Chapter 13
Parker has just finished going over the plans for the new rooftop terrace. It’s going to be a modern stylish retreat with a predominantly white aesthetic. Crisp, light-colored flooring complements comfortable outdoor furniture adorned with plush white cushions. Greenery will take center stage in hanging pots, creating a lush, cascading display. Large pots will house statement plants, adding height and structure to the space. Privacy screens with climbing greenery will create an intimate atmosphere. I’m on board for his vision, but it’s not going to be cheap. I’m going to need to sink more money than I originally thought into this place. It’s an investment that I know will pay off. But what I don’t understand is where our current profits are disappearing to. There’s a gaping hole I haven’t been able to locate, and until I do, I’m reluctant to part with the money.
I glance out over the view and see what my great-grandfather saw all those years ago. This place offers 180-degree views of the beach, pier, and promenade below, and at this hour, it’s magnificent. The warm evening breeze carries the scent of the ocean, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore below provides a calming backdrop. I know I have to get this right for our family. For the Alexander name.
“There you are,” comes Gisele’s voice, sounding almost breathless. “I’ve been searching the hotel for you. Parker said I might find you here.”
I turn to see Gisele approaching, her figure silhouetted against the fading sunlight. “Here I am.” I smirk, pleased to see her after a long day, even if I know what’s coming after the text I received earlier. I didn’t reply in the hopes I could have it out with her in person.
She moves closer, holding out the keys to her new car. “Thank you for the offer, but I don’t need this. Parker is happy to drive me home,” she says, extending the keys toward me.
My skin prickles at the mention of his name. I push them back into her hand, the vein in my neck feeling like it’s going to pop. I knew she would be reluctant to take the car, that’s why I had Emerson deliver the news. “Keep it, he can’t drive you round town every day,” I demand, my tone firm, my insistence unwavering.
She looks me over, her cheeks coloring softly. Yes, sweet pea, I know the reaction your body has being this close to me. “He’s happy to. I think he enjoys my company,” she shoots back, looking at me with defiance, but her tone isn’t as confident. She’s purposely trying to bait me using the idea of Parker driving her around to get at me. Not very smart, Gisele.
I raise a brow, wanting to show her exactly what I think of her boldness. She needs to learn to trust me. She hasn’t thought this through like I have. “I’m sure he would, but Parker is a busy man. He’s not your personal chauffeur.” I take a step closer to her, crowding her space. It’s sweet torture because the breeze gets up and blows her hair around, forcing me to inhale, and the scent of her shampoo transports me back to our night together. What I wouldn’t give to kiss her sassy lips right now.
She blinks back at me, her eyes searching mine. Like she can read my mind, she licks her lips. “I don’t want the car, Brody.” Her eyes plead with me to reconsider.
I smile at her annoyance. She thought she could come up here and push my buttons, try and make me jealous. But I know Parker a lot better than she does, and when he knows a girl means something to me, there is no way he would get in my way. “When you’re leaving this place late at night after a wedding, there will be no bus. And you can’t walk home alone,” I explain, trying to make her see the practicality of the situation.
The last remnants of sunlight illuminate her features, revealing the uncertainty in her eyes. “No other planner has ever had a company car,” she whispers, dropping her head, losing her edge.
I lift her chin so she’s forced to look back up at me. Big blue eye stare back at me, unsure. “They had their own car, they didn’t need one. You do,” I counter.
Gisele hesitates then sighs heavily, stepping out of my grip on her. “You are a controlling asshole. You know I wanted to come here for a fresh start. I left New York because I was sick of the lucky-one comments I constantly got from the people I worked with. Things were supposed to be different here. The last thing I need is my colleagues thinking I’m getting special treatment from you.” She sounds exasperated by me.
Leaning against the terrace railing, I keep my gaze fixed on her. It’s obvious that she’s fiercely independent, and I like that she wants to work for what she has. But it doesn’t help the facts. She’s in a new town with no car, and I’d bet my left nut she doesn’t have the funds to get herself one. So, she needs it. “It’s not about favoritism, sweet pea. It’s about safety and practicality. I’d feel better knowing you have a secure way to get home, especially during the late hours.”
Her eyes fix on mine. “I’ll keep it if you can answer me one thing honestly.”
“Anything,” I agree.
“Did you get me a car because you didn’t want me traveling in with Parker again? Is this all about you being jealous?” Her question hangs in the air, the weight of its implications palpable.
I meet her gaze, holding it steady. The question is direct, and I sense the underlying currents of uncertainty in her eyes. She knows what she already means to me. I can’t hide it from her. I take a moment to choose my words carefully. There is too much at stake to get this wrong.
“No, Gisele,” I say, my voice steady. “The car isn’t about Parker. It was ordered yesterday,” I say honestly.
Her eyes search mine, and I see the skepticism. She nods slowly, seemingly satisfied with my response. “Alright, then. I’ll keep the car.” She huffs, turning on her heel, and strides away from me.
“Aren’t you going to thank me, sweet pea?” I know I’m pushing my luck, but I enjoy screwing with her; it’s fast becoming my favorite thing to do. And since I can’t screw her the way I want to, I’ll have to find other ways to have my fun.
She turns on the spot, the look in her eyes furious. “Thank you?” she says it as a question.
“Well, that’s better. You’re welcome, sugar, drive safe now.” I wink at her.
She glares at me and growls something like asshole under her breath before taking off in a huff, her long golden hair flowing over her shoulders like a cape as she leaves. Think I just won our first major argument. But man, she looks sexy as fuck when she’s mad with me.