Free Crossroad To Love (Fab Five Series) by Anna Kristell Page A

chimed
in.
    “Now back to the plans for tomorrow. We’ll get to see the
sexy Ryan again and meet his brother,” Marianne gushed as they were settling
down to eat. “You didn’t say what Chloe’s husband was like.”
    “He is a younger version of Ryan, but not quite as striking.
Chloe did well,” Lizzie answered the question. “He was very nice and he knows
his business.”
    Katy’s cheeks turned a slight pink at the mention of Ryan’s
name. Why did this man have such an effect on her? She knew it would not lead
anywhere. He was a confirmed bachelor since the death of his wife. Had he
loved her that much that he could never share his life with another
woman ? But a little harmless flirtation wouldn’t hurt anything, would it?
As long as Katy kept her wits about her and did not get too attached, she would
be fine. Once she got to know Chloe better, maybe she could ask her about
Ryan’s wife. Besides, flirting with Ryan would be good practice for her to get
back into the dating game. Katy wondered what it would be like to be in Ryan’s
arms… to feel his lips on hers. She unconsciously shivered.    
    “Get the lovesick look off your face, Kate.” Angie laughed
as she smacked her friend with a pillow from the couch. “Honestly, what is it
about him, other than his obvious sex appeal and good looks has you so
mesmerized?”
    Katy grinned at her, embarrassed at having been caught
daydreaming about Ryan. You would think they were in high school the way she
was acting. Get it together, Katy.
    They finished eating their dinner with more lighthearted
teasing aimed at Katy until the time had come for Lizzie to make her phone
call. The group once again became serious. This was a big moment for Liz.
    “Just tell him like it is, girl,” Angie encouraged her
friend as Lizzie headed for the bedroom to use the phone.
    “That’s right, stand up to him,” Katy added. “He can’t be
angry. After all, you landed a huge account for him that is going to expand his
business even more.”
    “You may be surprised at his response.” Marianne thought
that maybe she should follow her own advice. Maybe I would be surprised at
Jon’s response if I confronted him about Jennifer.
    Lizzie thanked them for the encouraging words and, taking a
deep breath, walked into the bedroom. She sat on the edge of one of the beds
and dialed her home number. As she waited for Rex to answer, she thought of
what she would say. Katy was right, as usual. He could not be angry with her,
maybe just with her methods.
    “Hello.”
    Lizzie never grew tired of hearing Rex’s deep, husky voice
on the other end of a telephone line, even after all these years. He could
still make her heart flutter just by saying hello. Not as dashing as some men,
he was the cuddly teddy bear type, and she loved that about him.
    It was now or never, she thought as she mustered the courage
to begin her story.
    “Hi, Rex, it’s me.”
    “I didn’t expect to hear from you until midweek, Lizzie.
How’s it going out there? Is everything okay?”
    “Great, it has been so good to see everyone again. We are
having a really good visit. There are a lot of exciting things going on with
our friends, can’t wait to tell you all about it next week.” Lizzie’s hand
shook as she held the receiver.
    “Are you sure everything is all right, honey? You sound odd.
Nervous, maybe?”
    “In fact, everything is really good. I have some wonderful
news for you. Please don’t say anything until you hear me out. I have something
to tell you that is going to blow you away.”
    “Let’s hope not,” he joked.
    She began, “We met some really lovely people at dinner last
night. They own a restaurant here in Dallas. It’s two brothers and the wife of
one of the brothers. Anyway, we got to talking and they told us how they are
planning this expansion of their business. They mentioned they needed an
interior designer. Well, Katy has been thinking about opening a design
business, so right