“I believe Heaven is real, and I believe that your fatherislooking down on you and your brothers every day, so proud of the men he raised.”
“Proud of Penn maybe... Me.” He shrugs. “Doubtful.”
“Don’t say that. You are an incredible man, Alec. You always have been. In fact, it’s one of the few things that haven’t changed in the time I’ve been gone.”
“I think you’re giving me too much credit.”
“I think you’re not giving yourself enough. I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true.” I stand and cross around the desk. “Come here.” I grab his hand and tug him to his feet.
Without another word, I wrap my arms around his middle and hug him like my life depends on it. I’m not sure if it’s for him or me or maybe a little bit of both, but when his arms close down over me, I instantly feel a million times better.
I breathe in his scent, sea air and salt mixed with the muskiness of his cologne. There’s something so familiar aboutthat smell. Something comfortable. Like coming home, though it’s not Alec’s face I see when I think of why that is.
“Well, isn’t this cozy.” There’s no mistaking the disdain in Penn’s voice as he chooses the absolute worst time to push his way into the office.
Alec and I break apart in an instant, Alec looking even more uncomfortable than I feel as he looks down at me in apology, like he knows this isn’t going to bode well for me.
“I should uh, get back to work.”
“Yes, brother, you should.” Penn practically growls as he rounds his desk, eyes pinned on his little brother.
“I’ll see you later, LV.” He nudges my shoulder as if to say good luck before turning toward the door.
“Bye, Alec,” I call to his back seconds before he disappears outside, the door creaking closed behind him.
“You do realize I’m not paying you to canoodle with my brother, right?” Penn’s hard gaze swings to me, pinning me in place.
“We weren’t canoodling. We were talking about a sensitive topic, and he looked like he could use a hug, so I gave him one.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You know, maybe if someone gave you a hug, you wouldn’t be such a miserable prick all the time.” My inability to hold my tongue gets the better of me once again, though I’m not sure I would take the statement back even if I could.
“Oh, I’m good in that department. Hugs. Kisses. A sweet, wet—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” I cut him off, seeing immediately where this is going.
“Why? It’s true.”
“It’s also true that Cat would sleep with the garbage man if he asked, so you shouldn’t consider yourself special.”
“And that garbage man would be damn lucky for it. Best lay of my life.” His blow lands exactly where he intends for it to, though I don’t give him the satisfaction of letting it show on my face.
Jealousy. Red hot jealousy. That’s what I feel in this moment. The same jealousy I felt when I walked in and saw Cat Stewart in his lap. I could have killed her right then and there and not felt an ounce of guilt for it.
Okay, so that’s not entirely true, but you get my point. I was mad. Maybe I didn’t have any right to be mad, but there was no fighting that emotion once it took root.
“I guess as long as the sex is good.” I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Tell me, do you hold your hand over her mouth while you screw her? Because we all know listening to that woman talk is like listening to someone drag their nails across a chalkboard.”
I react immaturely, which I realize all too late is exactly what he was hoping for. If I’m being petty, it means I’m affected. And it’s clear to see that affected is what he wants me to be.
“Maybe you could come watch sometime and find out for yourself. She puts on quite the show, especially when she’s choking on my co—”
“You’re disgusting.” I cut him off, circling my desk. “Now, unless you want me to hit you with a harassment charge, I suggest you leave me the hell alone and let me finish my work.”
“A harassment charge?” He barks out a humorless laugh. “Oh, no! Don’t report me to HR. Oh, wait, IamHR.”
“Are you done? I don’t remember you being this childish.”
