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How was she worried about money? She had more money than she could ever spend in a lifetime. We both did.
“Everyone who is anyone would want to partner with us. And you know I’m an understanding woman, Weston,” she continued. “I wouldn’t mind sharing, if that’s what you’re concerned about.” She reached for me, but I took a step back.
The benefits she was describing, the life she proposed and the man she wanted me to be in it sounded a whole hell of a lot like someone else…someone Ihated.
My father.
Memories swarmed me, making my chest tight. My mother crying in her bedroom because of another uncovered affair by my father, her loneliness practically seeping into the hallway. The way I had to step up and be there for her when my father left at a moment’s notice to some supposed work function. The way she tried to hide how much he hurt her for my benefit. The way he used to throw every single dollar in her face, saying she had every luxury at her disposal so she should be content to leave him to do whatever he wanted.
“Every reason you’re listing has to do with anideaof me, not actually me,” I said once I found the strength to crawl out of that headspace. It wasn’t often my father crept in there, but when he did, it made me angry all over again.
A laugh ripped from her lips, half amused, half angry. “Weston Rutherford, you aren’t one for grand declarations of love. Come on, we’re both more practical than that.”
“My last name isn’t up for discussion,” I said firmly, wanting to end this conversation.
“If you want this to continue between us you’re going to have to make a smarter decision!” she fired back, her voice rising to an octave that was grossly unnecessary.
“You’re throwing an ultimatum at me?”
“Maybe I am!”
I took a deep breath, cursing myself for not noticing her intentions sooner. If I would’ve paid attention, maybe I could’ve spotted the exact moment she went from enjoying what I offered her physically to wanting to sink her claws into my corporations. I could’ve ended it all right then and there.
She didn’t want me. She wanted what my last name and an exclusive business partnership could offer her. She wanted someone who didn’t care about things like love, loyalty, and trust. She wanted me to be like my father, even if she didn’t know that’s what she was implying.
And I wouldneverbe him.
“Here’s my answer to that then,” I said, and stomped right out of my door.
BRYNN
“My last name isn’t up for discussion.” I heard the irritation in Weston’s voice all the way from my spot in the kitchen.
“If you want this to continue between us you’re going to have to make a smarter decision!” Lena practically screeched.
“You’re throwing an ultimatum on me?”
“Maybe I am!”
My heart thudded anxiously in my chest as I stood frozen, one hand on the kitchen island for support as I waited to hear what Weston would say. Surely he wouldn’t be backed into a corner like that, not for something so important.
“Here’s my answer to that then,” Weston said, and I heard the bedroom door open.
I hurried out of the kitchen, Weston’s favorite coffee concoction in hand as I rushed to catch up with him as he bounded for the garage.
“Thank you,” he said, his tone altogether different and this side of gracious as he took the offered thermos from my hand. “I know we usually do our check-ins here, but I need to get out of here. I’ll see you at the marketing firm, though? We can do it there, right?”
“Absolutely,” I said.
He smiled down at me. “You’re going to do great, you know.”
Confidence slid over the nerves that had been tangling with excitement all morning. Today would be my first day at the marketing firm, and I wanted to make him proud.
“Thanks, Weston,” I said. “And don’t worry, we’ll figure out how to balance everything. I won’t leave you in the trenches that I call your schedule.”
He laughed, nodding before he paused in the doorway, his features shifting to irritation when he heard drawers slamming in his bedroom. His eyes met mine, a silent, apologetic question hanging there.
“Yes,” I said, then motioned over my shoulder. “I’ll handle that.”
