Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“What time is this meeting?” I ask, resolved to my fate.
“It’s at ten.”
I glance at the clock. “You mean in twenty minutes?”
“Yeah, I know it’s inconvenient. I thought it was at one. I fucked up.”
Nice of you to admit that. “You’re lucky I’m close. I had two virtual meetings this morning from home, and was on my way to the office, so the Raptors office is close by.”
“I appreciate this. And, so you know, I told human resources to start looking for someone to take a load off your plate.”
I flinch, and my tires hit the rumble strips on the right side of the road.
“What’s that sound?” Gannon asks.
“I almost wrecked. Did you say you’re going to hire someone to help me? For real?”
He sighs dramatically. “I have to do something. You won’t stop complaining.”
“Do you have a fever, too?”
“I could change my mind, you know.”
“Let’s not make any rash decisions,” I say, pulling into the Raptors parking lot. I find the spot with a sign reading Brewer and park my Mercedes SL600. “I’m here. Anything I should know about this?”
I cut the engine, grab my keys, and climb out of the car. The lights flash as I lock it behind me.
“Not really,” he says. “You’re just there to show we’re involved in the business. We’ve been making great headway, and McCabe assured me that he’s met with his assistant and ensured she’s up to date with his plans. We just need a Brewer representative in a chair.”
I buzz myself in and nod at the security guard on my way to the elevator bank.
“I still think we try to sell this team,” I say softly, stepping into an empty elevator car to whisk me to the top floor.
“That would be amazing, but we can’t sell it as it stands. The revenue is shit. The forecast is dismal. And I refuse to take a loss on it. It would be like Dad got us one last time.”
I bite my tongue.
The topic of our father is much more sensitive with Gannon than it is with me. As the oldest son, Gannon’s relationship with Dad was arguably the most complicated. He was beyond devastated when Dad showed his true colors and has had the hardest time accepting it, I think. But we’ve all dealt with it in our own way. I, for one, always thought he was an arrogant son of a bitch, and whether it’s the correct response or not, I frankly enjoy the thought of him sitting behind bars for the rest of his life while we’re on the outside living ours.
My only regret is that Renn’s wife, Blakely, and Bianca had to shoulder their unfair share of his insanity. I could strangle him with my bare hands for that.
“I get it,” I say instead, stepping out onto the executive level. “We’ll get this turned around. But I need to go figure out where this meeting is being held. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Thanks, Tate.”
“You’re welcome. Tell Carys that I hope she feels better. Give Ivy kisses from her favorite uncle.”
“Done. I told her this morning that her favorite uncle Ripley was worried.”
I gasp. “Look, there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed …”
He chuckles. “Bye.”
“Goodbye,” I say, grinning as I end the call.
I slide my phone into my pocket and pause at the reception desk to say hello. The pretty redhead who must be new to the facility directs me to the conference room in question, and I make my way down the corridor.
Thanks to Carys’s incessant chatter about plants and the way she leaves little potted ones in every space she touches, I notice that a few green things might brighten the place. It’s very dull and cold here. Or maybe that’s on brand for hockey. What the hell do I know?
My footsteps slow, and a smile curls my lips.
Kelly loves design. What would she do with this?
I sigh, frustration licking at my nerves. I have to stop thinking about her—at least while I’m working. I keep thinking she’ll fade from my memory. But it’s been days since I saw her, and she still takes up most of the real estate in my brain.
I wish I could figure out why.
Sure, I’m wildly attracted to her in every way. Her brain, body, and intelligence are the ultimate package. It probably doesn’t hurt that she left without saying goodbye. That leaves me with no closure. I’ve used that trick on women a time or two. It keeps them wanting more. But it’s more than that. Dare I say it’s deeper?
It sounds crazy to think I’m this into a woman I’ve spent one night with, but I can’t get her out of my head.
“Mr. Brewer, hi. Good morning,” Daniel Garrey says as he exits his office. He extends his hand, and we shake as we make our way down the hall. “It’s good to see you.”