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I try to sit down gracefully on the arm of the sofa and take in the room around me. Nana is next to the tree with Niall and Killian, and on the arm of the chair beside Killian is Daniel. Sitting next to me is Brielle, and then beside her is a young guy I haven’t met, but I assume he’s Brielle’s boyfriend. Callie stands in the doorway next to an older gentleman dressed in chauffeur attire. I’m guessing he’s Niall and Callie’s driver.
Aiden hands out his gifts to everyone casually, but of course, I didn’t help pick them out or contribute financially toward them. I don’t know these people or what they like—plus, Aiden wouldn’t hear of it. Though, next year, I intend to put my foot down. I want to pay my way if these people are going to be a part of my family.
The gift-giving continues with expensive, outrageous gifts for everyone, including me, as Callie and Nana move to the kitchen to prepare for dinner. Aiden’s busy talking to Daniel, so I decide to go to the kitchen to see if I can be of any help with the food. When I arrive at the kitchen door, Callie and Nana are talking, so I stand behind the door where they can’t see me.
“So, they think they know who it is, then?” Nana asks Callie.
“I believe they have narrowed it down to two people, but they won’t tell Niall who,” Callie replies to Nana.
“I hope they catch the asshole soon,” Nana snaps.
“So do I. The stress is unbearable. I don’t know how much more of it Aiden and Niall can take, or me, for that matter. I hope Matthew gets what’s coming to him,” Callie clips sternly.
They’re talking about the embezzlement case at O’Connell Finance.
“You believe it’s Matthew?”
I’m instantly relieved they don’t think it’s Aiden, and even though I’m ninety-nine percent sure it’s not him either, it’s fantastic to hear someone else confirm what I already knew in my heart.
“I don’t know who else it could be,” Callie replies as Brielle stalks toward me.
“Hey, Jeni,” Brielle yells, making me jump out of my skin.
“Hey, Bree.” I walk through the swinging doors of the kitchen, pretending like I just arrived and wasn’t eavesdropping. “Ladies, is there anything I can help with?” I ask Callie and Nana, who abruptly stop talking.
“Darling, you can take this out to the table if you like.” Nana hands me a large bowl of vegetables.
Taking a deep breath, I walk to the dining room hoping I got away with it and that Brielle didn’t figure out I was listening in. After placing the vegetables on the table, on my way back to the kitchen to grab some more, movement in the library off to the side catches my attention. I stop to peek around the door frame into the room as Killian—Aiden’s brother—moves toward Daniel. Slowly, their lips join together in a delicate kiss. My hand shoots up to my mouth, and I’m sure my eyes are bulging out of my head as an excited little squeal escapes me. They suddenly break apart to turn and look my way, obviously hearing me as I quickly turn, leaning against the outside wall.
My heart thuds hoping they didn’t see me. I’m standing here with my hand still covering my mouth when Daniel reaches around the corner, pulling me inside the library. “What did you see?” he commands sternly, holding me tightly at an arm’s length.
I stammer, but nothing comes out and shake my head at the fierce intent in his eyes.
“Dan, don’t be so dramatic,” Killian dismisses, rolling his eyes. “Let her go, you’re hurting her.”
Daniel scoffs. “It’s not your job on the line here, Killian,” he chides, still holding tightly onto my arms. The seriousness washing over Daniel almost scares me.
“Don’t worry, I won’t say anything to Aiden.”
Running his hand through his hair, Daniel lets me go completely. “Jesus, Killian. I told you someone would find out,” he growls.
My stomach flutters with nerves, but I can’t hold back my smile. “I think it’s sweet. I had my suspicions, anyway,” I admit, looking at Killian. He smiles at me while Daniel paces the room frantically.
“Oh, Dan, stop being so intense and tell them already. No one’s going to care.” Killian is obviously far more relaxed about their ‘situation’ for want of a better word than Daniel is.
Daniel gives Killian a death glare. “As I said, it’s not your job on the line, Killian. Your father knows you’re gay. If he found out I am as well, he would fire me on the spot. You and I both know that.”
My eyes widen slightly knowing Niall’s a douchebag, but what I didn’t know is he’s a homophobic douchebag.
“Then let him fire you. You can come and work with me. We’ll spend more time together.” Killian waggles his eyebrows up and down suggestively.
Daniel shakes his head. “I don’t think Aiden will appreciate having to find a new PA.” He continues to pace the room.
Killian looks at me for an answer, so I glance at Daniel. “I think that—”
“No one is interested in your opinion,” Daniel interrupts harshly.
My head jerks back in shock.
