Summer Lovin by Carly Phillips Page B

enticed by his cologne and swept away by thoughts of kissing him again that by the time they’d arrived at the exclusive restaurant he’d chosen, she’d put the birthday out of her mind completely. Then when her mother had called, she’d turned her focus to more important concerns, like Sam.
    But she should have known she couldn’t escape a celebration. In her family, every birthday was a big event. Turning thirty was a milestone, more for Zoe than for Ari because Ari was thirty and married. Zoe was the proverbial old maid—something her relatives reminded her with every kiss on the forehead and every loving slap on the cheek, each accompanied by a birthday wish for a handsome young man.
    Meddling and all, Zoe loved these people. She hugged the last of her cousins, Daphne who’d stood last in line.
    â€œHappy big one, Zoe.”
    She squeezed her cousin tight. “Thanks, Daph,” she said, then glanced around, looking for her twin. No way would the family throw a party for just one of them.
    â€œWhere’s Ari?” Zoe asked.
    â€œRight here waiting for my hug.” Ari grinned.
    Zoe turned, happy to see her twin and share the party with her. Gone were the days when a little voice in her head wished that just once she could be the center of attention without splitting it with her sister. Those had been her teenage years, but once Ari had left for Vermont, Zoe had come to realize just how much she hated having that particular wish come true.
    It wasn’t a birthday if she didn’t celebrate with her twin, Zoe realized now and met her sister’s gaze. “So they ambushed you first?” Zoe asked.
    Ari nodded. “Five minutes before you. They wanted to try and manage the surprise at the same time, but Quinn got me here early, just in time to share your surprise. I’m so glad I’m home to celebrate this birthday with you.”
    â€œI was just thinking the same thing.” Zoe’s heart filled as she looked at her twin. If not for Zoe’s fake death last year, Ari might not have come home and healed old wounds at all, Ari might not have met Quinn, Quinn wouldn’t have introduced them to Sam….
    Apparently Zoe’s troublemaking had led to many positive things, she thought with amusement. “None of our birthdays were the same while you were gone.”
    â€œMine were so lonely,” Ari said softly, then shook her head as if ridding her mind of the past. “But no longer.” She stepped back and grinned. “I’ve got my family, I’ve got you, and I’ve got Quinn. And you’ve got the hottie social worker who isn’t a social worker,” she said, lowering her voice. “Be careful, Zoe.”
    She nodded, appreciating her twin’s concern. Despite their time apart, Ari still knew Zoe well and she obviously sensed the truth—that her attraction to Ryan was potent and overwhelming, even though the fact of his presence alone could have a negative effect on the family.
    Zoe drew her tongue over her lower lip. “I’ll watch myself. I have to.” She only hoped she’d heed her words when faced with temptation, she thought, glancing at the man himself.
    He waited off to one side, standing by himself, a man alone in a crowd of people. Not an easy feat in her family. Just watching his solitary presence caused her heart to skip a beat. She wanted to help ease his discomfort and assimilation into the clan. The attraction was strong, but so was the emotional pull.
    Unable to explain it and unable to ignore him and leave him suffering alone, Zoe told Ari she’d catch up with her later and headed to join Ryan.
    â€œHi there,” she said, coming up beside him.
    â€œHi.” He shoved his hands into his pants pocket.
    Sexy khakis that, although neatly pressed and probably expensive, still gave him a more casual look than usual and she couldn’t help but admire the fit. Wondering if his