Nathan Wolfe: Wolfe Brother’s Series, Book Two

by Lynn, Sandi

  “Hello, darling.”

  “Hey, Mom. Listen, about the gala tonight. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to attend.”

  “Unless you’re dying and are in the hospital, it’s not an option. Are you dying or in the hospital?”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “No.”

  “Then I’ll see you tonight at six-thirty sharp. You know how important this is to me every year.”

  “I know. I’ll see you tonight.” I sighed as I ended the call.

  Allison had been on my mind the past couple of weeks and no matter what I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I missed her and I missed Ruby. The worse part was I couldn’t even drink like I wanted to because I had to be up early every morning for work.

  I needed to stop by Elijah’s house to pick up some cufflinks he was lending me since I’d seemed to have lost my pair one night in a hotel room with some random chick.

  I took the private elevator up to the penthouse and when the doors opened, Aspen came walking into the foyer.

  “Hey, sis.” I kissed her cheek. “Where’s my niece?”

  “She’s in the kitchen. Elijah is feeding her breakfast. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

  “That would be great. Hey, bro,” I said as I walked into the kitchen.

  “Hey. I haven’t heard from you in a while. I was starting to get worried.”

  “It’s been a busy past couple of weeks with work. Hey, sweet girl.” I smiled at Mila in her highchair as I kissed her head.

  She held her arms up to me.

  “I think she wants you to feed her.” A smirk crossed Elijah’s lips as he handed me the baby food jar and spoon.

  Aspen set the coffee cup down in front of me as I started feeding the baby.

  “This shi—stuff smells pretty good.” I looked at the jar and saw it was bananas.

  “So far it’s her favorite. I dare you to take a taste.” My brother grinned.

  “No, thanks, bro. I’m good. How’s work going?” I asked.

  “Busy. Very busy. We’re getting bombarded with new cases every day. I just hope I’m not overwhelming Allison. By the way, have you seen her?” he asked.

  “No. I haven’t seen her at all. Why?” I asked with suspicion.

  “Just wondering if you happened to see who the guy is she was seeing. Things didn’t work out.”

  “No. I didn’t know she was seeing anyone,” I carefully spoke as I brought the spoon up to Mila’s mouth.

  “You haven’t seen any strange guys hanging around the building?”

  “Nope. I haven’t noticed. Is she okay?”

  “Nah, she’s really broken up over the whole thing. She started crying in my office.”

  Did he know and he was just beating around the bush about it?

  “Man, that sucks. Did you offer her some advice?”

  “I told her that she was a beautiful and smart woman and not to let one rotten apple spoil it for the good apples. I told her that there are plenty of guys out there who would kill to date her. And don’t go getting any ideas.” He pointed at me.

  Whew. He didn’t know.

  “You don’t have to worry about that,” I said as Mila spit out a mouth of food at me.

  Elijah laughed and wiped her mouth with a soft washcloth.

  “I’ll go get those cufflinks. I’ll be right back.”

  Aspen walked back into the kitchen, cleaned Mila up and took her from her highchair.

  “I know you’re the one who broke Allison’s heart,” she whispered to me.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I nervously spoke.

  “You damn Wolfe boys.” She shook her head. “I’m not stupid, Nathan. We women have a sense for this kind of stuff.”

  “I can’t talk about this right now. Elijah will be coming back.”

  “I hid the cufflinks, so he’ll be a while.” She smiled. “She’s a wonderful woman. You had happiness staring you straight in the face and you turned your back on it.”

  “It’s complicated, Aspen.”

  “Of course it is. Everything with you Wolfe boys is complicated.”

  “Here you go,” Elijah set the cufflinks down in front of me.

  “Thanks, bro. I should get going. I have things to do before tonight.”

  “Are you and Allison coming together?” Elijah asked.

  “Why would we?”

  “Because you live in the same building and you’re both going to the same place. Maybe you should ask her. I’m sure she could use the company right now.”

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “You know, as much as I’d love to, I can’t. I’m actually seeing someone before I head over to the hotel.”

  “Oh. Okay.” He patted my back. “I’ll see you later then.”

  Was that a test?

  Mila held her arms out to me, trying to get out of Aspen’s grip. I took her in my arms, kissed her head and held for a moment before I left.

  Chapter 42

  Allison

  I had walked into my apartment building from having my hair done when I saw Nathan standing at the elevator. Quickly, I turned around and walked out and down a half a block until I knew it was safe. It was bad enough I’d have to see him tonight, but at least it would be in a room full of people. There was no way I was about to get in an elevator alone with him.

  I changed into my red, floor length strapless gown with the thigh-high slit and sweetheart neckline. This event was black tie and formal attire was required. I knew a lot of the women were going to be dressed in black, so I opted to be bold and go for red. I felt glamourous in my dress and my elegant up do. I rummaged through my jewelry and pulled out a simple, but elegant diamond necklace Jared had given me for our anniversary with the diamond bracelet to match. Slipping into my red strappy heels, I grabbed my clutch and headed out the door.

  I pushed the button to the elevator and when it stopped on my floor, the doors opened, and Nathan and two other people stood there staring at me. I swallowed hard as my heart raced and I stepped inside, avoiding his stare.

  “You look simply gorgeous, my dear,” An older woman spoke. “Fancy party tonight?”

  “Thank you.” I nervously smiled at her. “And yes, I’m going to a fancy party.”

  “You’re going to have trouble with the men tonight, young lady.” Her husband grinned at me.

  I gave him a small smile as the doors opened and I quickly stepped out.

  “Allison,” I heard Nathan’s voice from behind. I ignored him and walked out of the building. “Will you stop for a minute, please.”

  “Leave me alone, Nathan, “I said as I held up my hand for a cab.

  “Listen, since we’re going to the same place, let’s just share a cab.”

  One pulled up and he opened the door for me. I quickly climbed in, grabbed the door handle and looked at him.

  “No. Get your own cab.” I pulled the door shut. “Can you step on it, please.” I spoke to the cab driver.

  “Do you know that guy?” The cab driver asked.

  “Unfortunately,” I replied.

  * * *

  Nathan

  I sighed as I signaled for another cab. This was going to be a fun night. Damn it. She looked way too sexy and gorgeous. The moment the elevator doors opened, and I saw her standing there, not only did my heart begin to race, but my cock also started to rise.

  When I stepped into the ballroom where the event was being held, I quickly grabbed a glass of champagne as the waiter walked by with them on a tray.

  “Hello, darling,” my mother spoke as she kissed my cheek.

  “Hello, Mother. You looked stunning as always.”

  “Thank you, darling. Your brothers are sitting at our table if you want to head over there.”

  “Thanks.”

  I took my champagne and headed over to the table only to find Allison sitting there next to Elijah and the only empty seat left was next to her. Shit. Like I said, this was going to be a fun evening. I di
dn’t even understand why she was sitting at the family table.

  “Hey, everyone,” I spoke as I approached the table and took my seat next to Allison. I needed to play it cool or Elijah would get suspicious. I only hoped she would play along. “Allison, you look amazing.”

  “Thanks,” she spoke in a flat tone as she picked up her champagne glass.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m heading up to the bar. Can I get anything for anyone?” I asked.

  “I’ll go with you,” Mason spoke as he got up from his chair.

  “Why the fuck am I sitting next to Allison?” I asked Mason as we headed to the bar.

  “Bro, I tried to switch the place cards, but Mom caught me and stopped me. I couldn’t come up with an excuse fast enough.”

  “Do you know how awkward this is? I ran into her in the elevator and told her since we were both coming here, we should share a cab. She told me to get my own cab and slammed the door in my face.”

  He let out a light laugh, and I smacked his shoulder.

  “Do you blame her? Come on, Nathan.”

  “No. I don’t blame her, but still. Now I have to sit next to her?”

  “Only for dinner. Just eat quick and get up and mingle. Look around. There are some really hot single girls here for you to hit up.”

  “Under any other circumstances, that would make me happy. But there’s only one girl here that interests me.”

  “And you fucked that right up, bro. You made your bed and now you have lie in it.”

  “You’re a douchebag.” I narrowed my eye at him.

  “What’s going on over here?” Elijah asked as he walked up to us.

  “Just some single brotherly talk about the hot chicks here and which ones we’re thinking about hitting on.” Mason grinned. “Too bad you can’t join in the fun.”

  “You’re such a douchebag.” He sighed. “Dinner is being served so get back to the table.”

  As soon as he walked away, I looked at Mason.

  “Thanks, bro.”

  “I always got your back. Let’s go eat.”

  Chapter 43

  Allison

  I’d never been more uncomfortable in my life. Seeing him for the first time since that night intensified the ache in my heart. I wasn’t sure if I could do this. Keep up this façade as if nothing was wrong.

  “Before we eat, I need to use the ladies’ room. Allison, do you need to go?” Aspen asked.

  “Actually, I do.”

  I got up from my seat and followed her into the bathroom. She looked under each stall to make sure no one was in there.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “I’m fine. Why?”

  “Because I know Nathan is the one who broke your heart and now you have to sit next to him.”

  I looked down as I took in a deep breath and placed my hands on the sink.

  “How did you know?”

  “I just did. I tried to switch the place cards, but Caitlin saw me and asked what I was doing. She’s a real stickler about those damn place cards. Listen.” She placed her hand on my arm. “I know what you’re going through. These Wolfe boys are a lot to deal with. Trust me. I don’t have time to explain right now, but how about we meet for brunch tomorrow? Say around noon?”

  “Sure. That’ll be great. Jared’s parents aren’t dropping off Ruby until the evening.”

  “Okay.” She smiled. “We better get out there before the guys get suspicious.”

  We walked back to the table and I took my seat without even looking at Nathan. I couldn’t stand how my aching heart wouldn’t calm itself down. I was quiet during dinner and Elijah could sense something was up.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah. I’m great.” I gave him a smile. “This is really nice. I’m happy I could be a part of it.”

  “We’re all happy to have you here and a part of our firm.”

  The evening went on and as soon as Nathan finished eating, he got up and walked away, which was fine with me. The moment he left the table I felt as if I could breath again. After Caitlin and Elijah made their speeches, the only two people left at the table were me and Aspen. We started talking about Nathan and made sure nobody was within an earshot of us.

  “He went on to say something about no matter how good things are or how in love you are, the other person could always just lose feelings for you and be gone just like that. And something like that isn’t in any of our control, and he shouldn’t have let it go on.”

  “What?” Elijah spoke as he stood behind me. “The guy you were seeing said that to you?” He looked over to where Nathan was standing.

  “Oh shit. Elijah, no!” Aspen grabbed hold of his arm and he jerked it out from her grip.

  * * *

  Nathan

  I was standing talking to Mason when Elijah came up to me, grabbed my arm and dragged me outside.

  “What the fuck, bro?” I got out from his grip.

  “What the fuck? I’ll tell you what the fuck,” he said as he punched me square in the face and sent me to the ground. Shit. He knew about Allison. Getting up, I tackled him, and we began to fight.

  “I fucking warned you to stay away from her,” he said as he punched me again. “You did exactly what I knew you’d do.”

  “It’s none of your fucking business, bro. Get over yourself.” I threw one last punch before Mason grabbed me and Tommy grabbed Elijah.

  “What the hell is going on here?” My mother shouted. “You’re both acting like fucking teenagers.

  “Ask your son what he did,” he said as he got out of Tommy’s grip and straightened his suitcoat.

  “Elijah,” Aspen ran up.

  “Not now, Aspen. Allison, I’m sorry, but he deserved it. Consider it a sympathy gift from me,” he spoke as he walked back inside the hotel.

  I shook my head at Allison as she stood there and stared at me. She looked upset and Aspen took her back inside the hotel.

  “What the hell did you do?” My mother demanded to know.

  “You know damn well what I did,” I growled as I wiped the blood pouring from my lip. “I took your advice.”

  “I warned you, bro,” Mason said.

  “Shut the fuck up.”

  I walked over to the curb and held my hand up at the approaching cab. When it stopped, I climbed in and went home. Grabbing an ice pack from the freezer, I held it on my face. This was payback from Allison after she promised she wouldn’t tell him. A few moments later, there was a knock at the door.

  “I don’t want any—”

  “Visitors. I know. I wouldn’t either,” Allison spoke.

  “I thought you were Mason.”

  “He found your phone in the grass and was going to bring it to you, but I told him I would since I live in the same building and all.”

  “Thanks. I didn’t even realize it was gone.”

  “Can I come in for a minute?”

  “Now’s not a good time.”

  “I promise it’ll only take a minute.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  “I want you to know that I never told him. He overheard something I said to Aspen and figured it out.”

  “And what did you say to Aspen?” I narrowed my eye at her.

  “I just told her what you said about no matter how good things are or how in love you are—”

  “Of course he figured it out.” I interrupted her. “Because that’s all we heard from our mother growing up.” I walked away holding the ice pack on my face.

  “I’m sorry, Nathan. I didn’t know.”

  “You wouldn’t have known and there’s no reason for you to apologize. He was going to find out eventually. I was prepared for this.”

  “Doesn’t matter. What Elijah did was wrong, and you didn’t deserve to be punched like that.”

  “Yeah, Allison, I did deserve it. Now if you don’t mind, I’m just going to head to bed. It’s been a long night.”

  “Of course. Good night, Nathan.” She lowered her head
and walked out the door.

  Chapter 44

  Nathan

  I woke up the next morning, sore as fuck and to the ringing sound of my phone. Grabbing it, I saw my mother was calling. Shit. I was in no mood for this.

  “Hello.”

  “Are you up?”

  “I am now thanks to you.”

  “Good. Get showered and dressed and get your ass over to my house. You have one hour to be here.”

  “Mom, seriously?”

  “I said one hour, Nathan Michael Wolfe!” Click.

  As soon as I got dressed, I headed over to her townhouse. As I climbed out of the cab, Elijah’s limo pulled up behind me. Jesus Christ.

  “I figured she summoned you as well,” Elijah spoke as he climbed out of the car.

  “I’m not surprised she called you either.”

  He walked over to me and took a look at my swollen lip and the bruise across my cheek.

  “Not bad. I should have decked you harder.”

  “By the looks of it, I got you pretty good.”

  “Boys! In here now!” my mother scowled as she stood at the door.

  “Here we go,” I spoke as I tucked my hands in my pockets.

  “Thank you both for coming.”

  “Like we had a choice,” I said.

  “Nathan Michael, enough. Now I want the two of you to sit down in the dining room. I made you a nice brunch and we’re going to sit down and discuss the events of last night,” she spoke as she placed our plates in front of us. “I’ll start first. I didn’t appreciate the two of you fighting at my event. Elijah, you could have waited until after to beat on your brother.” Her brow raised at him. “And anyway, what Nathan does is really none of your concern.”

  “Yeah, bro,” I said.