AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The uncomfortable quiet only lasts a few seconds, thankfully, before the car stops in front of my house.
I scramble to grab my backpack out from between my knees and climb out of the car. “Thanks for the ride.”
If Aidan responds, it’s not before I’ve shut the door and started up the walk toward my front door.
CHAPTER SEVEN
AIDAN
Three weeks earlier…
Jameson is lounging on the leather couch when we walk in the front door of the chalet. Immediately, the high of snowboarding in the sunshine all day disappears.
Annoyance churns in my gut as I watch my brother alternate between sipping from the crystal tumbler he’s holding and scrolling on his phone. He only glances up when I slam the door shut behind us.
Conor glances at me, uncertainty written across his face.
I told him my brother might be showing up. I neglected to mention we’re more enemies than siblings. Mostly because I didn’t think Jameson would actually follow through on his taunt of coming here after the family celebration I skipped.
When Jameson spots Conor, he grins and stands. “Hey! Nice to meet you, man. I’m Jameson.”
“Conor. Nice to meet you too.”
Hart shakes my brother’s offered hand but doesn’t give Jameson more than a polite smile.
I’ve lost track of how many people I’ve seen fall for my brother’s slick charm. I doubted Hart would, but it’s still a relief not to see it happen.
After greeting Conor, my brother turns to me. Opening his arms wide and forcing me to interact with him or else make a scene.
“Been way too long, little brother,” he tells me, slapping my back as we embrace.
Not long enough.
I force a nod as I step back and unzip my ski jacket. There’s a roaring fire in the giant stone fireplace that takes up most of one wall in the living room. I’m sure Jameson called ahead and had the caretaking company build it while we were on the slopes. When it comes to anything except sucking up to our parents or antagonizing me, he’s lazy as shit.
“I was beginning to think I wouldn’t see you until the wedding.”
My entire body goes rigid. But since a reaction is exactly what he’s looking for, I force myself to say, “I’ll do my best to make that,” in the most bored tone I can muster.
Jameson’s smile is smug. “Yeah, I’m sure you will.”
He knows, just like I do, there’s no way my family will let me miss that wedding.
“Your wedding?” Conor asks Jameson.
“Yeah.” Jameson chuckles. “We’re young, but our parents are thrilled.”
“Uh, congrats.” Conor looks confused.
He doesn’t come from the same world I do, where parental approval is paramount. Where appearances are everything and loyalty is fluid.
“How long are you staying?” I ask.
Jameson transfers his attention to me slowly, the haughtinesshe usually aims my way replacing the pleasantness he manufactured for Conor. “Only tonight. I’m needed back in the office urgently for a big deal we’re working on.”
I suppress a snort. More like his signature is needed to sign off on a deal he played no major part in. He’s a figurehead at the company, coasting on my father’s coattails. At least Lincoln Phillips earned the accolades people heap on him. My dad might be a self-centered dick, but he’s a hard-working one.
Conor clears his throat. “I should go shower. Good to meet you, Jameson.”
