Chapter 14 #2
His own? Is this what being part of a family feels like? I want to jump off Andrew’s lap and hug Adrian for all his help, but I doubt my possessive Daddy would appreciate it, so I keep my relieved butt exactly where it is, in my husband’s lap.
“Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say. It had to be a lot of work. I still can’t believe I was the only one to see the discrepancies.” It’s hard to believe none of my coworkers bothered to review any of the contracts for irregularities.
“Exactly. We’ll be making lots of changes to the contracts department,” Andrew adds.
“Sorry to bother you tonight, but I figured you’d want to know. I’m sure it’s a relief.” Adrian stands and heads for the door. “Will we see you for breakfast?”
“Not sure yet. I guess if we’re there, you’ll see us.” Andrew grins as his brother shakes his head.
“Have a good evening.”
Andrew rests his chin on my head and holds me tight. “I told you it would all work out.”
“I’m sorry I doubted you. But in my defense, I didn’t know you at the time. You were all sure I was behind it when I first arrived. You can’t expect me to just take your word after that.”
“I never want you to change who you are, Jaclyn. I love every stubborn bone in your body. I am sorry I doubted your veracity, Sweetpea. I suppose I’ll have lots of groveling to do in the future. And I’m extremely sorry for thinking you were a guy.”
“That part’s funny, actually. I figured using my first initial looked more professional.”
“You can create any email signature you want, as long as the last name is Gallant. With the investigation ongoing, I’m hoping you’ll agree to take some paid time off so we can spend time getting to know each other, sort of like a honeymoon without the plane ride.
But after that, you can work from here with me.
We can set up an office for you in the main house. ”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. I’d put another desk in my office to keep you close, but I have a feeling you’ll object to that.”
“I would. I mean, c’mon. If I’m just down the hall, what could happen to me?”
“Hmmm, you could get a splinter, or stub your toe, or bang your knee on the edge of your desk…the possibilities are endless.”
“Well, how about I promise if that happens, I’ll come to your office so you can make it all better. You know you’re being silly, right? I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”
“I know, but I enjoy doing things for you. And besides your friend, Cheri, I don’t think you’ve had that in your life. Let me make up for lost time.”
How can I say no to that? Especially when he’s right. But he’s already knocked down more of my protective walls in a day than anyone else has in my lifetime.
“I love you, Daddy.” I pull his head down and press my mouth to his. He lets me lead at first, but quickly takes control and slides his tongue inside my mouth, stealing my breath.
“I love you too, baby. Did you want more champagne or…?” I love it when he raises that one eyebrow. It makes my insides tingle almost as much as when he says good girl.
“I’ll take option two, please.”
“Good girl. It’s time to rock your world.”
AARON
Adrian: I’m meeting with Andrew. Can you check the driveway feeds? We have an intrusion alert.
Of course he’s busy. I just finished the last of the quarterly reports and poured a glass of bourbon. Typical, lousy timing. At least I was working late at the main building and not in my cabin.
Me: Sure. I’ll head down and check it out.
After logging off and then shutting down my computer, I head toward the front of the house. The rest of the place is empty, the twins are back at their cabins with their wives, and who knows where Asher and Emma are. I honestly don’t want to think about it.
For the life of me, I can’t figure out how we went from returning to the mountain and settling in, to four of us getting married in the space of a couple of months.
Pure insanity, if you ask me. I like my sisters-in-law; they’re all sweet, though I don’t know Jaclyn that well since she’s been here a day.
What the actual fuck was Andrew thinking?
Oh, I know, but still damn. One day? That has to be a world record, even for our weird family.
On the front porch, I take a deep breath. Damn, other than the wedding, I was inside all day. I need to spend more time in nature tomorrow, now that the quarterlies are done.
It’s not quite dusk, but I don’t see anything suspicious as I make my way down the long drive. I probably should have taken my truck, but it feels good to stretch my legs after sitting most of the day.
I’m nearly at the end when I see someone—not a hunter, like I was expecting. Is it a child? They’re so small, I bet not even five feet. As I get closer, I slow down. There’s no need to scare them, but they can’t be here, either.
Except that’s not a child. That’s a woman with curves to die for and long dark hair I’d love to wrap around my hand. She’s wearing jeans, a pink shirt, and…wait. Is that a suitcase?
I stop a few feet away. Now that I can see her face clearly…she’s stunning. Olive skin, dark brown eyes, and yeah, all that hair.
Our gazes connect, and I feel something I swore I never would again.
“Hi. Is this Gallant Mountain?” Her voice is husky yet soft and slides over my skin like silk.
Mine!
The End!
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