by Tamie Dearen
His ringing cell phone interrupted the sound of his fingers drumming on the table. His phone’s dulcet feminine voice announced, “Call from Finn Anderson.”
“Yeah?” Bran answered with impatience.
Finn’s laugh rang in his ear. “Good morning to you, too. How’s it going? Has Stephanie moved in yet?”
Since their surprise weekend visit, Finn had been pestering him for details, calling multiple times each day.
“I told you yesterday, she’s moving in this morning.”
“And Carina? What did she say when you told her Stephanie was moving in?”
“It doesn’t matter what Carina thinks,” he growled. “This is my house and my life and my decision.”
“Ha! That from the man whose brand new fiancée moved into his house without signing a pre-nup agreement.”
“She’ll sign one.” Bran’s fingers tightened into a fist. “If she doesn’t, the wedding is off.”
“Whatever you say.” Finn chuckled. “Are you feeling better about Vegas? Did you invite Carina to go with you?”
“I mentioned the possibility to her. But I may not be able to go.” He forced a cough. “My throat’s getting scratchy.”
“Oh, no you don’t! You’re going to Vegas, even if you come from the hospital with an IV pole.”
As it did every time he thought about the upcoming trip, his heart hammered in his chest. “I think I need more time to prepare.”
“We were all planning to meet you in Vegas, but I can come there and fly on your jet, if you like.”
Bran wiped his sleeve across his perspiring forehead. “Maybe that would be a good idea. Carina hasn’t committed to going, anyway.”
“You never did say why you’re getting married. You don’t act like you’re in love with her.”
“Who said love has anything to do with marriage.” The subject made Bran angry, but anything was better than the panic he was feeling before.
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you. I thought you wanted to be different from your dad.”
“I am different. Phantom Enterprises proves it. I do good things with my money instead of spending every last dime on myself. And my resort business is expanding like wildfire. I’ll have even more money to give to our pet project.”
“But that’s your business, Bran. That’s only one part of your life. Don’t you want to marry for love? You always said how much you admired my folks and their marriage.”
“You’ve got no room to talk,” Bran retorted. “You’re thirty-two years old and you seldom go on a date.”
“That’s different.” Finn’s voice went quiet. “I can’t get married. It would be dishonest to do that, when I only have a few years to live.”
Bran’s throat went tight. He never liked being reminded of Finn’s diminished life expectancy. “You could outlive all of us. Aren’t you the same man who told me I shouldn’t waste a moment of life, because no one is promised to live another day?
“That’s not an excuse to hurt someone. I don’t want to marry a woman, knowing I’ll leave her a widow.”
“What about me and Cole and Jarrett? You don’t think we’ll be hurt when you die?”
“That’s different.” Finn’s words were distorted, like he was talking without moving his lips.
“It’s the same thing,” Bran insisted.
“How did we get off topic? We were talking about why you should marry for love instead of whatever this is with Carina.”
Bran let the air rush out of his lungs. “It’s not that I don’t want to marry for love, but I’m a realist. There’s only one reason a woman would want to marry me, and that’s my money and station. Carina and I laid out all the advantages and disadvantages and made the decision together.”
“Gee. Sounds like you’re purchasing stock options instead of planning a life together.”
“Jeer all you want, but at least we have an honest relationship.”
“Honest?” Finn scoffed. “I don’t believe that for a second. But let’s go back. Who told you no woman would marry you except for your money? Your kind and benevolent father who’s given you such a fine example of marriage and family?”
“It doesn’t matter who said it.” Bran deflected, since Finn had guessed accurately. “Unlike you, I’ve dated a lot of women, so I’ve seen it for myself.”
“Every one of those women went out with you because you’re rich? Not one mentioned being attracted to you for some other reason? Your personality? Or maybe your looks?”
His looks? Bran knew better. Sure, his body was in impeccable shape from his relentless training. Yet he knew his fake eyes were frightening to observe. His father had told him so, as had Carina. More recently, the terrified cries of a baby had confirmed it. His friends tried to shield him from the truth, but Bran had accepted it as one more strike among many. “Yeah, I’ve heard some women like my muscles. Doesn’t mean much to me. Is that a better motivation? Thought it was considered shallow to date someone solely because of their appearance.”
Finn made a strangled noise of frustration. “Okay, let’s start over. Why are you attracted to Carina?”
Bran didn’t hesitate. “She’s poised, beautiful, and influential. And she says exactly what she thinks.”
“Wait a minute… how do you know she’s beautiful?”
“You don’t need eyes to detect beauty. I sense the confidence that comes with it. I verify with Fordham, and I’ve never been mistaken.”
“You enjoy spending time with her?”
“Not particularly, but I’m prepared to play my role. So is she.”
“What about your personal assistant. In your opinion, is she beautiful, as well?”
Bran knew the answer, but he paused, pretending to consider the question. “She’s very confident in a lot of ways, so I’d say she’s beautiful. She tries to show deference, but I sense her pride pacing in the background, ready to pounce. Sometimes she can’t control it.” The thought brought a smile to his face. He loved goading her, keeping her a bit off balance.
“Considered marrying Stephanie, instead?”
Bran’s pulse skyrocketed. “I could never ask Steph to marry me.”
“Why not?”
“She’d think it was an ultimatum—marry me or lose her job. She might say yes to protect Ellie, but she’d hate me for forcing her into the relationship, taking away her choice. Steph wants love. She believes in it. She’s always oohing over some romance book and declaring she won’t make the same mistake twice. Said she has no desire to marry again.”
“So she was married before?”
“To a real jerk,” Bran confirmed. “Cheated on her from day one and left her because he couldn’t handle Ellie’s CF.”
Finn’s expletive mirrored Bran’s feelings on the matter.
“She deserves someone who’ll give her all the love and romance she wants,” Bran said.
“And why can’t that be you?”
Bran didn’t address the most obvious reason. Steph respected him as a boss, but would be disgusted at the thought of a physical relationship. “Like I said, I don’t believe in love. Plus, she needs the security my job provides. I’m not going to risk screwing up our relationship.”
“Maybe it’s you who needs the security Steph provides. Maybe you’re afraid to rock the boat.”
His breathing stopped. Is it true? Am I using Stephanie as a security blanket? He’d spent thirty years proving his independence. He covered his panic with anger. “Maybe you’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Again.”
“I’m worried about you. Okay? All three of us are. This whole engagement thing doesn’t make any sense.”
Bran blew all the air out of his lungs. “Fine, I’ll tell you the deal, but it stays between the two of us. I own thirty-five percent of Parker-Aston Pharmaceuticals. Carina’s agreed to sign over her shares. That gives me fifty-one percent.”
The phone went quiet as this information sank in. Parker-Aston’s grou
nd-breaking new cystic fibrosis drug would be under Branson’s control. “Are you telling me you’re going to control the company that makes Decolyde?”
“That’s right. Hopefully, we’ll be able to reduce the price to something the insurance companies can stomach.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“Satisfied, now?”
“Not quite.” Finn dragged the two words out like he was thinking hard. “I suppose you already tried every other source to gain the majority stocks?”
“Yep.”
“Here’s the obvious question. Why get married? Why not just buy her out?”
“Believe me, I tried. It’s the only way around her father’s stipulations on the Parker family shares. She can’t sell them. On paper, she’s giving them to me as a wedding present.”
“Out of the goodness of her heart?” was Finn’s droll question.
“She’ll be getting an equally nice wedding present from me—ten percent of Escapade Resorts.”
“What comes after that? A divorce?”
“Can’t. Not for three years, anyway. My ownership is only provisional. I can’t sell them. If we divorce or she dies, her family has the right to buy back the shares for a third of market value.”
“You’re really going to marry this woman?”
“On paper. Yes. You sound like I’m walking the plank. I’m getting married to a beautiful woman.” A woman who’s willing to play the part of blissful bride, blinded by love to her husband’s physical appearance.
“Bran, we can find another way. Don’t sacrifice your happiness for me.”
“Not just you. Steph’s daughter, Ellie. And the other 15,000 kids with CF, in this country alone.”
Finn was silent again.
“Don’t think too hard,” Bran jibed. “You’ll hurt yourself.”
Finn answered with a chuckle. “I only have one more question.”
“I feel like a genie who’s already granted you way more than three wishes.”
“Just one more. I promise. It’s about Stephanie. You plan to keep her on as your personal assistant indefinitely, even after you’re married?”
“Yes,” Bran pronounced, with a tone of finality he hoped would end the conversation.
Finn let out a low whistle.
“What now?” Bran barked.
“Wonder what’s gonna happen when Carina gets jealous of Stephanie.”
“Why would Carina be jealous of a paid employee?”
“Branson Knight…” Finn said his name like he was speaking to a child. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe you have an IQ of 165.”
When Stephanie finally arrived, an hour before lunch, Bran could tell something was off. She seemed quieter than normal, only answering direct questions.
His irritation at missing her for most of the morning had faded in the wake of a new worry, emerging from Finn’s earlier line of questioning.
Am I really dependent on Stephanie?
“How was the move?” He closed his laptop and leaned forward, turning his face directly toward her so she would know she had his attention. “Sorry about Carina and the room change.”
“Our rooms are great. Don’t worry about Ms. Parker. It was no big deal. The furniture is finer than anything I’ve ever had.” The conversation drifted into an awkward lull, until she spoke again. “Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. I didn’t say it Saturday night. Sorry, I made a scene at the party. It’s none of my business.”
The tense muscles in his shoulders relaxed as he settled against the back of his desk chair. That’s why she was so quiet. She felt awkward about their argument, and they hadn’t cleared the air yesterday. In fact, yesterday had been business as usual, as if nothing had happened. Exactly the way Bran wanted it. “No problem. I’ve already admitted I shouldn’t have surprised you like that.” He stopped short of telling her the wedding might never happen.
“About Ms. Parker…” She shifted in her chair, her pants squeaking against the leather.
Here it comes. She’s going to criticize Carina. To prove he wasn’t dependent on Stephanie, he should threaten to fire her in response to any criticism. His stomach churned at the thought. I only have to threaten—I don’t have to go through with it.
“What about Carina?” He kept his tone and his posture neutral, taking a sip of water from his thermal cup, his muscles tense, as he waited for her response.
“I think she’s a great choice.”
If he hadn’t already swallowed, he would’ve spewed water everywhere. “You do?”
“Yes.” Her voice was firm, as if she had given the matter a great deal of thought. “She’s intelligent and attractive. Socially, she’s a good match.”
“Interesting. You’ve never said anything nice about her in the past.” Why was Steph complimenting Carina when they’d just had a big confrontation?
She hesitated, clearing her throat. “Sorry if I wasn’t encouraging before. You don’t need my approval, but I ought to support you in every decision you make.”
“Instead of expressing your honest opinion?” he asked, wryly.
“I changed my mind. Women are allowed to do that, you know. I was harsh and judgmental before. Decided to look at her the way you do.”
Who was this woman? Certainly not the Stephanie he’d come to know over the past two years. “And how do I look at her? Since I can’t see,” he prodded, hoping to provoke a bit of ire and bring back the old Stephanie.
“You know what I mean. There’s a reason you’re attracted to Carina. You could’ve had any woman you wanted, and you chose her.”
“Right. Any woman I want. Any woman willing to marry for money.”
“Branson Knight!” It was her scolding schoolteacher voice. He’d succeeded in irritating her. “You know, good and well, money isn’t your only asset. It’s not even your best asset.”
“Then what is my best asset?
“I can’t believe you’re fishing for compliments,” she barked, in an obvious sidestep. “How can someone be so generous and caring in one instant, and conceited and selfish in the next?”
He painted a scowl on his face, though he was ridiculously pleased she’d called him generous and caring. He jumped when he felt her standing beside him. He lifted his face toward her. “Why the heavy sigh?”
“Mr. Knight, can I be honest?”
“Always,” he said, and he meant it, though he cringed at her formal address.
“I need this job… now, more than ever.”
“So?”
“So, you’re wasting your time asking me these questions, because I’m bound to say what I think you want to hear.”
“Then let me tell you what I want to hear.” He stood abruptly, frustration rising in his gut, lapping at the edges of his control. “Just this one time, I want you to have the gall to say it to my face.”
“Say what?”
Her tone was small, like a small child cowering at his fury. But he didn’t care. Only his father, who cared nothing about him, had ever been straight with him. He couldn’t trust anyone—none of his friends, Stephanie, or even Fordham. He faced her and glared in a way he knew must be terrifying. Her feet shuffled away from him.
“I want the truth. That’s one thing I get from Carina. She’s blunt—honest to a fault.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Her voice shook, but he continued his tirade. He jerked his hands up to point to his eyes. “Tell me to cover these with shades, so you don’t have to see them. Say I’m a monster. Admit when I get close, you turn your face or shut your eyes to avoid looking.”
“No.” She’d scrambled four or five feet away from him.
He heard a frightened gasp escape her lips. He ought to back off, but he couldn’t. Not when he was so close to hearing the truth. Now, more than ever, he needed someone he could trust implicitly. Why couldn’t Stephanie be as brutally honest as Carina?
“The truth, Stephanie. I want the truth, or I wan
t your resignation. I’m tired of playing games. I can handle rejection. I’m used to it.”
“I don’t understand,” she cried, and took a shuddery breath.
He closed the distance between them and gripped her shoulders. “I want you to look into my eyes and tell me what you feel. I can handle whatever you say. What I can’t handle is dishonesty.”
Her entire body trembled in his grasp. But he knew from the direction of her voice, she hadn’t turned her face away.
“I feel… I feel vulnerable. I feel misjudged. And most of all, I feel…”
He waited, holding his breath. Sickened. Petrified. Go ahead. Say it.
“Alone… Desperate, unloved, and alone.”
Her arms shook free of his grip, and her footsteps receded from the room at a running pace. The door slammed shut, the sound reverberating in his ears.
Alone? What does that even mean?
Chapter 5
Stephanie was still shaking when she made it to the end of the hallway. Fighting a wave of dizziness, she bent over and put her hands on her knees, leaning sideways against the wall for support. What now? It’s not like she could run home—she lived here, now. She wiggled her toes inside her well-worn flats, a reminder of her tight budget. An hour ago, she’d declared she would do whatever it took to keep her job. She had to get a hold on her emotions and march back inside his office.
She heaved a deep, calming breath and straightened her spine, pivoting to face the long hallway with his intimidating office door at the end.
“What are you doing?”
Carina’s voice made Steph jump out of her skin. She whipped around to face a smug smile.
“Hello, Ms. Parker.” Stephanie dipped her head in a gesture she hoped was sufficiently humble. “I was… I was headed to the kitchen to grab some coffee for Bran—I mean for Mr. Knight. Would you like for me to bring you a cup?”
Her eyebrows only twitched a millimeter, but Stephanie knew she’d been caught by surprise. “Certainly. I like it with—”
“A teaspoon of cream. No sugar.”
This time, the brows arched high. Carina had to wonder how Steph knew, since they’d never spent any time together. Steph didn’t reveal that she’d overheard Carina ordering coffee at the party Saturday night.