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“He’s about to graduate with a degree in accounting. I’ve reached out to HR, and there’s an accounts receivable clerk retiring in a few weeks. The job would be perfect for Abe… near entry level… and the timing is excellent.”
Wilder was already distracted enough when the beta was around during family functions. At work? He didn’t need to know Abraham was only a few floors away. He’d get absolutelynothingdone.
So why was ayestearing to exit his lips? “He can apply. Just like anyone else.”
Rohan frowned. “Abraham’s graduating near the top of his class. He’s more than capable.”
“If that’s the case, he can apply—as I said.”
“Of course, but a little nudge from you would assure his resume is looked at with interest.”
“I don’t think it would be a good idea.”
Rohan frowned. “Why?”
“I said no!” Wilder spat, angrier than he should’ve been.
Rohan’s expression deflated. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it would be asking too much.”
The air between them thickened, and Wilder knew he’d pushed back too hard. It wasn’t as if he could explain the desire he felt whenever Abraham was around. “No… I’m the one who should be sorry. You rarely ask for anything.” He searched for the words to make things right and came up short. “It’s not you… It’s me.”
Rohan scrutinized him a moment. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Wilder weighed his answer carefully… something that wouldn’t cause Rohan to grow any more curious… something that wouldn’t cause Rohan to grow any more curious. “I’ve heard complaints of nepotism since gaining the CEO's chair. Add handing out jobs to family members of my friends, too. It might not go over well.”
“Abe isn’t your family. Hell, he’s barely mine.”
“Heisyour nephew, even if it’s only through marriage.”
“He was an adult when that happened. We don’t have that kind of relationship.”
“Yet there’s still a familial connection,” Wilder deflected.
“The only cries of nepotism I’ve heard come from your brother—who benefits from nepotism himself,” Rohan snapped.
“Vaughnisgood at what he does,” Wilder murmured.
“Vaughn is good at delegating and taking credit for the work done.”
“Isn’t that what a manager is, though? Being able to delegate and ensure the work is done correctly?”
Rohan growled under his breath. “Why you continue to protect him, I don’t know.”
“He’s the only brother I have left,” Wilder answered without thought.
Rohan’s gaze lifted, eyes widening. Wilder looked away, a pained expression crossing his face. Silence filled in the space between them, a haunting sense of mourning settling over him.
“Gray said he saw you at the cemetery yesterday,” Rohan said, his voice low.
“He did. We had a pleasant conversation,” Wilder replied.
Rohan didn’t remark. He stared at the desk, appearing lost in thought. When he lifted his gaze, he smiled wanly. Tears shimmered in his eyes. “I miss him.”
“As do I,” Wilder said, his voice barely above a whisper. How three years could pass and the pain still be so fresh, he didn’t know. He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “I’m sure the children and Gray have helped the time pass easier.”
“Losing someone you love is never easy,” Rohan answered. “But the love I have for Gray and my children—a family Jamiegaveme—has made continuing possible. I was so angry about some choices he made near the end. Now… on the other side of the overwhelming grief… I think I understand them better.” He shook his head. “Not that the grief is ever gone. It never is. Never will be.”
Wilder nodded. He understood only too well.
