Making You Mine – the Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls)

by Melissa Foster

  “Does he?” Aubrey said with a bite in her voice, bringing Knox’s mind back to the conversation. “I guess I should have dug a little deeper when I was doing my research.”

  “How about we stop sharing family secrets now.” Knox pulled his brother into a manly embrace and said, “Paybacks are hell, bro,” earning a familiar scoff.

  Knox pulled a chair out for Aubrey and one for Paige, and then he took a seat beside Aubrey. “I’m glad you could make time for us on such short notice.”

  Landon held his gaze and said, “There’s always time for family, little brother.”

  The veiled spear hit with pinpoint accuracy, like a hot needle beneath Knox’s fingernail.

  “Will Vincent be joining us?” Aubrey asked.

  “No,” Paige answered. “Unfortunately, our cousin had to go out of town this weekend for meetings at another property. I know he would have enjoyed meeting you.”

  A waitress came to take their orders and fill their coffee. After she walked away, Landon spread his napkin on his lap and looked curiously at Knox. “I’m interested in hearing about the project you’d like to discuss, but given that this is the first time in a decade that you’ve brought a beautiful woman to meet the family, should I be preparing a best-man speech? Rent a tux?”

  Aubrey choked on her coffee.

  Knox patted her back and handed her a napkin, glaring at Landon. Landon’s eyes filled with a sincere apology.

  “No,” Knox and Aubrey said in unison. Aubrey cleared her throat, regaining her composure.

  “Are you okay?” Paige asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” Aubrey said, though irritation lingered in her eyes. “And no, there is no need for a tux. Knox and I are colleagues.”

  “We’re more than that,” Knox said boldly. “But we’re keeping that on the downlow at the moment.”

  If looks could kill, Aubrey would have slain him right there and then, which his brother was taking all too much pleasure in. He’d never been good at hiding his emotions, and he wasn’t a game player, but for Aubrey’s sake he reluctantly told himself to temper his outward displays of affection. At least until she gave in to the truth of her feelings.

  Paige smiled at Aubrey and said, “That particular older brother can be a little pushy, but I get it. On the downlow.” She pretended to zip her lips.

  “Thank you,” Aubrey relented tightly.

  Not the best way to start a meeting, but hey, at least now they knew where his feelings lay. Knowing Landon had issues with their recent media circus gave Knox a leg up, a strategy to try to avoid his brother’s concerns.

  “Now that that’s been cleared up…” Landon paused as the waitress brought their breakfasts. “Thank you, Sarah. It looks marvelous.”

  The waitress smiled, and after asking if she could bring them anything else, she stepped away. They made small talk as they ate. Knox noticed Landon watching Paige eat even more closely than he was. It had been two years since Paige had left modeling to deal with her eating disorder and more than a year since her doctors—and Paige—had proclaimed her to be in a good place. They’d kept her struggles under wraps, per their parents’ requests, which was something neither Knox nor Paige had been happy about. But they both found ways to help others struggling with eating disorders. They texted and spoke on the phone often, not just so he could keep tabs on her health, but because they were the closest of the three siblings. He knew she was doing well, but like Landon, he would never stop worrying. They’d learned that eating disorders didn’t go away; they were simply managed—until they weren’t.

  When they were finished eating Paige said, “I’m excited to hear about the project you wanted to discuss. Knox was very mysterious about it on the phone.”

  Knox glanced at Aubrey, fighting the urge to reach for her hand and give it a squeeze to let her know he had her back. “As you know, Aubrey is one of the founders of LWW Enterprises. She also heads up the media department, handling film and television. She’s launched a new television movie channel called Me Time, and a movie she’s producing is based on a book written by one of her closest friends, Charlotte Sterling.”

  Paige’s eyes lit up. “I love her erotic romances! I read about the upcoming movie version of Anything for Love, and I cannot wait to see it. The book was incredible. The love between her characters was so real, like two hearts beating off the page.”

  “She’s really talented,” Aubrey said. “I know with the right location the movie will be just as powerful. We’ve already signed Duncan Raz for the male lead.”

  Landon’s eyes narrowed, as if he knew where the conversation was headed and wasn’t the least bit pleased about it.

  “No way!” Paige leaned closer to Aubrey and lowered her voice to say, “He’s even hotter than Zac Efron. I’ve had the biggest crush on Duncan Raz since he starred in the movie Country Hearts. He is so yummy with those big blue eyes. Mm.”

  “I can introduce you,” Aubrey offered. “He’s Char’s fiancé’s childhood friend, and a really nice guy.”

  Paige gasped with excitement.

  “How about we table the dating game,” Landon said firmly. “I think we should get back to the project you wanted to discuss. Clearly that’s why Knox has come to visit.”

  “We’ll talk later,” Paige said to Aubrey.

  Knox let his brother’s barb go and said, “As I mentioned, the movie Aubrey is producing will be made for television, not the big screen, and it’s set in an inn very similar to this one. Aubrey would like to secure the Monroe House for filming.”

  His brother’s hands slipped beneath the table, and Knox knew they were fisting. Landon had never publicly shown aggression, and he was a master of the feigned look of interest that remained on his face.

  “It would require closing the inn to the public during filming,” Knox continued. “Aubrey’s willing to work with us on timing.” He glanced at Aubrey, who nodded confirmation despite not having discussed that. He knew she’d stop at nothing to get the space. “Given the issues you’ve had with the media, LWW will make arrangements for extra security and, to the best of their abilities, keep the news of filming private. It would mean a lot to me if you would consider this.”

  “Wow, really?” Paige’s gaze moved between Aubrey and Knox. “That would be exciting, and it comes at an opportune time, since we’re losing bookings to the new ski resort. I’m sure we can find a way to keep the media out. They do it all the time for modeling shoots and movies.”

  “This isn’t a decision we can make here and now,” Landon said evenly. “There’s a lot to consider, with the closing of the inn, prearranged bookings…But we’ll take it under consideration.”

  “Landon, think of all the exposure we’d gain after the movie is out,” Paige urged. “We’ll be fully booked for years.”

  “Decades,” Aubrey said. “People still flock to the inn where they filmed Dirty Dancing.”

  Landon was quiet as they finished eating.

  “I appreciate your consideration,” Aubrey said. “If you agree to allow us to use the inn, I will personally arrange for extra security, as Knox mentioned. We estimate that filming the part of the story that takes place at the inn will take three to four weeks, and in case you have concerns about the type of movie we’re producing, it isn’t an erotic romance, and it isn’t violent or offensive in any way. It’s a tasteful and beautiful love story about two brokenhearted people who were never able to fully heal on their own finding happiness and healing together. I’d be happy to share the script with you.”

  “Thank you, Aubrey,” Landon replied. “That won’t be necessary.”

  “We also haven’t talked compensation yet, but I’m certain we can come up with a figure you’re happy with. And I hope you’ll find your way to a conclusion that will be mutually beneficial to the long-term success of the Monroe House as well as the movie. Thank you both for your time this morning and for your consideration.”

  “I’m so glad we got to meet you,” Paige sai
d. “And I think the movie would be good for the inn, but the final decision is really Landon’s, as he and Vincent handle the overarching media and public relations for the inn.”

  “And Vincent?” Aubrey asked. “Should we plan a time to meet with him as well?”

  “No. I’ll relay this information to him, but the final decision is mine. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Aubrey.” Landon set his napkin on the table and checked his watch, clearly done with the conversation. “We’ll take it under consideration and get back to you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  He pushed to his feet, and Knox rose, too, putting a hand on Aubrey’s shoulder. He didn’t want her between him and Landon. “I’d like to meet with you for a few minutes to discuss some family business.”

  Paige looked up from her seat and said, “Does that mean I can steal Aubrey for a little while? We can get to know each other while you two chat.” She grabbed Aubrey’s hand as she rose to her feet, bringing Aubrey up beside her. “I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes tour of the inn.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” Aubrey shook Landon’s hand. “Thank you again for meeting with us. It’s really nice to meet Knox’s family. He seems like such a lone wolf sometimes.”

  Knox slipped an arm around her waist, wondering if she realized she’d called him the same thing she’d called herself in her office, and said, “I’ve got room in my den…”

  Aubrey glared at him.

  Landon laughed. “No wonder there’s no need for a tux. Real couth, little brother.”

  “You got all the couth. I got the witty charm and good looks.”

  “Apparently I got the only normal genes in the family. Come on.” Paige pulled Aubrey away from the men. “I’ll bring her back later, don’t worry.”

  “There’s a storm brewing,” Landon called after them. “Don’t be too long.”

  Knox wasn’t sure if he was talking about between them or the cold front blowing through.

  Chapter Four

  “WHERE ARE WE headed?” Knox asked as he followed Landon out of the restaurant.

  “To my office. How’s it going for you, Knox? I mean beyond your affinity for a particular blond businesswoman. Mom and Dad missed seeing you over the holidays. We all did.”

  “Yeah, I know. Sorry about that. Business is going well. We’re building a sustainable community just outside of Seattle, and the surrounding neighborhoods are really rallying in support of it.”

  “I heard about that. Congratulations.” Landon glanced at him and said, “I know you said you had to stay in Belize for project oversight, but we both know it was completed well before the holidays. And I haven’t seen any announcements about new overseas ventures for B&B Enterprises.”

  “Right. There was some follow-up to be taken care of. And Sage Remington and I were making plans for our next joint project.” Sage was an artist and the owner of Hydration Through Creation, which specialized in funding wells for newly developing nations through the sale of artwork. Knox and Graham had partnered with Sage to build tiny houses for a community in Belize. Knox had returned to the States on New Year’s Eve with the intention of visiting his family, but the minute he’d landed stateside, his heart had had other ideas. He’d made a beeline for the Ladies Who Write New Year’s Eve party, knowing Aubrey would be there. They’d spent two ravenous nights in a luxurious hotel wrapped in each other’s arms, watching old movies and snacking on their favorite junk food. And though Aubrey didn’t seem to want to give their relationship any weight, they’d talked a lot and caught each other up on the months they’d missed. She’d turned down his invitation to take their relationship to the next level then, too. When they’d left the hotel that foggy morning, he’d been more determined than ever to change her mind. If he’d realized one thing while he was in Belize, it was that she was the only one for him. There would be no getting over Aubrey Stewart, and if she ever put her stubbornness aside, she’d know he was the one for her, too.

  “I heard you were around for New Year’s,” Landon said as they entered the executive wing and made their way toward his office.

  Damn. He hadn’t counted on Landon following his every move. Of course, he probably should have. They may have a strained relationship, but Landon had always acted like Knox was his responsibility.

  “I know you were at LWW’s New Year’s party in Port Hudson, Knox. It’s not that far from here. You could have come by. Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger, and Paige needs the connection with you.”

  Once in Landon’s office, Knox closed the door and said, “I was in touch with Paige while I was away, and Mom and Dad knew I was tied up. They seemed okay with it.”

  “Because they’ve accepted the fact that you’re above attending their parties.” Landon waved to one of the chairs in front of his desk and lowered himself into the other.

  “Not above, dude. I just don’t like the pretense of needing to flaunt what we have or celebrate every holiday like it’s one for the record books.” His parents’ holiday parties were never about just family. They were all for show, to pretend they were the happy, rich family without issues. Spending the holidays in Belize with people who knew how to cherish family and treated him like one of their own had given him a huge dose of what he’d craved his whole life. He wanted that, and the truth was, he wanted it with Aubrey.

  “What’s eating at you, Landon? Why are you playing hardball with Aubrey? So you had a media crisis. There are worse things to suffer in this lifetime.”

  Landon shifted his eyes away, but not before Knox saw pain swimming in them. His gut sank. “Bro…? Is something going on with Mom and Dad that I don’t know about?”

  Landon lifted his chin, and when he met Knox’s worried gaze, the pained expression was gone, replaced with the practiced pleasantry that annoyed Knox so much. He’d give anything for Landon to loosen up, show his emotions, and be clearer about what he felt. Hell, he’d be okay with Landon hollering at him, or decking him for that matter, but this hidden agenda thing just pissed him off.

  “No. They’re fine.”

  Knox pushed to his feet and paced. “Then what am I sensing here? What’s got you more uptight than usual? Because I know you can handle a little media bullshit.”

  “I’m worried about Paige.” He rose to his feet and walked to the window. “It won’t be good for her to get swept up in that world again. You know how impressionable she is. She needs us to watch out for her.”

  “Unless you’ve seen something I haven’t heard about, she’s doing great. She didn’t push her food around on her plate or gorge at breakfast. She’s interacting well with the people at Project ME. She’s productive there, helping others, setting up fundraisers, and she loves the work she’s doing here at the inn and her artwork.” Project Mindful Eating was a nonprofit Knox had founded that supported individuals and families affected by eating disorders, providing access to treatment, counseling, and education.

  “And apparently she’s also into Duncan Raz.” Landon shook his head. “A guy like that, with all those women chasing after him, could send her right back to square one.”

  “So this is about Paige falling for some actor who probably has more women than he can shake a stick at? No problem. I’ll stay during filming and run interference. Whatever it takes.”

  “You show up here once every few months and suddenly you’re willing to stick around? You must really be into Aubrey.”

  “I am. She’s important to me, but not at the expense of Paige. I think Paige is doing fine, but if you’re concerned, I’ll take full responsibility while the filming takes place.”

  “No,” Landon said flatly, crossing his arms. “It’s not a good idea.”

  “Because you don’t trust me to handle it, or because you think Paige is so weak-minded that nothing will stop her from giving herself over to this guy?”

  Landon leveled him with an unwavering stare.

  Knox closed the distance between them. “I’m the one who helped her get treatment and
got Mom and Dad into therapy. I set up the foundation for her to focus on, so she could help others and see the value in remaining healthy. I’m the one who visited her while she was in treatment nearly every day. She lived with me when she left the care facility, Landon. I have never let her down. And Paige? Paige is not a little girl who needs us to monitor her every emotion. She’s a grown woman, and yeah, she’s twenty-four and that’s young, but she’s smart as hell and you know it. She knows the signs that lead to trouble. She lost her best friend to that fucking disease. Do you really think I’d leave her emotional health up to chance? What’s this really about? Do you have a thing for Raz?”

  “Fuck off.” Landon stepped away, and Knox grabbed his arm, staring into his eyes. The pain was back, and it cut Knox like a knife. Landon had been openly gay from the time he was a teenager. But he’d never flaunted his relationships, leaving the rest of them to guess what he was up to and who he was seeing. He’d had a long-term relationship in college, and Knox had no idea why it had ended, but he’d looked as broken then as he did right now. It was a look Knox would never forget.

  “Talk to me. For once in your life, let me in, Landon. I know you, and this isn’t about not trusting Paige to handle herself.”

  “You don’t know me.” He wrenched out of Knox’s grip and stalked away.

  “Bullshit. And if I don’t, then clue me in. Don’t use our sister as an excuse for your decisions. Did that asshole Ruiz or his entourage piss you off? Did he harass you? Did someone else? Did he hit on you?” His voice escalated with each question as his frustration mounted. Landon’s nostrils flared, and he knew he’d struck a nerve.

  “Fuck off.” Landon stalked across the room, his back to Knox.