Roger Clark, leaving the gym after a satisfying workout, checked his phone. He had two messages: one from his mother about visiting for his niece's birthday, and one from an unknown number. He opened it skeptically; he'd been receiving a lot of spam texts lately.

The message read: "Hi Roger, this is Alice Kelly. I'm about to move and don't have any furniture. Aaron told me your sister is a budget interior designer and that I should ask you for her number."

This was unexpected, for several reasons. First, he hadn't realized his boss, Aaron, paid attention to his Facebook posts—there was no other way Aaron could have known about his sister's business.

Second, Alice seemed closer to Aaron than Roger would have guessed, especially considering she was asking for help with furniture. He hadn't considered his boss the type to socialize with subordinates outside of work. Although Alice, from the same social circle, was more of a partner than a subordinate, still…

Then again, he needed to reassess Aaron entirely, especially after that incident in the restaurant when they signed the shares back over. How had Aaron Hale become a doting family man? Roger nearly had a heart attack when Aaron revealed the woman beside him was his wife. This was partly because he'd never considered Aaron capable of tender feelings, and partly because it meant those two babies were his. Discovering a coworker of years had a secret family was alarming.

Seeing Aaron not only warm but lovestruck was even more frightening than his usual icy demeanor. Roger was curious how a completely normal woman had ended up with such a man.

He was intrigued by Keeley Hale and whatever spell she'd cast on her husband. Anyone who could affect such a cold, emotionless man was a force to be reckoned with.

Another surprising aspect of Alice's text was that she was moving without furniture, despite being nearly as wealthy as Aaron. She shouldn't need a budget interior designer.

His only conclusion was that she'd separated from her husband. This also explained her appeal to Aaron for help.

Roger felt sorry for her, but also a fluttery feeling in his stomach. He'd been instantly attracted to Alice from the moment they met.

When he'd agreed to be a dummy shareholder for Aaron, he was given the names of the other participants. He knew Kyle from Harvard; they'd shared many classes. He hadn't met Cameron but knew his name—one of Roger's old roommates had lost money to him in dorm card games. Who in the male dorms hadn't heard of the "Card King"? Roger was surprised Aaron had gotten him on board.

Alice, who joined six months after he and Kyle, was the only person he didn't know. Aaron described her as a longtime acquaintance and former classmate. Roger hadn't thought much of it, assuming she was useful despite lacking a job at Hale Investments.

Entering the boardroom that day, he did a double take at the gorgeous, unfamiliar woman sitting at the table. He knew it had to be Alice.

Her light golden-brown hair was in an elegant bun; subtly blended green and brown eyeshadow accentuated her hazel eyes. She wore a steel gray pencil dress and a pearl necklace with matching earrings.

Roger was introducing himself when he noticed the enormous ring on her finger. She was married. Figures. A woman like that wouldn't be single.

He suppressed his disappointment as they finished introductions. He remained friendly with the board members, except Alistair Hale, who was even more frightening than his son. He was unapproachable.

He never expected anything to develop, knowing she was married. She excelled at hiding her feelings behind a veneer of class. If not for the text, he never would have guessed she was having marital problems.

Roger texted back: "I'd be happy to give you her number. Her name is Marissa Clark, and her number is 212-385-7765."

He then texted his sister: "If someone named Alice contacts you about furniture, make sure to bring me. I'll help carry things."

"You never offer to help me! What's up?" Marissa asked suspiciously.

He exaggerated slightly: "She's a friend. I want to make sure she's taken care of."

"I always take care of my clients! I'll let you come if you buy me lunch. I haven't seen you in a month."

"Done. Thanks, sis!"

She let him off easily. He could afford it; Hale Investments paid well. Marissa would probably choose sushi, and he loved it almost as much as she did. It was a win-win.

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