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“I have two more meetings on my schedule,” Noah said. “Or do you just not look at the company calendar anymore?”
Ethan’s smile dimmed.
Hit a nerve there, didn’t I, cousin?
Ethan laughed. “Oh, come on, Noah. You always leave early on Friday. It’s not exactly a company secret.”
Do I now?
Noah pressed the intercom. “Ms. Waverley, would you mind returning to my office for a moment?”
“Of course, sir.” As predictable as a Swiss watch, she appeared in the doorway. “Yes, sir?”
“Would you mind consulting my calendar and telling my cousin the last day I left early on a Friday afternoon?”
“Of course.” She tapped her tablet’s screen and began scrolling. And scrolling andscrolling. Knowing how she set up their calendar, Noah estimated she’d flipped through at least three months before Ethan let out a frustrated groan.
“Okay, Noah, you can call off this charade,” said Ethan. “You’ve made your point.”
“Christmas Eve,” Caroline said before Noah could respond. “You came in even though the offices were closed so that you could finish out the Brigham buyout before the end of the year, at Mr. Brigham’s request because—”
“Thank you, Caroline,” Noah interrupted. “That will be all.”
“Of course.” Without another word, she returned the way she’d entered.
“There was no need for that,” Ethan said when they were alone.
“Agree to disagree.” Noah tap, tap, tapped his index finger on his desk. “Now, if you can get to the point of your visit, that would be great. I have a meeting in less than an hour.”
“So…” Ethan leaned forward, resting an elbow on Noah’s desk. “I’ve been thinking about the charity event we’re supposed to be arranging.”
“We?I distinctly remember you telling me something along the lines of you’ll put together your proposal, I’ll put together mine, and then we’ll see who the board chooses. Ringing any bells?”
He waved off Noah’s reminder. “I was upset, and my temper got the better of me. What your father said was right. We’re family at Whitlow Group, and family needs to stick together.”
Noah wanted to believe Ethan was sincere. They’d been close once, and Noah had never figured out what had come between them. One day, they’d been fast friends, and then, they’d been enemies.
Do you even remember Sara?
Noah made a mental note to figure out who this mysterious Sara might be. In the meantime, he’d be civil and give his cousin the benefit of the doubt. He wouldn’t let his guard down, just extend a helping hand—and hope he didn’t get bitten for his trouble.
Noah interlocked his fingers. “You’re right. At Whitlow Group, family should always come first, so let’s talk about this fundraiser.”
Ethan’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected Noah’s cooperation and that hurt.
“Wow, okay. Well, I don’t have my notes on me. So what do you say we get together for dinner tonight and share ideas?”
“I’d be happy to, just not tonight. I have a prior engagement. What about Saturday afternoon? We could go horseback riding while we chat. I have a new Quarter Horse who’s not yet as biddable as I’d like.”
“She buck you off?” Ethan asked, but no meanness hid in the question. Even his smile didn’t seem like the usual calculated one he wore.
“He, and not yet,” Noah answered. “Two weeks back, though, he came damn close. I’m pretty sure if Julio hadn’t been there to calm him, he’d have succeeded. There’s a reason I named him Outlaw.”
It was the first time since he’d been a boy that a horse had nearly bested him. If his uncle hadn’t been there, Noah would probably have at least one broken bone right now. Julio had calmed Outlaw with a gentle voice and a bucket of oats.
“How does he get along with Rosa?” Ethan asked.
Rosa was Noah’s twenty-year-old Quarter Horse. She was as sweet as hismamá’ssugar cookies.
