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Chapter Six
Kenneth looked at his older brother Jerry and said, “I didn’t ask your opinion.” He didn’t need Jerry reminding him what kind of woman Shanda was. But it didn’t take long for someone to sum her up and realize she was a gem. It wasn’t her looks, though she was beautiful; something else about Shanda drew people to her. “I’m helping her with her business plan.”
“And you’re not sleeping with her?” Jerry asked.
Not because I don’t want to.“We never mix business with pleasure.”
“I’m not blind. I saw the way you watched her at the auction. Even when you were talking to other people, she had your attention; she had your attention the entire night.”
“She didn’t know anyone. I wanted to make sure she was enjoying herself,” he said, knowing damn well that there was more to it than that. There had been a few times he had to control his temper when a few of the snakes became too friendly with her. Before he even had the chance to intervene, she shut it down. And yet I’m the ass who turned her down last night. I must be losing my fucking mind.
“Mother would be impressed. Dad, on the other hand, would question—”
He cut it off quick. He knew exactly what his father would think. The last thing he wanted was another lecture about how the Heart family does things. There seemed to be a rule about everything, from school, to business, and the trouble that comes with falling in love. His parents functioned perfectly together. Did they love each other? He wasn’t sure. But at least they respected each other, which was more than what many couples had. “Let’s leave Shanda out of this.” It was a waste of time, because Jerry was only one of the five who had reached out to him. At least his other brothers only left messages, which he chose to ignore.
Jerry said, “Too bad. It definitely would’ve been an enjoyable dinner conversation.”
He’d rather be having it with Shanda. “I’m not forcing you to be here,” Kenneth replied.
“That’s not a good sign,” Jerry said, leaning back, eyeing him. “You like her, don’t you?”
“She’s a nice person, if that’s what you’re asking.” It was bad enough talking about Shanda, but if Jerry wanted to change the subject, it sure as hell wasn’t going to be to Kenneth’s feelings.
“Nice? I would’ve described her as smoking hot.” With a chuckle he added, “But that is no way to talk about my brother’s girl.”
“You know me better than that, Jerry. There is only one thing I’m serious about, and that is work,” he growled.
“So you wouldn’t care if I asked her out?”
Fuck you!“She’s not your type.”
“You’re right. I have a feeling that she’s yours. So if you’re not sleeping…I mean dating her, then what the hell are you doing with her?” Jerry asked.
“I told you, I’m giving her some pointers to get her business in better shape.”
“Commendable. Not your style, but still commendable,” Jerry said. “Since when do you coach others?”
“Billy Brown asked me to.” More like tricked him into it, and Kenneth was still pondering how to get even for that. It was going to come when Billy least expected it to.
“Doesn’t sound like him either.”
“He’s changed since marrying Krissy. Lost some of his…drive,” Kenneth said. “His business is still intact at the moment, but it hasn’t grown since he said ‘I do.’ I’m not even sure he’s realized what is happening yet.”
“I’m sure being the friend you are, you’ll mention it to him,” Jerry stated.
Kenneth grumbled. “Oh don’t worry, I have. He’s too far gone. The last time we went to lunch he said Krissy is already talking about children.” Jerry didn’t seem as surprised as Kenneth had been.
“So I’ve heard.”
“Mother?” Kenneth asked. Jerry nodded. “Damn. Tell me she hasn’t…”
“She has,” he cut in. “Why do you think all your brothers tried calling you today? Mother called seeing if we knew anything that she didn’t.”
“I hope you had my back on this.”
Jerry laughed. “I’m too smart to get in the middle of this. However, I do know you’ll be getting an invitation for lunch on Sunday. If I were you, I’d come up with some business trip, maybe on the other side of the world.”
Kenneth said, “We’re talking about Mother. That wouldn’t stop her. Hell, she’d probably want to travel with me so we’d be trapped in the jet together.” And I’d be tempted to jump. “I can’t make it Sunday.”
