Chapter 1 #2
“Drill ’Em Hard Construction?” he asked, wondering what the actual fuck was happening. For nearly a decade in the NHL, his name had been Drill ’Em Hard Decker. The last thing he wanted was to go back to being that guy. “When did that happen?”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about it.”
He pulled a ball cap out of his jacket pocket and handed it over.
It was a blue cap with Drill ’Em Hard Construction, stitched into the front. It was stiff and uncomfortable—kind of like how he felt right then.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“It’s brilliant idea. The new branding guy says this is just what we need. A new identity. The new face of the company.”
Wasn’t that the same “face” his brother had just accused of ruining the company?
“I think it’s a shit idea.” Because it meant that all Brian thought Decker brought to the table was his fame—not his hard work.
“Too late. The new website, marketing swag and everything is already done.”
“That’s a shit way to handle business. I’m your partner,” Decker said.
“Then prove it.”
Decker wasn’t a kiss-and-tell kind of guy, but the women he dated seemed to be.
Hell, his ex-fiancée, Cami, sold their breakup story to the tabloids last year for a million bucks.
The reminder was still like a punch to the gut.
Not that he wasn’t over her—he was—but because it brought back all the anger that came with being used for his glory and wealth.
“I’ll call Castle and fix this, but next time we both get a say in major decisions that affect our company.”
“Touché.” Brian laughed, but there was no humor behind it. “And how would the talk with Castle go? ‘Sorry I filmed a porno with your only daughter, but I can’t talk about the night in question. Now can we get back to business?’ Hell, for all we know, he thinks you leaked it.”
“Why the hell would he think that?”
“Because what kind of father is going to believe his own daughter would?”
“I’ll call Holly and see what’s going on.”
Brian let out a long, strained sigh. “I’ll handle Stan. You focus on repairing your reputation.”
“And how should I do that? You know that if I say one word to the press besides ‘No comment,’ it will only add more fuel to the fire. Our best play is to keep quiet.”
“Fine. Then I have an alternative solution. Find a way to lay low and let this blow over.”
A sick feeling started in Decker’s gut. “Is this your way of telling me you don’t want me to be a part of Dad’s legacy?”
Brian didn’t have to say a word; his expression said it all. His brother adhered to a one-strike-and-you’re-out philosophy. Second chances weren’t built into his DNA.
The day their dad had a life-altering stroke, it was as if Decker had lost two of the most important people in his world: his dad and his brother.
Brian hadn’t hesitated to step up to care for Dad, and he’d never let Decker forget it.
Even though Decker had sent home money that paid for all their dad’s care and medical needs.
A lot of money. Which was why it was so important to salvage this deal.
He went into business with his brother to fix their relationship and grow their company from a seven-figure outfit to an eight, so he’d be damned if he let one bad decision ruin what was left of their brotherly bond.
“No. This is my way of telling you that you need to man up and do whatever it takes to pull your weight,” Brian said, as if Decker’s name hadn’t landed them the contract in the first place.
“It sounds like you have a strong opinion on how I should live my life, so go ahead and let me know what you’re thinking.”
“You can reconsider that project your agent came to you with.”
Decker blinked. “You want me to fix my public persona by going on a television show?”
Last month his agent approached him with an offer to co-host a fixer-upper show. He’d quickly declined. The last thing he wanted to do was be on television. He’d had enough press to last a lifetime.
“It’s the perfect place for you to disappear. The show films for six weeks. You’ll be on the property for the entirety, so the press can’t get to you. You can show America you’re not that guy anymore.”
The truth was, Decker wasn’t that guy. Hadn’t been since he met Cami. Sure, he’d had a few casual situationships over the past year and a half, but nothing remotely close to a relationship. Lately, the thought of dating, opening himself up to someone, made him break out in a sweat.
“When people look at you, I want them to see the owner of a construction company who knows his shit, not a player. This is a great opportunity to do just that,” Brian said. “Not to mention how great the exposure could be for our company.”
So, Brian was all for using Decker’s fame when it benefited the company but when it got in the way of the all-mighty dollar, Decker’s fame was a liability.
He understood the ramifications of his fame, but it still sucked that his brother wanted to wash his hands of Decker until he brought in the right kind of press.
He expected it from a puck bunny. But from his brother? That burned.
“How will you handle the builds we’ve already started if I’m MIA for six weeks?”
Brian lifted a nonchalant shoulder. “I’ve been handling things on my own for a long time. I’ll manage.”
And just like that, Decker felt like that selfish eighteen-year-old all over again, who chose his own wants over the needs of his family. It didn’t matter that hockey had not only been his dream, it had been his dad’s. It was their thing.
Their dream.
“Just do what needs to be done,” Brian added.
“Is that why Asher called me earlier and asked me to meet him tomorrow?” he asked, referring to his agent.
“He wants to discuss what it would entail.”
“You two have been organizing my life without even consulting me?”
“Someone had to.” Brian stood to leave.
“Can’t we at least brainstorm ideas? Or maybe even just have a couple of beers?”
“I gotta go. Lauren is making lasagna, and tonight is Miles’s weekly dinner with the family; plus, I told him I’d help him with a project. He’s taking an intro to architecture class. Can you imagine, my kid, an architect?”
Actually, Decker couldn’t. Miles hated school.
Always had. Trying to corral that kid to sit still was like trying to rope the wind.
He might not have been born a Decker, but he was a Decker through and through, even had the Decker wildfire in him.
Everyone knew how hard it was to snuff out a wildfire once it got going.
Just look at Decker. Not that he’d change the past decade, but there were times, like right then, when he wondered what it would be like to have a family waiting for him at home. Then again, he’d tried that once and lost out big time. He wasn’t eager to take that ride again.
“Tell the family I say hi.”
With a grunt, Brian disappeared into the crowd, leaving Decker alone with nothing but his thoughts and regrets for company.
He picked up his phone and texted Asher.
Decker: Asshole
Asher: Love you too
Decker: About the project I told you to go fuck yourself on? Well, I might have been too hasty
Asher: Is that your way of telling me I was right?
Decker: An hour ago, I would have said no but my position may have changed
Asher: I figured. That’s why I wanted to talk. Something you’d have known if you’d answered at least one of my calls
Decker didn’t have to look at his phone to know that his agent had already called five times. But he’d been so excited to go out with his brother and shoot the shit that he hadn’t wanted the distraction.
Decker: I couldn’t hear it ring
Asher: Is that the story you’re going with?
Decker: For now. Where do you want to meet?
Asher: I’m already headed your way
Decker: Not a good idea. I need to bail before someone recognizes me. Meet at my place?
Decker was waiting for a reply when someone slid onto the barstool next to him. “I am so sorry I’m late.”