A Matter of Trust: London Calling Book One by Kat Faitour Page A

then said, “This would be worse. Olivia was a mistake, there’s no disputing that.” He met his grandfather’s kind eyes and said, “But Devon Sinclair would be my downfall, Granddad.”
    Years ago, Charles Sterling had founded and built Sterling Enterprises into an empire that his grandson later expanded. He was as sharply astute as ever.
    “I never realized how profound Olivia’s effect was on you.”  
    “I’m not jaded,” Bennett explained. “But it was a hard lesson and I prefer to learn from my mistakes. Olivia only did what was natural. She decided I wouldn’t be her best bet, took a better offer.” He shrugged; the pain from that old betrayal still stung. “I haven’t been angry with her for a very long time.”
    “No, but you’ve let it dictate every relationship since. It’s shaped you and how you see people.” Charles paused then said, “Bennett, you were hurt. You made rules to avoid that same situation. But rules don’t really save you from pain, and you might miss out on a person that makes it all worth it.”  
    Bennett wrinkled his brow, thinking. “Was Gran worth it? Even knowing you’d lose her too soon, would you do it all again?”
    “I’d do it a thousand times again. A day with Rose was worth a hundred without her,” Charles replied firmly.  
    Bennett was awed by his grandfather’s devotion, even after all this time. He raised his glass, signaling a toast. “To Gran,” he intoned, clinking the crystal.  
    His granddad eyed him over the rim. “Now tell me about Devon Sinclair. Would Rose have approved?”
    Bennett frowned. “I’m not so sure about that.”
    Charles questioned, “Why?”
    Bennett ran a hand around his jaw. “She threw a damn shoe at me,” he confessed.  
    His granddad burst into gales of laughter. When he showed no signs of stopping, Bennett ruefully shook his head, refilling their glasses.  
    He should have kept that to himself.

CHAPTER FIVE

    “O NE MIGHT BE forgiven for thinking this is a kidnapping.”
    Devon good-naturedly teased Bennett while secretly enjoying the excitement of being whisked away in an Aston Martin by a sexy six-footer with midnight eyes and ebony hair. The sun was shining, it was a gorgeous spring day, and she was in London. She decided to ignore the fact that he was her boss.  
    He flashed a grin before turning back to his driving. His strong hands were capable on the wheel of the low-slung car that effortlessly devoured the miles to their destination. Of course, she had no idea what their destination was, but couldn’t drum up any real curiosity. She surveyed the intimate luxury of the car’s cockpit, wide-eyed.  
    Absentmindedly, she caressed the smooth leather of the seat and armrest while eyeing up the man next to her. Could he be any more gorgeous? Dark hair curled just to the collar of a navy suit that nearly perfectly matched his eyes. He’d left off a tie today, wearing a pristine white shirt with the first few buttons undone to reveal tanned brown skin with the suggestion of curling dark hair. Swallowing, she took a deep breath and inhaled the woodsy cologne he favored. A sucker for such things, Devon exhaled on a sigh.  
    “Everything okay?”
    Bewildered, she looked over into concerned blue. “What?”
    “You made a sound. Like a groan. You’re not ill are you?”
    How humiliating. Never one to dodge a bullet, Devon faced the squad. “Oh. No, that was just me embarrassing myself.” At his inquiring look, she explained, “You smell really good. I mean, I love scents. Cologne, perfume, flowers, candles. You name it. Whatever.” Rambling to a finish, she sealed her lips and looked out the window.  
    The silence was oppressive. Devon risked a glance and Bennett was face forward, seemingly focused on his driving. Miserably, she apologized. “That was awkward. I’m sorry but you asked and I was just being honest.” When he remained quiet, she added, “I’m not being forward or flirting with you.