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“Bran,” Royce greeted.
Taylor put distance between herself and Royce, but Bran didn’t seem to notice, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
“You look nice.” She nodded approvingly at Bran’s casual slacks and button-down.
Royce felt the uncomfortable prickle of jealousy. She hadn’t mentioned his suit and bow tie ensemble.
“Ready for anything,” Bran said, his gaze seeking the door again for their father’s arrival.
Dammit. He doesn’t know.
Jack was spontaneous. Liked the spotlight. Even though his father had told Royce he’d announce CEO in a meeting at work, part of him wondered if their father had something a bit more spontaneous in mind.
“There he is!” someone shouted, moving in from the rooftop toward the front door. Jack entered, their mother Macy on his arm, and lifted a hand to wave.
“Let the party begin!” Jack shouted when someone placed a drink in his hand.
Bran was the first to approach their father and embrace him, Gia second. Royce hung back, allowing close friends and coworkers to go ahead of him.
“Your dad. So caj,” Taylor said next to his ear.
“What is that?”
“Caj? It’s short for casual.”
“Short for casual? Is it such a long word that we needed to shorten it?”
“Showing your age again, Royce.” She winked, standing closer to allow space for the press of bodies that had gravitated toward Jack like he was sun to their planets.
“Which reminds me. I have to be in the car on my way home by nine.”
“Oh?” He loved the look of disappointment that swam over her features. Like she’d miss him when he left.
“That’s when I watch my true crime shows and work my evening crossword puzzle.”
It took her a second to realize he was kidding. “Tease.”
He leaned in, mostly to smell her lemony skin. “You started it.”
She held his gaze, not bothering to move away from him this time. He liked being close to her. Without anyone in the way. Without any expectations. How rare for him to enjoy anything without expectations.
“Have you seen the rooftop?” he asked.
“But the guest of honor is in here.” She pointed at Jack.
“No,” Royce disagreed, taking her elbow. “She’s right here.”
He led them away from the crowd and onto the now-abandoned private rooftop.
