by Thorpe, Kara
"Dad was amazing. I know he was a big-shot CEO, but it never seemed that way. He was always there for me, always at PTA meetings and helping with my homework. He helped me hack my first video game."
Tears stung Georgiana's eyes as a pang of grief clutched at her heart. Their father had tried his best to make up for the loss of Corinne Collier. Fortunately, Tab had been so young when she died that he hadn't realized exactly what he was missing.
"Gigi is nothing short of awesome. I don't know where I'd be without her. She's... she's just the best. She doesn't push, but she always supports. She's crazy and brilliant and ruins scrambled eggs and she can get so immersed in a project that she forgets everything else, but I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world."
"You should read what he said about you and Mr. Norwood," Yvonne suggested, carefully lowering herself to a crouch so she could pet the silky ears of a young cocker spaniel. The dog had been Robert’s gift to Georgiana after Tab absconded to California with Quinn.
"Life with Gigi and Bobby is even more insane, but it's great. He brings balance, but sometimes they'll get to working on something together, and I think you could set off a nuclear bomb in the living room and they 'd never notice. Of course, they’re likely to be the ones to set off the nuclear bomb. Bobby doesn't treat me like an in-law or anything. It's like I'm his real brother. I love it, and I'm so thankful he came into our lives when he did. It was perfect timing. I think I'm the only one not surprised Gigi's got him wrapped around her finger. She pouted for a week when I took our Irish Setter to college, so he ran out and bought her a dog. She talked him into naming it after a form of electromagnetic radiation. I don’t want to think about what she’ll name their children."
"Your mean Uncle Tab is just jealous he has such a boring name, Bremsstrahlung," Georgiana said, reaching out to tickle her puppy’s chin. She pointedly ignored Yvonne's snort.
"They’ve said they’re going to wait, but I’m really looking forward to being an uncle. The poor kid’s going to need someone to help him escape the House of Geekery. Someone who knows what it's like to live with two geniuses and all that legacy.
"Some people call my life a tragedy. They pity me because I never knew Mom and I lost Dad so young. I don't need pity or sympathy. My childhood wasn't easy, but I had nothing to complain about. I had a father who adored me, and a fantastic sister. Honestly, I think it's those without a Gigi or a father like mine that should be pitied."
It was the sweetest thing he'd ever said to her. Georgiana swallowed back the lump in her throat. She'd worried that, with him moving to California for school and the addition of Bobby and Dan to the family, they'd grow apart. She should have known better. Tab was a Collier, and by extension a Norwood, he’d been raised knowing the importance of family.
Her eyes narrowed as she read the answer to the final question: "What is your greatest birthday wish?"
She whipped her cell phone out of the pocket of her lab coat and pressed the button for her brother's number. He picked up on the third ring.
"Nice article. Thanks for the flattery, little brother. It's great and all, but it's not getting you the keys to the Buick."
The door to her lab swooshed open. She glanced over her shoulder. Warmth bloomed in her stomach at the stark adoration in Robert’s eyes. She winked at him and held out one of the magazines.
“Bobby and I are going to take it out on a serious road trip. Really put her through the paces. Maybe drive up to California to see you. See how our baby does in different terrain with the modifications we made.”
Robert’s arm slung around her waist. His chin pressed against her shoulder and his lips teased her earlobe. “Can’t forget to test the air shocks, doll. Or that splendid rear seat. I love that buttery soft leather.”
Laughing, Georgiana ended the call. She turned to wrap her arms around Robert’s neck. His lips were warm and tasted like rich, dark coffee. It was a better buzz than she ever got out of a cup of Pep.
“Tab says hi,” she relayed, smiling against his mouth. “Says we can keep the Buick, too.”
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Thank you for enjoying this book. I love to hear from my readers. You can reach me at [email protected] or via twitter @karahelen
Other books by Kara Thorpe
Family Lies Trilogy:
Daughter of Deception
The Chaos Child
Mistress of Malice and Mercy
Coming soon:
Letters of Smoke
The Art of War and Werewolves