When I'm With You: The Complete Novel (29 page)

“There was no indication it'd been set?”

“Set?”
She sharpened her gaze on him. “Of course not. Who would have set my house on fire?”

His brows drew together as he studied her. His hand rose to cradle her jaw. “Was there a medical unit there? Did they treat you?”

“For what?”

“Shock.” Their gazes met and locked.

He didn't try to stop her from standing. She returned to the bar where she lifted the wineglass to her lips. The crystal hummed when she set the goblet on the bar too forcefully. She saw him watching her in the mirror lining the back of the bar.

“Am I going? Or are you?”

“I think you know the answer to that, Genny.”

She turned around. “You can't expect
both
of us to stay here.”

He shrugged and leaned back, spreading his arms along the back of the couch. He'd buttoned the crisp white shirt, but not completely. When he spread his arms, the fabric parted. Genevieve found herself staring at the sexy triangle of exposed skin and curling, light brown hair. She blinked when he spoke.

“I'm working on a big project. My assistant will be here first thing in the morning. It's easier to sleep here when I'm staying so late in the office.”

“
Sleep
, huh?” she muttered sarcastically.

“You couldn't expect me to know you'd show up here tonight. I said I was sorry about that.” He waved toward the hallway and the bedroom. When she glanced out the window dismissively, he added, “Right—I forgot. You're good at ignoring my apologies. You're an expert at the business of ignoring me in general.”

Heat flooded her cheeks. She opened her mouth to bring him to task for changing the subject but he interrupted her before a word left her tongue.

“I own this penthouse, too. Have you forgotten that?”

“No, I haven't
forgotten
. Fine. If you're staying, I'll be the one to go. I'll stay with my mother.” Her eyes widened when he just shook his head slowly, his expression implacable.

“I'm sorry,” he said. “But until I can get some more information about what happened with the fire . . . until I know for sure nobody set it with the intent of harming you, you're staying here. And so am I, Genny.”

Her muscles felt as if they'd snap like rubber bands stretched too tight when he said her name again. He was the only person who called her Genny. The only one who
could
and make it sound so natural . . . like her true name. Once Max had tried to call her Genny. It had sounded forced and foolish on his tongue. She hadn't said anything, but Max had never done it again.

Max had encouraged her and Sean to spend time together. Her husband had confessed to her once that he felt a little guilty about the fact that he had so few interests in common with her, given their twenty-four-year age difference. Max had never shown an ounce of jealousy over the fact that Sean and she shared a love for taking in a Cubs game on hot summer afternoons or biking for miles along the lakefront. Sean had even taught her how to shoot at the Sauren Solutions in-house firing range.

It'd all been innocent . . . on the surface anyway.

Until that New Year's Eve three years ago, when Max had suggested the three of them indulge in a night of pleasure.

Until five nights later, when Sean had murdered him.

* * *

Click here for more books by Beth Kery

Beth Kery
lives in Chicago where she juggles the demands of her career, her love of the city and the arts, and a busy family life. Her writing today reflects her passion for all of the above. She is the
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author of
Because You Are Mine
. Find out more about Beth and her books at BethKery.com or Facebook.com/Beth.Kery.

When I'm With You

PART I: WHEN WE TOUCH

PART II: WHEN YOU DEFY ME

PART III: WHEN YOU TEASE ME

PART IV: WHEN I'M BAD

Because You Are Mine

PART I: BECAUSE YOU TEMPT ME

PART II: BECAUSE I COULD NOT RESIST

PART III: BECAUSE YOU HAUNT ME

PART IV: BECAUSE YOU MUST LEARN

PART V: BECAUSE I SAID SO

PART VI: BECAUSE YOU TORMENT ME

PART VII: BECAUSE I NEED TO

PART VIII: BECAUSE I AM YOURS

Berkley Sensation titles by Beth Kery

WICKED BURN

DARING TIME

Berkley Heat titles by Beth Kery

SWEET RESTRAINT

PARADISE RULES

RELEASE

EXPLOSIVE

One Night of Passion series

ADDICTED TO YOU (WRITING AS BETHANY KANE)

EXPOSED TO YOU

One Night of Passion Specials

BOUND TO YOU

CAPTURED BY YOU