AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I already said I will handle it,” I argue.
“Will you, though?” Hannah’s lips quirk, a dubious expression on her face. “You’re not exactly known for your wooing ways. Do I need to remind you how many perfectly good women have called it quits with you because you’re married to your career?”
“Ironically, the same women that wanted me to buy them tits and Cartier bracelets. They can’t have it both ways.”
“It’s not about the money and you know it.” Hannah shakes her head. “Dad was a workaholic. The only reason he wasn’t miserably alone was because he already had Mom before he built up the company.”
“Now look at the man.” I extend my phone out to show her the picture my mom just texted to us. “He’s living his best life.”
“Yeah, with his loving wife and soulmate.” She looks at me pointedly.
My chest tightens at her reminder of my parents’ perfect relationship. On one hand, it’s what every child would want, to grow up witnessing the love and commitment between their parents.
On the other hand, they have set a relationship standard that feels impossible to achieve. Like attempting to climb Mt. Everest when you’ve only ever trained on the Adirondacks’ Mount Marcy.
With the last ten years of my life being dedicated to learning the business and proving my capability to take over as CEO for Premier, I’ve put romantic relationships on the back burner.
I’m too focused on my career to offer anything more than a few nights a week in my bed and the occasional date to an event.
“Is this all because you’re planning a wedding now? Everyone should be coupled up and in love because you are?”
“Generally, yes, but I’ll also admit that I’m concerned about you.”
“At least you’re honest.”
“You’re my older brother, but I feel the need to advise you in this department. We all have gifts to offer the world. This is mine to you.”
“As long as you understand your advice is unsolicited and likely not retained.”
She smiles sweetly. “Even brick walls are porous.”
I shake my head at her quip, eyes still on my phone as I type out a quick email response.
“Oh, here’s your stop.” Hannah makes a shooing motion toward the door where the car is now at the curb.
“What?” I look out the window to find the storefront of Tiger Lily’s floral shop. “No, I have a meeting to get to.”
“Okay, then, better make it quick.” She snaps her fingers twice.
“You know this is why I refer to you as ‘the accident.’”
The seven years between Hannah and myself were not planned. Hannah’s conception was due to a failed vasectomy. With my dad working so much, they thought having one child was plenty, and I was resigned to the fact I would be an only child until Hannah came along.
Hannah laughs. “We’ve already established I’m a miracle baby.”
I grumble my displeasure as I turn toward the open door Stefan is holding.
I’ll pick out the flowers and sign the card, an apology for our misunderstanding, but that’s where this thing with Sophie will end. We’re on different paths. She’s straight out of college, navigating the city and her new job. I’m thirteen years older and set in my ways.
I don’t do relationships. Not because I’m heartless and unfeeling, but quite the opposite. I can’t stand the look of disappointment on a woman’s face when she realizes I’m not going to change. That everything I’ve said from the beginning is true. My career has my full attention, and my priority will never be a relationship.
Casual sex, that’s what I’m interested in. It meets my needs without the messy entanglements of expectations and feelings.
My mind starts to drift back to that night with Sophie, but right now is not the time to think about how incredible it had been.
And it doesn’t matter how hot the sex was. That’s not the point. Sophie and I are not a match.
Hannah observes my slow exit. “You’ve got a meeting, right?” She waves me on.
