Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
Cole
I wake up to the warm press of Wendy's body against mine, her soft red curls brushing my chest. The early-morning light filters through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Ethan's arm rests protectively over her waist from her other side. His steady breathing is a comforting rhythm. For a moment, the weight of the world disappears, and all I can think about is how perfect this all feels.
But reality waits for no one, and with the dawn of a new day, we have to step back into the real world. From our discussion before bed, it was evident that Wendy is nervous about how our relationship will be received, not just by the office, but the world in general.
Over breakfast, Ethan tries to lighten the mood. "You know," he says, buttering a slice of toast, "if anyone at the office gives you trouble, just send them my way. I've got my stern-boss face ready."
Wendy smiles faintly, but doesn't respond immediately. I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. "Babygirl, I know this is scary. But you don't have anything to worry about, okay?"
Her big eyes meet mine, vulnerability shining in them. "I just... don't want people to think I don't deserve to be there."
Ethan leans forward, his voice firm but kind. "You've earned your place, Wendy. Priya has been singing your praises from the day you started. She wouldn't be giving the reigns over to you if she didn't think you deserved it."
Her smile grows, more genuine this time, and she squeezes my hand. "Thanks, that does make me feel better. She's a real badass, and if she thinks I've got what it takes, it doesn't matter about the rest."
After a leisurely breakfast filled with more reassurances and a few stolen kisses, we're ready. Wendy steps out of the bedroom in a pretty blue blouse and a black pencil skirt. Ethan got it for her at some point and she blushed a beautiful shade of pink when he pulled it out of her closet for her.
She looks stunning, her hair pulled back to reveal the graceful line of her neck, but I catch her fingers tugging at the hem of the blouse in a nervous gesture I wish I could soothe away.
"Relax," I murmur, stepping close and brushing a kiss over her temple. "You look incredible, and no one's going to say a damn thing. If they do, they will answer to me."
Ethan smirks, walking on her other side. "And me. We've got your back, Wendy. Always."
Her smile is small but genuine as she nods.
I can still feel Wendy's tension as we walk into the office together. I refuse to let go of her hand, even when she gives it a slight tug. Heads turn, as I'd guessed they would, but I keep my expression calm. Most of our employees know better than to gossip openly, but I can see the curiosity in the expressions of quite a few staff members.
When we reach Wendy's desk, Priya is waiting there, her usual sunny demeanor a welcome sight. She's glowing, the curve of her belly more pronounced now. She greets us warmly, but her expression shifts slightly as she pulls an envelope from her desk.
"Cole, Ethan." She nods at both of us before turning her gaze to Wendy. Her voice is steady but tinged with emotion. "I already started discussing this with Wendy yesterday, but after talking with Johnny last night I'm ready to give you this."
I take the envelope, a sense of foreboding settling over me. "Dammit Priya, is this what I think it is?"
She hesitates, her smile faltering. "Probably. Johnny and I talked and decided I'll be staying at home after the baby is born. We can afford it now. And with Wendy taking over, I finally feel comfortable leaving you two idiots alone."
Even though her words are said in jest, I can see the emotion building in her eyes. Her words are like a punch to the gut. She's been with us from the start. And even though we knew this was a possibility when she started looking for a replacement for her maternity leave, it isn't making the thought of saying goodbye to her any easier.
"You're irreplaceable, Priya," I say, my voice soft. "But I think you're leaving us with a close second."
Ethan steps forward, his hand resting on her shoulder. "We'll miss you, obviously. But I bet you're thankful to get rid of us."
After exchanging a few more words, both Ethan and I head into our offices. By midmorning, Wendy has relaxed a little, even laughing at one of Ethan's terrible puns. Deciding to surprise them both, I head out to grab lunch for all three of us. The crisp air helps clear my head, but my mood sours as I walk back into the building, heading to our kitchen and find two junior employees gossiping.
"Did you see her this morning? One of them—I honestly don't even have a fucking clue what her name is—sneers. "Wendy... their assistant ? She's totally sleeping with the bosses. That's probably how she got the job in the first place."
My blood turns to fire. Before I can think, I'm in front of them, towering over their pale, shocked faces.
"You want to repeat that?" I growl, my voice low and dangerous.
"M-Mr.—"one of them starts to stammer, their bravado quickly crumbling to nothing. "I didn't mean?—"
"You don't get to talk about Wendy that way," I snap, my fury barely contained. "She's here because she's damn good at her job. If I hear another word of this bullshit, you're both out the door. Do I make myself clear?"
They nod frantically, mumbling apologies before scurrying away like the cowards they are. My hands are still clenched when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see Callum's name flashing on the screen.
Perfect timing. Now I can deal with him, and then not ever again.
"What do you want, Callum?" I answer, my tone ice.
"Cole, come on," he cajoles, his voice dripping with fake sincerity. "I just want to talk. We're brothers?—"
“Save it,” I cut him off. “If you don’t back off, I’ll call Mom and tell her exactly what you’ve been up to. Don’t think I won’t.”
"Cole?" Wendy calls to me from the entrance of the kitchen. My attention jumps to her, and I quickly cut the call, hoping Callum hadn't heard her voice.
"Yeah, babygirl?" I ask, trying to push as much calm into my voice as possible.
"You okay?" She's frowning and her tone is filled with worry.
"All good. Why don't you head to Ethan's office? I'm just going to dish us up some lunch, then I'll come join you."
When I step into Ethan’s office with the food, both he and Wendy look up, their expressions shifting as they take in mine.
“What happened?” Wendy asks softly, her concern tugging at my heart.
“Nothing you need to worry about,” I assure her, setting the bags on the table. “Let’s eat.”
She doesn't look pleased with my response, and I feel guilty for not sharing, but I need to deal with everything first. Ethan studies me for a moment but doesn’t press. We tuck into the food, settling around the small table in his office. Over sandwiches and salads, the mood lightens considerably. Ethan teases Wendy about her newfound ability to handle his awful puns, while Wendy shares a story about a customer at her old bar who thought karaoke meant yodeling.
“Wait,” Ethan says, laughing. “You’re telling me this guy stood up and yodeled an entire Taylor Swift song?”
Wendy nods, grinning. “And he was dead serious about it. The worst part? He wasn’t even bad at it.”
I chuckle, the warmth of their laughter easing the tension that had been coiled tight in my chest. Watching Wendy relax, her cheeks flushed with amusement, fills me with a fierce sense of protectiveness and love. She belongs here—with us—and I’ll make damn sure she knows it.
By the time lunch is over, Wendy looks more at ease, and Ethan and I exchange a glance. I know I'll need to share with them sooner rather than later, but for now I'm glad they're not pushing it.
Famous last words and all that, right?
Because right after that shared moment—there's a huge fucking ruckus outside Ethan's office.
And the one making it?
My fucking baby brother.