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“I thought you were headed home for the night.” Lincoln wasn’t so easy on her.
“You thought wrong. Where are we on the Park property? Has the seller responded to the offer yet?” More deflection.
I pulled her into a sibling embrace. She squeaked, caught off guard.
“I’m so glad you’re back.” The faint scent of cologne hit my nostrils.
She whacked me in the chest but didn’t try to get away. “It’s temporary.”
“I’m getting in good with boss.” I smirked. “He might listen if I tell him you need to stay.”
She smacked me harder. “You wouldn’t dare.”
I laughed. Like our father would take into consideration anything I said. It was tempting to try so I could keep my sister around longer, but I wouldn’t do that to her. If she was happy a million miles away, then I was happy. Sort of.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened on the top floor.
Lincoln pulled me aside as I forked off toward the office of doom. “Whatever he wants, don’t argue. He’ll just make your life even more of a living hell.”
Was that possible?
Images of Pepper’s distraught and brokenhearted face bombarded me. The rescue closed and the dogs headed for the pound. Yes, it could absolutely get worse. This, staying, was for the woman I love.
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure I could stick to that plan.
“What’s he want?” Beau’s mouth flattened.
“Don’t know.”
She nibbled her lip. “Are you done for the night after this?”
“Don’t know that either.”
She rolled her eyes. “If you are, let’s all ride home together. Unless you aren’t going home.”
I hadn’t mentioned anything to Pepper, but it had almost become a given whenever I had a free minute, I went to her. Because I loved her.
I still couldn’t believe I’d told her that, but I was glad I had. I never wanted her to doubt how I felt.
“You just got here.”
Thank goodness Lincoln didn’t notice the birds chirping and the hearts dancing above my head. I’d much rather the focus was on Beau than on me.
“If I’m not stuck here all night, we can ride home together,” I said.
She sent me a silent look of gratitude. “Good luck.”
“I need all the luck I can get.” I started down the hall.
“Teague,” Lincoln said when I’d only taken a step. “Don’t let him get to you.”
I released a long, steadying breath. “I’ll try.”
There was no secretary to chase me at this hour. The double doors were closed when I approached my father’s office. I didn’t bother to knock. He’d summoned me. He should expect me.
I stepped across the threshold but couldn’t bring myself to walk any farther into the room. “You wanted to see me.”
