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"Why did you say you’ll send him your résumé?"
She blinked. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Let me rephrase. What's the difference between you working for Maddox and me asking my brothers for a job?"
"Because he offered, and it's a good fit," she said.
"We could find you a party-planning position at any of the companies. Hell, we can make one."
"See, that's the point. I didn't want you to make one for me. This was just something that happened to work out. Do you honestly want me to not send in my application just because he's your half brother? Is that it? Because if it is, you’re completely out of line."
I took a step back, reassessing my thoughts. I liked that she didn't mind going toe-to-toe with me. Now more than ever, I respected the way she challenged me. Yes, I was pissed off. And also, yes, I was “completely out of line” by taking it out on her. Why would it matter if she worked with Maddox? She was right. He'd offered, and it was a good fit.
"I don't know why it's bothering me," I said honestly.
She sighed, giving me a small smile. "Look, I appreciate that you want to look out for me and want to help me, but please try to understand. I’m sorry if I came on too hard. My ex had strong opinions about what I should and shouldn’t do, and I’m still sensitive about it.”
“I’m not your ex. And you were right. I didn’t react well.”
“I feel good about this, okay? It doesn’t feel like it's a handout. Whereas if you hired me..."
"It wouldn't be a handout.”
"It would feel that way to me, okay? Besides, I think Maddox is fun. All three of your half brothers seem like good people."
I cleared my throat. "I wouldn't know."
"Hmm."
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing." She was grinning, though.
"Natalie." I tilted closer. "Speak, or I’ll use some of those skills you keep forbidding me to use."
"Oh, now you’re not even negotiating anymore, you're blackmailing me."
"Nah. This is called a hard negotiation,” I clarified.
"I'm wondering if Jeannie is meddling, trying to get you closer to your brothers too."
"I'm sure she is," I said. "She's always tried to do that. I simply wasn't able to get past everything."
"Oh, shoot." She glanced down at her iPad.
"What?"
"I haven't checked if the candles are here. All ninety of them."
I whistled. "I'm surprised Grandmother wants those."
"They'll look fabulous. I just really have to check if they're here. Otherwise I'm going to run and buy her some." She clasped her left shoulder with her right hand and rotated it once. "I’ve been so tense today. I’m starting to ache everywhere.”
"Don't worry," I replied innocently. "I'll take care of you later."
She turned around with a cheeky grin. "You will?"
"Hell yes."
