Bran heard the laughter in her voice and decided to dig at his father as payback for his atrocious behavior toward Rowan. “Pond is somewhat relative here. This property boastsseveral good fishing ponds, but the one we’re enjoying today is manicured to within an inch of its life. My father spent more money on it than building this house.” Dad’s look darkened. Perfect. Bullseye.
The girls’ laughter trailed behind them as they headed upstairs to their rooms or room rather.
Bran waited until he was sure the sisters were out of earshot before asking how everyone thought the meeting went. “They were pretty damned prepared for a few hours’ notice.”
Patrick appeared preoccupied but agreed with Bran’s assessment. “Before Dad reiterates my negligence in not speaking to you guys first about hiring Triskelion, after that meeting, I have zero regrets. I think Wolves is going to look slick as shit.”
Dad tipped his head in acknowledgment. “Very capable.” He surprised Bran by adding, “I like the idea of a remembrance wall. My dad would have appreciated it, and I know your Gran will be pleased.”
“You’re awfully quiet, James. Did the sisters meet with your approval?” Bran knew they did, but he wondered if James had caught anything he’d missed. After all, O’Connor’s business was opening clubs and restaurants. They usually hired their own interior designers, but James knew this was a special project for the O’Faolains and they would be taking a more hands-on approach.
“I wasn’t crazy about working with such a new company. Pair that with women fresh out of college— however, my concerns were unfounded. You guys lucked out for sure, and if I know my sister, once she meets the Byrnes, she’ll be hiring them for other projects.”
Bran was relieved hearing that. He could tell Patrick was as well. “Dad. Any concerns, or are we good to move forward?”
“With you boys mooning over two of the girls, I don’t imagine a nay at this point would fly. I had reservations, similar to James’, but I believe Wolves is in good hands with the O’Connors and the Byrnes at the helm.”
“I wasn’t aware any mooning was taking place except with Bran.” Pat looked at his brother with his trademark smirk while flipping him off. “What did you think of Rowan, James?”
“A man would be lucky to have any of them turn their eyes in his direction.” A non-answer if Bran had ever heard one.
“It’s a good thing you have so little interest because I believe she has no interest in you either.” Count on his brother to knock a person down a peg.
His father stood. “We’d better go change. I’ll head on out as soon as I’m ready. Everything is stocked. Bring the girls with you.”
With that, Bran made his way upstairs. The whole third floor housed his dad’s private rooms, office, and what would eventually be an impressive library.
As the three friends went to change, James’ phone dinged. He opened things up, absently glancing at his screen as they moved toward the stairs. Patrick was in the lead, so it was only because Bran followed James that he noticed a hitch in his best friend’s stride.
“Bad news?”
James kept climbing. “Nothing.”
James had reached his door by this point. As he walked over the threshold, he glanced over his shoulder and said he’d meet him at the pond as soon as he returned some emails. Bran stood outside the door another minute. Answering emails was certainly valid. Before his father sold most of their company shares, three-quarters of every day consisted of calls and emails. All well and good, except Bran had witnessed James’ face when he looked at his phone. It was despair.
What in the hell was going on with his friend? Bran toyed with the idea of reaching out to James’ sister Jo. Maybe she would meet him and Pat for breakfast one morning next week. Something was going on, and it started with the end of James and Jane’s relationship.
Bran and Patrickled Raven and her sisters down a path of black rock pavers separated with gorgeous, multi-colored pea gravel. She could see the care Hugh had taken with this back acreage. The pond and plumage were impressive, and the fact that the pond overlooked the Arkansas River— seriously impressive.
“Holy shit, Patrick. I don’t think we brought fancy enough swimsuits and coverups for your dad’s pond.”
River wasn’t wrong. When a person had the money this family did, they should expect this type of... scene, but the O’Faolains never put themselves on a pedestal. They appeared... low-key.
Raven’s feelings for Bran, however, were anything but low-key. She still felt the heat on her lower back where his hand had pressed. What did it all mean? She was naïve about dating, but she sure as hell wasn’t an imbecile. He genuinely seemed interested in her.
Raven was willing to see where the attraction took them. Patrick was interested in River, but her sister believed it was an innocent flirtation. Both of her sisters thought Bran’s attentions had the potential to be... something with potential.
“The envy of all other swimming holes across the world.” Raven waved expansively, taking in the woody-chic scene.
Once her sisters and Pat pulled slightly ahead, Bran told Raven that everyone thought the meeting went well.
Warmth filled her chest. “I’m glad we’re on the same page. We are so stoked to work on Wolves with the O’Connors. My sisters and I are determined to blow your minds,” Raven laughed. “Seriously, though, the Irish theme is in our wheelhouse. We’ll kill it.”
Bran laughed at her cockiness, hip-bumping her off the path. “Hey! What was that for?”
Over his shoulder, Patrick yelled, “Immature boys like to hit the girls they like.” To which he and her sisters chuckled.
Raven looked up at Bran as she made her way back to his side. His blush was hysterical, but she decided not to call him on it. They were almost to the bar when Bran asked if she might consider going out with him sometime. Her brain short-circuited for a moment. Holy shit! Well, she didn’t have to wonder if he was interested.
