Ask Me Why(46)

“We’ll never reach an agreement on this.” I sag against the back of my chair. My legs are stretched out wide. I keep my features flat, masking the conflict waging a war inside of me.

Jordan holds up a finger. “As Ollie’s godfather, I vote for giving Braelyn a chance.”

“I second that,” Sadie echoes.

I roll my eyes to the ceiling. “Not your choice.”

“He’s practically begging her to be his mama.” There’s not an ounce of amusement in Jordan’s voice.

Venom sizzles under my skin. “That’s a ballsy low blow.”

He clicks his tongue and faces Sadie. “You’ll have to excuse my friend. He’s a bit tense about a certain meeting tomorrow. The wait has him edgy as fuck.”

My head whips toward Ollie at the claw machine with Braelyn. He’s safely out of listening range. I turn my glare to Jordan. “Watch your fucking language.”

He brushes off my concern. “My bad,” he deadpans. “It’s hard to remember the rules with such a stellar role model around. I’m not sure what gave me the idea it was okay to curse.”

Sadie’s gaze bounces between us, settling on me. “What meeting?”

“The partners at our law firm are deciding who’s joining them up on top.” I rub at the knot in my throat.

“And our guy here is the front runner,” Jordan adds.

That earns him a smirk. “Thanks, man.”

He nods. “I’ll have the whiskey on ice in your office to celebrate.”

I chuckle, but the sound is forced. “I can hardly wait.”

Sadie taps her chin. “Speaking of that, having a significant other to share the joy with makes it extra special.”

I drag a palm over my mouth, muffling the growl gaining strength. “Thanks for the suggestion, but I’ll manage without.”

Jordan rolls his neck toward Sadie. “He doesn’t realize the perks. My man has never been part of a healthy functioning duo.”

She rubs her nose along his. “Should we try harder to convince him?”

Once again, I’m surrounded by Braelyn fans. If I strain my ears, there’s a roar of applause rooting from her corner. Everyone loves her. I should be used to it. But I’m not ready to climb onto the bandwagon.

“Hello?” I wave in front of them. “We’re in a family space, and I’m sitting right here.”

They stare at me, waiting for my willpower to collapse. Fucking traitors.

I grip a fistful of my hair. “I’m playing nice enough. I bring Ollie to her store without complaint. I tolerate her overly sweet demeanor. I abstain from the temptation she inadvertently flings my way. She’s everything I’ve spent my life avoiding.”

The list continues to compile in my mind. Her natural beauty is a nuisance. The effortless connection she has with Ollie threatens to break me. I can’t lower my guard. If I do, everything will crumble. But my arsenal is scraping bottom. She’s bound to be the catalyst of my ultimate destruction.

This game is rigged. The deck has been stacked against me from the start. They’re rooting her on without considering my feelings. Not that I blame them. But they should want better for her. I certainly do.

Red fringes along the edge of my vision. I blink the anger away with a grunt.

Sadie scoots to the edge of her seat. “All signs are pointing to yes. Just give in. It could be one night only.”

Jordan gets out his pom-poms. “Have you asked what she wants?”

I scoff. “No. And I’m not going to.”

The noise he makes calls my bluff. “Wanna bet?”

I lean back and cross my arms. I’ve never been in the business of losing money.





Braelyn



Sway



I swing my hips to the swoony beat that’s crooning from the speakers. With a pep in my step, I strut by the front display cases while snagging misplaced items. Before disappearing from view, the setting sun makes a last-ditch effort to blast me with warm rays. A crystal wind chime dangles from the window, reflecting rainbows all across the floor. I follow the colorful path and shimmy down the far aisle.

I’m still buzzing from yesterday. Having dinner with Ollie, Sadie, and Jordan was great. Exchanging fervent glares with Brance was better. His scorching blue gaze barely left me during the entire meal. That amount of blatant attention from him had me flustered and bothered. Just when I think we’ve established a truce, he stomps on the flimsy agreement and rips it to shreds. That man is something else, and I want more.

The clock strikes seven o’clock, alerting me that it’s officially quitting time. I glance toward the entrance where the open sign is still blinking bright. The store has been empty for almost an hour. I could’ve closed early. At this point, I doubt anyone will be strolling in. A Dapper sundae will be mine in less than twenty minutes if I hurry. The promise of ice cream has me restacking these shelves with gusto.

Not even a minute later, the welcoming chime calls out. I turn toward the front to greet the customer. But no one is there. Until he is.

Brance appears from behind the counter, donning a dark gray suit. It’s no surprise he took the liberty of switching off my lollipop light. I’m sure he flipped the lock in the same beat. He saunters over with all the ease and confidence only a powerful man possesses. His light blue shirt is open at the collar, no tie in sight. My fingers itch to rip at the remaining buttons.