“Obviously,” Cobra said, leaning back in his chair. “You want to talk about it?”
Richard released a deep breath and then said. “Allison and I finally talked. You were right—it explained a lot.”
“Good. I’m glad,” Cobra said.
“We know it’s going to be a process, but I feel so good about rebuilding our relationship. I am so proud of her.”
Cobra nodded. “Rebuilding the relationship will be good for both of you. You’ve both been missing out on knowing each other. And you’re not all that different. Now I need to ask your permission about something.”
Richard lifted a brow. “What is it?”
“To marry your granddaughter.”
Richard stared at him as if shocked. “Marry her? The two of you don’t even get along.”
Cobra smiled. “We get along just fine. In fact, we’re doing some relationship-building of our own. I just wanted to make sure you are okay with it. I love her and intend to marry her.”
Richard eyed him. “Marriage is a big step. I’ll think about it.”
Cobra chuckled. “Yes, you do that.”
“Damn, Cobra. I can barely stand you as my wealth asset manager. I’m not sure if I could handle having you as a grandson-in-law.”
“I’m giving you time to get used to the idea.”
At that moment, they heard the door open, and Desiree came in, all smiles. Cobra was convinced each time he saw her that she was even more beautiful, and her smile would light up any room. “My two favorite guys. Who won?” she asked.
“I did,” Cobra said, grinning, walking over to brush a kiss across her lips.
Desiree glanced over at her grandfather. “You let him beat you again?”
Richard shrugged. “I wasn’t focused.”
“Granddad, you have to uphold the Sharpe name.”
“You think you can do better?” Cobra asked, grinning. “I beat one Sharpe tonight. I shouldn’t have any trouble making it two.”
“We’ll see about that,” Desiree said haughtily, placing her purse aside to sit in the chair her grandfather had just vacated.
Richard laughed. He had a feeling there would never be a dull moment with these two. And he wholeheartedly looked forward to seeing the fireworks.
CHAPTER 22
Cobra wasn’t surprised when his brothers cornered him at Straw and Paula’s wedding reception. “You didn’t say you were bringing a date,” Cortez said, crossing his arms over his chest with a smile on his face.
“Does that mean you lost the bet?” Colton asked, with an even bigger smile.
Cobra looked from one brother to the other. “Let’s be clear about something. I don’t think I lost anything. In fact, I gained a whole lot more. And as far as the bet goes, if straying off-course with that bet means a lifetime with Desiree, I’ll proudly cash out every time.”
“Straying off-course?” Colton asked, chuckling, as if amused by Cobra’s choice of words.
“Yes. Desiree has a permanent key to that lock on my zipper, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So yes, Tez, you will get those airline tickets, and Colt, you’ll get that trip to the Bahamas.”
“Should we feel bad about collecting?” Colton asked.
Cobra grinned. “Not at all. Desiree and I will be going to her best friend’s wedding in Paris in a few months, and while we’re there, we’re going to take a ten-day river cruise. What I’m losing to you two is insignificant compared to a lifetime of happiness with the woman I love.”
He was about to walk away when Cortez said, “Don’t forget, Cobra, I called it. Being the oldest has its advantages.”
