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Hanson smiles, completely at ease. “She’s at home tonight. With my brothers in town at the same time, I wanted a night out with the boys. She understands. Your sister is wonderful.”
I grit my teeth. It’s a fake relationship, so why the hell would she care whether he was out or not? As long as he isn’t sleeping around and making a fool out of her, that is. Cat won’t put up with that. Neither will I.
“I’m very aware of my sister’s attributes.”
Hanson shakes his head. “It doesn’t always have to be like this, Cash. We can be friends. We’re business partners, and wewillbe family.” He says the last part quietly so that his brothers don’t hear him. I wonder what they think of his relationship. Do they find it odd that suddenly Jonathan Hanson is interested in settling down? With a James at that. What the hell must they think of it all?
I shake the thoughts from my head. If my sister wants to throw her life away with that tool bag, so be it. If they want the burden of running the company, great. My grandparents were the only reason I did all of this to begin with. As long as they don’t see me slipping further and further from the man I was before, I can ignore everything else and keep pushing forward.
One of the twins moves in closer. He’s got scruff on his face whereas his brother is clean-shaven. “The club is amazing, Cash. Really impressive.”
I think he’s Hayden. “Thanks, appreciate it,” I say tersely, wondering if he’s the one screwing Grace.
His twin eyes me quizzically. I’m guessing he’s the one. Garreth. God, what a pretentious name. The fucking Brits.
“Jay told us your ideas for expanding the company. And about the merger. It’s going to be bloody amazing. I can’t believe the James and Hanson families are actually going to work together.”
I nod. I can’t believe it either. “Well, it’s all Cat and your brother. I’m certainly not the brains behind all this.”
Garreth interjects, “Really? That’s not what Cat said. She’s been singing your praises.”
Okay, so they are both nice. Fuck. I wanted to hate them. “She’s my sister. She has to. I promise, she’s got the brains and beauty.”
Hanson nods. “No one will argue that. My girl is gorgeous.”
It’s odd how when he says it, I feel like he genuinely means it. I don’t know how I feel about that.
“So just a guys’ night tonight?” I ask, glancing at the twins. It’s obvious as fuck what I’m getting at, but fortunately they both are kind enough not to laugh.
Hayden sips his drink and looks at me over the rim. “Yup, we all needed a night off. How about you? Any ladies meeting you out?”
He’s definitely the one with Grace. He’s interested in my answer. I can feel it. “No, but maybe someone will be coming home,” I say with a sly smile, hating myself as I say it.
Beside me, Hanson shakes his head. I don’t need him to confirm what we both know. I’m an idiot. The tall guy across from me with muscles and a kind smile is probably going home to the woman I love, and I can’t do anything about it because she’s also the woman I hate.
An hour later I’m coming back from the bathroom when I overhear Hanson and his brothers chatting as they cash out.
“So, you’re really thinking about inviting Grace to London?” Garreth says quietly.
Hayden gives him a firm nod. “If she’ll come. Is that a problem?”
“No, I just didn’t realize things were that serious. I mean bringing her home…” the last part is lost to bar chatter.
Bringing Grace back to London with him…that’s…serious. I scrape a hand against my face.
Jonathan smacks his brother’s back. “Well, I for one couldn’t be happier. Grace is a gem and deserves someone good. Why don’t you bring her to Black Label on Saturday?”
Unable to get a handle on breathing, I start to cough, and all three men turn around and look at me. “Oh Cash, didn’t see you there.” When I continue to cough, Jonathan turns back and grabs a water from the bartender. “Fuck, take a drink.”
I down the water, and it practically dribbles down my face from my continued cough. Frank walks up and claps a hand on my back, and I’m finally able to breathe.
“You okay?” he asks in a low voice, glancing in Hanson’s direction.
I sigh as I try to get a handle on my emotions.
Grace is moving on. Things are serious with Jonathan’s brother. How the hell did this happen?
My panicked eyes must communicate just how dire the situation is because Frank takes control. “We have to get out of here. Early morning. Night, guys,” Frank says before steering me out of my own club.
