Kipp Llewellyn, the proverbial poor little rich boy, can have whatever he wants, except the one thing he wants most: his father’s love. When the opportunity arises to obtain it, Kipp jumps at the chance, even though it means breaking a date with “Ham,” the man he’s sure he’s falling in love with. However, the opportunity turns out to be an arranged marriage with his father’s biggest competitor. Even worse, Kipp discovers his proposed groom is Hyde Wyndham, the man of his dreams. Having lived in a gilded cage his entire twenty-one years, Kipp refuses to settle for anything less than love and walks away from both his father and his future husband. Hyde didn’t achieve his position in the financial world by taking no for an answer, however, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Kipp realize he’s wanted for himself, including wooing the young man he intends to marry, prenuptial agreements be damned. He’s certain he’s succeeded, until Kipp learns something that puts an insurmountable barrier between them. Will Hyde be able to overcome Kipp’s doubts, and will Kipp realize that some things are worth the sacrifice?

Two Lips, Indifferent Red

“Then I’d like you to come to our wedding.”


That seemed to jolt her out of her reverie. “That’s sweet of you but I…I couldn’t afford it, Kipp.”


I leaned on the counter and spoke confidentially. “I couldn’t afford to come to my wedding either, Phyll, but Hyde’s paying for everything. And if you’re worrying about a gift, don’t. He’s one of the richest men in the country: he doesn’t need anything.”


“Wrong,” he said. He smiled at me and took my hand. “But as it turns out, I’m getting exactly what I need.”


I smiled back again, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.


“Mr. Wyndham, do you have a brother?” Phyll asked.


“Of course not. You’re so lucky, Kipp.” She made a moue, but then giggled happily. “Well, thank you both very much. I’d like to come.”


“Oh, and bring a guest.” I didn’t have many friends here in Martinsburg, and it would be nice to show Hyde I wasn’t a total loser.


Chapter 58