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“Good. That means you’re someone I can trust with my daughter and the business.”
It clicked then and there. No matter what I said, my friend’s mind would circle back around the same topic, because everything revolved around that business for him. It was a side to him I’d caught a glimpse of before, but not in full glory. Maybe it was a side I didn’t get to see because we were different people back then—me just struggling to survive and him trying to make his business dreams come true. Something inside me shifted, and the overprotective streak latched straight toward Sophie. My shoulders straightened.
“I don’t want to get involved in your business,” I found myself saying. I was braced already, either for the insults or a long insistence that it was important if I wanted to get with his daughter.
Butagain,Paul threw me into another loop when he gave a resigned sigh and made approving sounds.
“I see you still have the backbone you had when we were young. I like it.”
“Paul?”
“I understand, Matthew. We’ll talk about it when you’re ready. You’re not the only one with a backbone, and I’m pretty good at convincing people.” He chuckled. “My daughter has a backbone, too, it seems, along with a good head. I’ve always wanted her to develop those two, and it looks like she did while staying independent. She’s still independent, right?”
“I… Yes. She is.”
“Do tell me about the expansion when you’re ready to proceed with it. I’m very curious about the details and your plans.”
I knew the day would come when one of us would have to give in, but I also knew there would be a long tug-of-war before that happened. Realization sank in that I didn’t mind, not when it meant I could be with the woman beside me.
Anything was tolerable and surmountable for Sophie.
When it was obvious that I wasn’t going to budge, Paul laid it thickly on her, and it gave another realization that I’d never really seen them interact on a business stand. My time with them involved work talks with Paul or dinners at the family table, where Mary always made sure that we were relaxing and laughing over the most mundane things. Sophie seemed resigned to it, however, and a surge of jealousy came when it occurred that a social marriage might have been arranged for her if I wasn’t in the picture. The jealousy left when the call ended and she just stood there, silent. y vulnerable, beautiful woman who deserved the world. Sebastian and Rupert still didn’t say a word, and there was a storm in Rupert’s features again.
Before I could break the silence, she cleared her throat and faced me. Us.
“He’s gotten rich over the past few years. Well, richer than he already was, and his world revolves around the business that provides him that wealth and the family that influences how he can expand on it.”
“And Mary?” I asked.
She shrugged. “My mom loves him. If she thinks it’s for the betterment of the family, then she’s fine with everything. She supports me, but she supports my dad more. They’re partners in every aspect.”
My hand fisted. “I see.”
“I suppose my involvement with you means he approves of your business-minded ways—”
“To hell with that.”
Blue-green eyes widened at my exclamation. “What?”
I met her gaze. A fierceness had overcome me, this fervent need to get my point across.
“I’m not here with you for some goddamn business deal. I’m here with you because I want to be.”
A sound came from her throat when I strode closer, unable to help myself. This time, she no longer sidestepped me. The tension was gone, replaced by a shy smile that bloomed into something radiant.
“I thought you wanted to break up with me,” she teased.
“What the hell?”
The outburst had us glancing at Sebastian, who sent me an accusing look.
“You’re breaking up with her?” he demanded.
“To protect her,” I clarified. “But she wouldn’t let me.”
Pride shone on Sebastian’s face as he looked at Sophie fiercely. Rupert was quiet as usual, but he had the same intimate, fierce expression as he regarded her.
“Atta girl,” Sebastian praised. “Don’t let the bastard dictate who you are and who you want to be with.”
