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We’ll make dinner and watch this Christmas Hallmark movie—as Ari described it, something about a small town gingerbread factory that’s being taken over by a high-powered CEO from the big city.
Cheesy? Unrealistic? Yes, to both. But once Ari admitted to loving Hallmark movies, especially Christmas ones, with this adorable flush on her cheeks like she was embarrassed about it? There was no way I’d say no when she mentioned it.
And then after the movie… I’ll get to see my gorgeous girlfriend naked again. To touch her satin skin, feel her soft curves pressed against me—her perfect peach-shaped ass and her breasts that fill my hands perfectly—and make love to her again.
Because with Ari, it’s more than just sex. With Ari, it’s everything.
So I just need to get through this meeting.
My intercom buzzes, and I take a steadying breath. As my assistant announces that my last appointment has arrived, I pull my chair to my desk and tell her, “Thank you. Let him in, please.”
A moment later, Brett comes swaggering in. Shoulders back, confidence oozing, he flashes a toothy grin at me. “Hey, bro. I was thinking we could go out for a drink after to celebrate.”
Well, shit. This meeting is going to go about as badly as I expected.
Once Brett flops into the leather chair across from my desk, kicking back, he continues. “There’s a new place a few blocks from here, really fancy; they have a huge selection of champagne. I was thinking we could go there first, then maybe swing into the city. Pick up some women.”
The last time I was in New York City with Brett was when I was thirteen, and our parents took us to a Broadway show. I’ve never gone out drinking with Brett, nor have I gone trolling for women with him.
“I’m dating someone,” I tell him dryly.
His brows shoot up. “Seriously? Who?”
This is literally the first time Brett has asked me a personal question in over twenty years, and the shock of it has me answering. “Her name is Ari. I went to high school with her.”
“Ari?” Brett tips back in the chair, the leather squeaking. “Yeah, I think I remember seeing her one time. Really cute, hot in an understated way. I can see why you’d want to bang her.”
My teeth grind together, little jolts of pain shooting through my jaw.Don’t yell.Keep this professional. “Brett, that’s not why I wanted to meet with you.”
“Right.” He chuckles. “Of course. So, what’s my new position?”
Here goes.
“Brett. There isn’t a new position.”
His face jerks in surprise, then his forehead creases. “What do you mean? Isn’t that what this meeting is about? Or—” He stops, his expression brightening. “I know. It’s the shares, isn’t it? You’re bringing me in. What were you thinking? Fifty percent? Or forty, I know you’ve put more time into this place, although Iamthe older one.”
“Brett.” My voice sharpens, and I lean forward. “I knowwhat you did.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The money, Brett.” Anger pulses through me again, for the hundredth time since I discovered what he was doing. “You stole fifty K from the company.”
His face goes crimson. “That’s crazy.”
“It’s not.” I pin him with my gaze. “I saw the proof myself. You stoleit from the transportation reimbursement account.”
Brett scowls. “Come on, Cash. Fifty K is nothing. I borrowed it. And it’s family money, anyway. What’s the big deal?”
“The big deal,” I snap, “is it’s money you didn’t earn. And youstoleit. It’s unacceptable.”
“Fine. I’ll pay it back,” he wheedles, changing tactics. “Just give me a few weeks.”
“No, Brett. This is it.” And more than just today. I never should have given him this chance to begin with.
Setting my shoulders, I face off against the man who stopped being my brother decades ago. “You’re fired, Brett. I gave you another chance, and you liedto me. You stolefrom this company. I’m not going to turn you in; I’m going to pay it back using my own money, but you’re done here. Consider that the lastdonationI give to you.”
Brett glares at me, nearly purple with rage, his features twisting in anger. “Fine!” He jumps up from the chair, knocking it over. “Fuck you, Cash. I thought we could be brothers. But you’re a fucking traitor. Don’t worry, you won’t have to see me again.”
