Chapter Seven #2
“Now you sound as naive as Cheyenne,” his brother grumbled.
“Hey,” Cheyenne protested. “Stop being so cynical. I think it’s sweet. I’ve met her—she’s nice.”
“You should stop being so gullible and trusting,” Evanston replied, undaunted.
“You’re just distrusting because you’re divorced,” she pointed out. “Not all women are like your ex, or Oakley’s.”
“And you wonder why I always say you’re Susie Sunshine,” Evanston said.
“Hey.” Jagger entered the conversation and attempted to diffuse the growing tension.
“Oakley’s a big boy. You did learn your lesson the first time, right, bro?
By marrying? Of course you did. You need to be more like me, embracing the bachelor life.
Women are to be sampled and enjoyed, like this fine wine. ”
“You’ve enjoyed enough of them,” Maisey retorted. “Hence the earlier call for you to grow up now that you’re thirty.”
“Besides, who doesn’t want what our parents had?” Avery asked. “One thing about Dad—he was one hundred percent committed to Mom. And they truly loved each other, madly and deeply. That’s what I want.”
“Me too,” Cheyenne said.
Oakley wanted that as well, and for a second his brain made the leap and he wondered what it would be like to have Rachel as a life mate. They could raise Allie together. Would she want other kids? Rachel was an excellent mother.
“As for your admin—” Evanston’s voice snapped Oakley back to attention and that fact that Rachel was absolutely off limits “—maybe next time you simply extend her lunch or allow her to work from home a few days a week. That might be a better option than lavishing her with baby gifts.”
“Sure. Good idea,” he mumbled.
“And, bro, I have a bunch of women friends I can introduce you to if you’re ready to get back out there,” Jagger said. “You know, dip your toe in the water without committing.”
“I have no desire to have a bunch of one-night stands or meaningless relationships. I thought I’d be happily married and have kids of my own by now.
Have that love like our parents.” Oakley shrugged.
“It didn’t work out, and I’m fine. Okay, maybe a little disappointed.
But I’m not desperate. Right now I’m cool with being alone, and when the universe thinks it’s the right time, the right woman will drop into my lap.
” Or she’d stumble into him when he was sitting on his desk and he’d crash his mouth to hers—one of the best kisses of his entire life.
He didn’t dare speak the last part aloud.
He had to bury it deep. Rachel had asked him to act professional, and he would.
No more desire, no more lustful thoughts.
He didn’t want to lose her. That would be unthinkable.
“You know, you could devise a few tests to make sure she’s loyal to you and that you can trust her.” Evanston set his empty wineglass down.
Oakley wished he’d ordered another bottle. “Do tell,” he said, knowing his brother planned on doing so whether he wanted him to or not.
“This is what I’d do,” Evanston began, getting that look that showed he was deep in thought.
“I’d start simple. Leave some family documents on your desk, nothing too sensitive.
Not Dad’s bills, but something. Or maybe Cheyenne’s volunteer schedule.
See if it stays confidential or if suddenly everyone in town knows our business. ”
“Rachel is not like that!” Oakley snapped. “She’s a good person.” He’d seen it with his own eyes, and while he thought he could sit there and hear his brother out, all of this was beginning to tick him off.
Evanston stubbornly pushed on. “Maybe even have someone call the office pretending to be from the media—fishing for information about Dad’s latest antics or the family.
I mean, we are new to the Fortune family.
They could make up a story about us. If she has some sort of revenge agenda, she might confirm it. ”
Oakley sucked his lips under, silently fuming.
That was the last thing Rachel would do.
His gut told him he could trust her. Sure, he’d been wrong about his ex, but that was a different story.
He’d seen the signs and ignored them, convinced he could fix things.
So enamored by the idea of love and marriage, he hadn’t considered what type of partner would suit him best. He’d taken the easy route, assuming he’d grow into love and by then they were deep into wedding planning.
And like a plane that had to take off no matter what, he’d simply shown up at the altar and prayed it would work out.
It hadn’t. Instead he and his ex-wife had drifted apart almost from day one.
“Also, stop being so careful about your personal calendar,” his brother continued. “Leave it open on your computer when you step out. See if she respects your privacy or starts asking why you’re seeing Dr. Morrison twice a week.”
“Who is Dr. Morrison?” Avery interjected.
“It’s a name I made up,” Evanston said. “If she’s looking for ammunition against the family, your personal information is a gold mine. Same for something from your past from Dallas that you could let slip.”
“These are all ridiculous suggestions,” Cheyenne said, rising to Oakley’s defense. “She might be good for him.”
“You like everyone.” When Cheyenne glared at him, Evanston pushed his empty glass forward. “Fine. I’m just saying it’s better for Oakley to find out Rachel’s true nature before he’s in too deep. You might be too naive and gullible at times, Cheyenne, but our brother is far too trusting and nice.”
“He is a nice guy,” Maisey agreed. “Sorry, Oakley, but your sending her all those gifts proves that. It was a kind gesture, but be sure things don’t get misconstrued.”
“I won’t.” Oakley was at the end of his patience with this conversation. He liked Rachel and knew her to be none of the things Evanston insinuated. A kiss like that couldn’t be faked, and he could see how much she enjoyed her job.
“If you’re sure,” Maisey said. “We love you and only want what’s best for you. You know that.”
He shrugged. “Whatever. I really don’t want to discuss this anymore. Don’t we have anything else to talk about than my nonexistent love life and my admin? How about the dessert we ordered? In fact, our server is coming this way.” Grateful for the diversion, he reached for his water glass.
Saved by the crème br?lée.