cursing out loud. What the hell was wrong