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He listens a moment. “Yeah, well, I played bad cop to Bella’s good cop, because she had the foresight to see that as necessary. But she barely needed me.” He listens another moment and pushes off the table. “It’s not our first rodeo. We’ve worked together for years, often one-on-one. Why are you coming at me now?”
My heart starts to race, and I push to my feet and away from the table, motioning for Tyler to hand me the phone. He waves me off. “I’m aware of what she means to you,” he says, continuing his chat with my brother. “I happen to value her as an employee.” His jaw tics. “Don’t go there, man.” He listens a minute and then hands me the phone. “He hung up.”
“What did he say to you?” I ask.
“Not to fuck his sister.” He scrubs a rough hand over his jaw and unbuttons his jacket, settling his hands on his hips. “Let’s go get that champagne.”
“He brought up Allison, didn’t he?”
“He did, but I can’t blame him. If you were my sister, I’d do the same. Seriously, baby, let’s go get that champagne. We need to celebrate.”
I step in front of him and press my hands to his waist. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m the one who crossed about ten lines with you, Bella.” His hand settles on my side. “Don’t resign when we get back. I will not be the reason you walk away from all you’ve worked for. I’d already planned to talk to you about becoming a partner if you made this deal happen. And before you say anything, I hired you. Your success is a sense of pride for me.”
“You want me to be partner?” I ask, and I can’t help it, I’m fearful this has something to do with us—this weekend—not me.
“What did I just see in your eyes, Bella?” He grimaces and doesn’t wait for my reply, his hand moving to my lower back and molding me closer. “Damn it, don’t go there. Don’t think thisopportunity is about this—aboutus—when you worked for it. I can show you the paperwork I drew up before I ever touched you.”
“I don’t even have a secretary, but you’re offering me partner?”
“I approved one six months ago, Bella.”
My brows dip. “Was it that long ago?”
“Yes. I’ll hire one for you if that’s what it takes to make you feel appreciated. I just thought you’d want to pick the person.”
“I do. I mean…partner is big.”
“Yeah. So is this deal you just made happen. Anyone else who achieved what you have would be partner. And not many achieved what you have, Bella. You get that, right?”
“I’ve worked hard. You’re right. I deserve this. I’m happy.”
“Good. Can we go celebrate now? Champagne in the room and then I’ll take you to dinner.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. We might be seen and—”
He kisses me hard and fast, but thoroughly, and says, “I want to say I don’t give two fucks, but you just questioned your success over us. I’m not going to let anyone else do the same. We’ll order in. And go to a dark movie, if you want. I’ll even see a chick flick for you.”
“Okay, now you’re talking. You had me at chick flick, but we can watch something else. But—” I hold up a finger. “We have all weekend. We’re watchingPretty Womanwith Julia Roberts at some point in the room.”
“Black Adamwins for tonight.Pretty Womantomorrow night.”
I smile and we both grab our things to head to the room. And it almost,almost,feels like we’re a couple.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Bella
I have so much fun with Tyler. When he’s not in “Tyler Hawk” mode, but just Tyler, he’s funny and charming. But the wall is still there. Beyond things like favorite movies, books, and food, he uses sex to avoid anything deeper. But as we step on the plane super early Monday morning, I think it’s for the best. I’m kind of a wreck, but I try to hide it from him.
I hide behind my work, telling him I have to catch up on the plane. When lunch arrives, and I’m forced to set my MacBook aside, I hyperfocus on my food.
“Bella,” he says, compelling me to look at him.
“Yes?”
“Don’t shut me out.”
