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I smile. “Noted.”

“That’s sort of how my parents met actually. My mom was trying to get my dad to invest in the company she wanted to start.”

“Aw, that’s romantic. And then they fell in love and along came you.”

Something changes in his expression. He shifts in his seat. “Actually, Lennon’s my stepmom, but she’s the only mom I’ve ever known, so I’ve always thought of her as my mom.” He shrugs. “I don’t think genetics is the only factor in what makes someone a mother.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. Are you close with your biological mom?”

He shakes his head, jaw tense. “You’d think after three decades it would sting less, but it doesn’t.” He sighs. “My biological mom took off right after I was born. My dad raised me on his own until Lennon came along when I was six.”

The urge to reach across the island and wrap him up in a hug is strong, but I have to remind myself that I work for this man. He’s my boss.

“I didn’t mean to pry.” My voice is soft, and I hope he can hear the sincerity in it.

“It’s fine. It’s not a big secret or anything.”

I don’t mention Google hasn’t picked up on it yet. “Well, I’m glad you had an amazing woman in your life. And I agree, genetics isn’t the deciding factor on whether you feel loved and accepted in your family.”

He frowns. “You say that as if you know from experience.”

“Oh… no. Just saying in general.”

I don’t know why I don’t tell him that he’s right—I’ve never felt as though I fit in in my family. Never felt as though I measured up. Maybe I just don’t want to say the words out loud. They’ll feel more real that way.

He nods, not saying anything and I’m not sure he believes me, but he seems to be gentleman enough to drop the subject.

“I think I’m going to go have a shower and go to bed.” I move to walk around the counter.

He stands abruptly. “Right. Okay. Anyway, circling back… the reason I brought up the Kingsmen thing is because there’s going to be a press conference and my parents want the whole family there, so Theo will be coming, but I’ll need you to come to keep an eye on him since I’ll most likely get pulled away for some stuff with the press after the announcement.”

“Of course, no problem.”

We sort of stand there awkwardly for a moment as though we’re not sure if we should leave the room together or not. After a few seconds, we both walk toward the kitchen exit.

He must be heading upstairs too because he continues alongside me toward the stairs. It’s awkward as hell and neither of us speaks because we both know how weird this is. We make our way up the stairs, and when we reach the landing, we head down the hall in the same direction toward our bedrooms.

Eventually we come upon mine and we both stop, turn and face each other. Brady’s in front of his door and I’m in front of mine.

“Good night.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“Good night.” His voice holds a rough quality I’ve only heard from him when we were in bed together.

Our gazes hold for a few beats, but I manage to strip mine away and turn around, feeling his attention on me the entire time. I open my door and slide inside, then shut it behind me. I lean my back against the door and my head falls back. I stare at the ceiling.

There’s a lot more to Brady than a hot body, sexual prowess, and charm. And realizing this only makes him harder to resist.

Eight

Brady

“Am I gonna have to talk, Daddy?”

I glance at Theo in the rearview mirror. “No, buddy. You just have to stand there, and after the announcement is made, you’ll hang with Violet until we’re ready to come home.”

I glance at Violet sitting in the passenger seat of my Porsche SUV. She looks fantastic and I’m not just saying that because I’m attracted to her. I’d have to be blind not to notice. Her black hair is down and styled in waves. Although she dresses casually at home, she has on an outfit that’s more fun and flirtier today—just like the night I met her at the club. She’s wearing a hot-pink suit with an oversized blazer that’s made from velvet, and her lipstick matches the suit.

“Okay. ’Cause I don’t wanna talk to all those people,” Theo says, interrupting my thoughts.

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