The Baby Pact (Babies and Billions #5) - Holly Rayner Page 0,20

gap year, like your brother did.”

“I never did that,” Rhea admitted. “I could have, but I wanted to get to work. I wanted to move out of my parents’ house and stop depending on them as soon as I could.”

Zach nodded. “I get that,” he said.

“So what did you do with your year off?”

“Mostly, I spent it learning about organics,” he said. “I’d already gotten into environmental issues by that point, but I still had a lot to learn about the subject. I read up on composting and the benefits of eating vegan—though I was never able to go full vegan, obviously. But when I opened EcoKitchen, one of my top priorities was to make sure there were plenty of vegan options in every section of the menu.”

“That’s great,” Rhea said. “And your father took care of the startup costs for you?”

“He did,” Zach said. “But the business did well, and I was able to pay him back in just three years.”

“That’s so great,” Rhea said. “I was reading up on your company online last night.”

“You researched me, huh?” He grinned.

“Well, I had to, didn’t I?” she asked. “You weren’t going to tell me about it!”

“I would have told you eventually,” he said. “I just didn’t want to go right to that on the first day I saw you again.”

“I get it,” Rhea said. “But really, Zach, you could have told me. I think it’s great. I’m really proud of you.”

“Yeah?”

“Definitely. I always knew you were capable of great things.”

“Well, what about you?” he asked. “You haven’t exactly let the grass grow under your feet, becoming partner at Green Destiny. That firm is a big deal. Tons of the events I cater are at buildings that were designed by Green Destiny.”

“That makes sense,” Rhea said. “Our clients are pretty concerned with environmentally friendly choices, so it makes sense that they would hire us and you.”

Zach nodded. “You’ve literally changed the landscape of Baltimore,” he said. “I especially love that office building downtown with the exposed rafters. Did you have a hand in that?”

“That was my first design!” she exclaimed. “It was the first project they put me on after I started.”

Zach grinned, delighted. “No wonder I like it so much,” he said. “I must have recognized your hand in it.”

“How long have you been in Baltimore?” Rhea asked.

“I just moved back a few months ago,” Zach said. “I’ve been in Philadelphia since college, roughly. But EcoKitchen is doing really well, and we just opened our third location.”

“And it’s here?”

“Yes,” Zach said. “I did consider College Park, actually, but I thought our business prospects were better here.”

“That explains why I hadn’t heard of you,” Rhea said. “You’re new to the area. I was wondering how such a successful green company could have escaped my notice.”

“Yeah, we don’t have a lot of clients in Baltimore yet,” Zach said. “Our advertising is still focused in Philadelphia and New York. The marketing department is putting together a plan that we hope will appeal to potential clients in this area.”

“You’ve got one client already,” Rhea said. “I’m in charge of booking caterers whenever my company has parties, and I’m definitely hiring you next time. My partners will love the green concept. We’ve never worked with an organic catering company before. It’s perfect for our company.”

“That’s great,” Zach said, grinning. “I look forward to working together.”

They got out onto the ice. Zach sailed around the perimeter of the rink, laughing as he watched Rhea cling to the barrier to stay upright. He had forgotten what a terrible skater she was. Her ankles bowed inward every time she tried to move without holding herself up. For a runner, her skills really were lacking.

He came up behind her and took her hands in his, guiding her away from the wall, propelling her forward.

She clutched at his hands as he steered them. “Oh my God, Zach.”

“I’m not going to let you fall,” he promised. “Once around, and then we’ll go get some hot chocolate at the Christmas market.”

“The Christmas market is already open?” She glanced in the direction of the open-air pavilion where the booths were set up. “It’s only October.”

“Haven’t you heard? Christmas arrives sooner each year.”

Rhea laughed. “I guess it’s for the best. I do love Christmas shopping.”

He nodded. “I remember that about you.”

“Really?”

“I don’t know. It’s like, ever since last night, little details I thought I had forgotten keep coming back to me.” He hesitated. “I really am sorry I let so much time go by,