But more questions would be coming. From Eve too, as soon as Cate passed on the news. Assuming she hadn’t already sent a—

Her phone pinged again, and she rolled her eyes at the name that appeared on the screen.

Eve.

Cate hadn’t wasted any time.

She skimmed the text.

I hear you have a date.

Correct.

Cate didn’t have details.

I didn’t give her any.

Can’t wait to meet him.

You mean vet him?

Ha ha.

Not meant to be funny.

You know Cate will check him out.

He’ll pass.

Now I really want to meet him.

Soon. Night.

Eve left her alone after that.

But her older siblings’ silence wouldn’t last long. They’d both be chomping at the bit to take a gander at the guy who’d caught their baby sister’s fancy.

The wedding was soon enough for introductions, however. That would let her get a few dates under her belt, confirm her impression that Nate Cox was the real deal.

And once she did, no one would be able to convince her otherwise—including her buttinski sisters—even if they happened to be so inclined.

Lorraine wanted out, and no amount of cajoling had convinced her otherwise.

After setting the investment cancellation paperwork on the seat beside him, Dave started the car, his stomach twisting into a pretzel.

BK would have to be told, and the money would have to be returned.

If it wasn’t . . . if Lorraine didn’t have it in hand within the thirty days specified in her original paperwork . . . she could go to the police.

BK wouldn’t want that.

Neither did he.

What a disaster.

He pulled out the burner phone. No doubt BK was waiting impatiently for the cell to vibrate.

But it wasn’t going to vibrate any more than his insides already were.

He punched in the number, his sweaty finger leaving damp spots on the keys.

BK answered on the first ring. “What’s the word?”

“The word is no.”

Despite the physical distance separating them, the anger crackling through the line was almost tangible.

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t convince her.”

“I tried.”

“Not hard enough.”

“We have to return the money.”

“There are other ways to deal with this complication.”

“Like what?”

“Nothing you have to worry about. I’ll take over from here.”

Did that mean what he thought it did? Would BK close in for the kill before the ink was even dry on the original paperwork?

“You’re moving too fast.” Pressure built in his chest, squeezing the air from his lungs. “We have three weeks.”

“I set the pace and call the shots, Dave.”

“It would be safer if you just let me return the money. We’ll find someone else.”

“I already told you. I’m taking over on this one. Too bad you couldn’t live up to your side of the bargain. I don’t think you’ll like the consequences.”

The line went dead.

Slowly he lowered the phone from his ear, struggling to suck in air.