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

I went to the buffet and was trying to decide which hors d’oeuvres called to me when an older man came up beside me.


“These mozzarella and tomato things looks interesting.”


“They are.” Cherry tomatoes and tiny mozzarella balls were fastened together by toothpicks, separated by a basil leaf and brushed with basil oil. “Mrs. Wales makes the best appetizers.” I smiled at him and offered my hand. “I’m Kipp Llewellyn. Thank you for being here.”


“Thank you for having me. I’m Douglas Livingston.”


“Are you an acquaintance of Sir’s?”


“Ah. No, actually, I’m here for Hyde.”


“I’m so glad someone he knows is here. Everyone else is from Martinsburg. How do you know Hyde, if you don’t mind my asking?”


“We…grew up together, you might say.”


“Really? You’re one of the guys from the Garage?”


Chapter 79