All the Way (Romancing Manhattan #1)(56)

“That’s not all he sees in me.” I wink at him, making him laugh now. “So why did you really ask to meet me here? We both know you could have told me what time to have him there over e-mail or text.”

“You’re smart too,” he says, and rubs his hand across the back of his neck. “I really want to know what your intentions are with my brother.”

I stop walking and prop my hands on my hips.

“You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were the older brother. You’re so protective.”

“It’s a valid question,” he replies. “My brother is a wealthy, well-known attorney. You’re not the first woman to be swept up in all of that.”

“Do you really think I’m swept up in his money and affluence?”

He shrugs, as if to say, If the shoe fits.

“Do you have any idea who I am?” I ask him.

“London Watson. Beyond that, I have no idea.”

“You must not go to the theater with your mother,” I mutter, and walk up to him so I’m barely a foot away. “I’m London Watson, the Tony Award–winning actress, you nitwit. I’ve been working in theater for years, and I’m about to star in a movie with Jeffrey Cameron.”

“The movie star?”

“And stage actor,” I add, and thrust my finger in his face. “I’m wealthy without your brother. I might even guess that I’m wealthier than your brother. And you know what? I give zero fucks about that. I have a sweet condo in Manhattan, right next to Central Park, as a matter of fact, and a house on Martha’s Vineyard worth millions. I know famous people.

“But you know what, Quinn?”

“What’s that, London?”

“Your brother is so much more than the dollar signs you seem to associate with him. He’s a kind, funny, generous, and loving man.”

“I know.”

“And he is certainly man enough to know when a woman is with him for the money, and when she’s with him because she loves him.”

“You’re right.”

I’m breathing hard, still seeing red.

“That was a shitty thing to do,” I say at last.

“Well, you passed that test,” he says with a wide smile. “And for the record? I knew who you are. I’m not an idiot.”

“You sound like one,” I counter, making him toss his head back and laugh like a loon.

“I like you, London.”

“You’ll grow on me,” I reply. “And let me warn you. Accuse me of being a leech one more time, and I’ll take your fucking testicles off.”

“I like a woman with gumption,” he says, but he brushes his hand over his crotch, as if he’s protecting himself from a surprise blow.

“I’ve got more than gumption,” I reply easily. “I love your brother, and when someone, even you, talks about him like that, it pisses me off. I have no problem kicking your ass.”

“Okay, okay.” He holds his hands up in surrender and his face sobers. “I apologize. I admit, I was trying to offend you. If I didn’t offend you, I’d know you were here for the wrong reasons, and no one wants that.”

“Has he had a lot of that in his past?” I ask.

“We’ve all had a few women come and go who were more interested in the name and the money than in us.”

“That’s not me.”

“Point taken.” He clears his throat. “I have to say, I’ve never seen my brother quite like this. I mean, he’s looking at more real estate, for God’s sake.”

“Wait. What?”

“All I’m saying is, he’s way into this with you. I don’t think there’s much that he wouldn’t do for you, and it makes me feel better to see that you feel the same way.”

I want to ask him more about the real estate comment, but I leave it be for now. Could Finn be looking into a different place in the city? Maybe he wants something bigger? Although that would just be ridiculous, because as far as Manhattan homes go, he’s got the cream of the crop.

We finish our walk, and Quinn gives me a one-armed, totally appropriate hug.

“Thanks for the talk,” he says.

“I threatened to take your balls off,” I say. “I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone thank me for that before.”

He shrugs. “You love him. That’s all I needed to know.”

“You probably could have asked me that over the phone as well.”

“This was definitely more fun.” He winks and walks away and I begin walking down the street, in the opposite direction of my condo. The city is beautiful in the summer, and it’s not too hot out today, so the walk feels nice.

Not to mention, my leg hasn’t bothered me in a couple of weeks now, which makes me feel like turning cartwheels.

Not that I will.

I’m restless, and I have another appointment to get to before I see Finn later.

I call Sasha, but it goes to voice mail. She’s probably in rehearsal, but I can’t help but be disappointed that I can’t tell her about today’s meeting.

I glance across the street, and would swear that I see Kyle. A big truck drives by, blocking my view, and when it’s gone, Kyle’s not there.