Page 32 of Owen

“You know, James mentioned that someone was hiring. I can’t remember who he said. Oh, there he is. James, come over here and say hello to your brother,” Annabelle called across the lobby, drawing attention to them. That was what she was all about—attention. Last he’d heard, she was claiming to be a style influencer and building her platform. Whatever that meant.

“Owen.” James shook Owen’s hand. He was wearing a suit that probably cost more than most people made in a month. James was incredibly knowledgeable if you wanted to hear about the United States’ tax code. Other than that, he was boring and arrogant.

“My brother,” Owen said, trying to keep Sophie in the conversation. Knowing his family members, they’d probably decided to ignore her as soon as they saw her discount-brand clothes.

“Hello,” Sophie said with a nod, her tone cold. He’d never seen her like that.

“You should come over to the house soon,” James said to Owen. “We need to talk about your future. This freelancing whatever has got to stop. You need to get your act together. Mom and Dad are embarrassed whenever they’re asked what you’re doing.”

“I’m not sitting around playing solitaire on my phone, you know. I am working,” Owen said, keeping his tone light. He really didn’t want to have this conversation again. Especially not in front of Sophie.

“But what kind of work? Security?” James questioned. “I heard you were a bouncer at a bar. That won’t do, little brother.”

Owen bristled at the “little brother” comment. He might be younger, but he wasn’t a child. He kept his temper in check, though. Lashing out in return wouldn’t accomplish anything. His mantra in regard to his family was do not engage. He’d walk out of the club and let this conversation roll off his back like he had countless other ones. “I was helping a friend out for a few nights. No biggie.”

“Whatever,” James dismissed that. “The optics are everything. A McCormick can’t be seen to be doing that sort of menial work.”

“Oh, for god’s sakes,” Sophie snapped. “Do you even know your brother? Do you know what he’s been through?”

“I—”

“Wouldyoumake it through SEAL training or a mission?” Sophie looked James up and down with obvious disdain. “I don’t think so. The SEALs are elite and exclusive—and they value actions, not appearances. Owen would still be with them if he hadn’t injured his shoulder saving his teammate.”

Owen stared at her, surprised by her outburst and that she knew about the nature of his injury.

“Yes…well, while he was in the Navy—”

“And now, Owen’s working with me on what will be the biggest story of my career. I’m a journalist by the way, which you might know if you hadn’t ignored me.”

“I’m sure—” Annabelle started but Sophie cut her off.

“Just so we’re clear. No one else could do what Owen does for me. He’s smart and brave, and the only person I trust to keep me safe.” She turned to him then, went up on her toes, and planted a kiss on his lips that shocked him as much as her words had. She’d just defended him and claimed him as hers, in public, in front of his family. “Come on, honey, let’s go.”

She strode off, back straight, her red hair swinging. She’d said that he was amazing. Did she have any idea how amazing she was?

FIFTEEN

Sophie headed toward the entrance to the country club, beyond furious at Owen’s family. How dare they treat him with such disdain and belittle his accomplishments? He’d served his country and risked his life for others. What kind of stuck-up snobs would be anything but proud of that?

She was beginning to realize what his childhood must have been like with a brother like that. How bad was the rest of the family? She shuddered to think.

No wonder he hid his ambitions, kept his goals to himself, and gave off a vibe that suggested he didn’t take anything all that seriously. No wonder he covered anything heavy with humor. It wasn’t that he was unmotivated or that he didn’t care. It was that he’d been knocked down so many times that he’d learned to conceal his attempts to get up.

She used to think he was shallow and unambitious. How wrong she’d been. Recognizing that made her care about him more than she already did. It also opened her eyes to a truth about him. The traits he’d acquired to protect himself from his family wouldn’t disappear overnight. Those were a core part of him, and probably why he hadn’t tried to defend himself from his brother’s nasty onslaught.

Sophie was coming to understand Owen better, and with that came a kick of emotions that she couldn’t name. Something was growing between them. Something potentially amazing and a little scary.

“Hey,” he said, catching up to her. He took her hand and yanked her into a small room with the word Coats on the door. It was deserted on a sunny spring afternoon, giving them privacy.

“I can’t believe the way—” she started.

“Shush. Forget them,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms and lowering his lips to hers.

She quickly realized this was a for-real kiss. Not like the one she’d given him just a few minutes before. His hands were in her hair, cupping the back of her head, as he tilted her face so his tongue could delve into her mouth.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and plastered her body to his, loving the friction between them. And his kiss, definitely that, too. He was a man who knew how to give and take. More than that, he made her feel special, like there was no one else in the world, like she was the one woman he wanted to kiss.

Her fingers went to the top button on his shirt and popped it open. Then the next. The soft chambray felt good but not nearly as wonderful as his warm, smooth skin. She wanted him. Right there, right then.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com