My One And Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors)

by Layla Hagen

  I burst out laughing, and so did Skye.

  “But hey, if you could send Dylan some of this optimism glitter of yours, that would be great.”

  “Optimism glitter?” I asked on a laugh.

  “That’s what I call it, because optimism is catchy. Just like negativity.”

  “He’s still disillusioned?” I double-checked.

  “And grumpy as hell,” Isabelle said.

  “To be fair, he does have reasons,” Skye added.

  That was true. Your longtime girlfriend dumping you would certainly hurt anyone.

  “I think maybe he needs time. And a special lady. And I can’t do too much from a distance. It’s kind of a face-to-face thing.”

  “Well, I have news. Josie and I have been trying to sell them on New York for a while now, and we’ve succeeded.”

  “Holy shit, they’re moving here?” I exclaimed. Josie grew up with us, and I’d always thought of her siblings as an extended family.

  “They’re opening a subsidiary here of their software company since they’ve done so well in Washington. I think in a few months they’ll be ready to come here.”

  That was amazing news. I clasped my hands together, smiling.

  “Well, in that case, I’m gonna start spreading that optimism glitter right away,” I assured her. I knew this meant a great deal to Josie and Isabelle. I could just picture how big our family events would be.

  “We should go,” Skye said. “Your appointment will be here in five minutes, right?”

  “Oh, yes. And then I’m going to do my first Halloween tour.”

  I grinned. Halloween was in three days. “I didn’t know there was such a thing. Does New York even have haunted houses?”

  “A few. Thanks again for coming here, girls.”

  “No problem,” I assured her.

  As Skye and I left the building, I told my sister about Liam’s meeting with the lawyer today. Liam said they planned to talk with all the business owners they worked with, but I wanted to tell Skye myself.

  She bit her lip after I finished. “How much of a problem does he think this will be?”

  “They don’t know yet. That’s why they’re seeing their lawyer today.”

  “Okay, then there’s no point wasting time thinking about this until we know if it’s a problem or not.”

  Skye had always been pragmatic, but right then, I could tell she was more worried than she let on. I put on my big sister hat, pushing my own worries to the back of my mind.

  “Exactly. We’ll deal with this one step at a time. Want to go for cake? I have some time before I need to head back to Manhattan for the fashion show.” It wasn’t a terribly important show, but I’d gotten a ticket, and I always found shows good for my creativity. I’d been in a lull lately, what with splitting my time between coordinating the delivery and assembly of the furniture and lighting devices for the new store, approval of website designs, and so on.

  “I can’t. I need to pick up Jonas from Mom’s.” Biting her lip, she added, “I feel like I’m failing you, Tess.”

  “What? Why?” I was shocked.

  “It’s just that lately, you seem to do the brunt of the work, and I just keep missing out on things. Half the time, I’m not even sure where my head is.”

  “Sis, you have a baby. You’re bound to need time to find your balance. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’ve got this.”

  “So you’re not upset?”

  “Do I seem upset?”

  “I don’t know. I feel all over the place lately. I thought I was supposed to stop being hormonal once the pregnancy was over, but it seems not.”

  “Skye! I’m not upset,” I assured her. I was so happy everyone still lived by the no-secrets policy. So, so glad.

  “Okay. Thanks for being so supportive. I’m going to start an online yoga course this evening. Hopefully it’ll help me find my balance.”

  “Yikes. Have fun.”

  “One of these days, I’m gonna talk you into trying one with me.”

  “I did try a few, remember? Nearly broke my neck.”

  Skye rolled her eyes. “You and Rob are no fun. I can’t convince either of you.”

  I nudged her shoulder. “Maybe you should try running instead.”

  “Hell no.”

  She kissed my cheek before flagging down a passing cab. Workouts were one area where Skye and I never agreed. Before she met Rob, we didn’t have the same views on love either.

  That reminded me of another skeptic who would soon move to New York.

  After Skye left, I walked leisurely toward the neighborhood and called Dylan. It was a gorgeous autumn day, and I wanted to stay outdoors for a while longer. I loved New York in the fall—the mix of golden, red, and brown leaves, the chilly air, and the multitude of cozy wintery snacks like pumpkin lattes and cinnamon rolls. Now that Isabelle mentioned Halloween, I saw signs of it everywhere. And speaking of lattes...I couldn’t resist and bought one from a mobile coffee cart while waiting for Dylan to pick up.

  “Tess, what a surprise,” he said instead of hello.

  “What’s this I hear about you and Ian moving to New York?”

  Dylan chuckled. “Which sister spilled the beans?”

  “Isabelle. Why did you not say anything when we were at the cabin?” We’d all been there at the end of summer.

  “Because it was still in the planning phases. Why are you calling? Is everything okay with Isabelle?”

  “Yes, Skye and I were at her practice, giving her tips for organizing an event for her clients. One thing led to another, and we started talking about you.”

  “Of course.”

  “She mentioned that you’re still a bit moody.”

  “Tess...”

  “No, this is just a warning so you know Isabelle is on your case.”

  Usually, I liked to call things like they were, but Dylan needed a more veiled approach.

  “Right, and you’re not?” he teased. When I didn’t reply, he added, “I’ve heard you’re seeing someone.”

  Wow! Had Isabelle texted him in the meantime? Because I’d only told Mom and Skye so far. Which reminded me that I wasn’t upholding the no-secrets policy, but honestly, the gang hadn’t gotten together for a working lunch in weeks!

  This was my cue to spread some optimism, as Isabelle said.

  “Oh yeah. And it was definitely worth kissing all those frogs before. I cringe just remembering how many bad dates I’ve been on.”

  Okay, so this was not my finest pep talk, but it was really difficult over the phone.

  “And you’re still not on my case?” He was laughing now. Well, the cat was out of the bag.

  “Just a little. Isabelle says my optimism is catchy.”

  “I see.”

  “I do a better job in person, I promise.”

  “You’re welcome to try next time I’m in town. And by the way, if this guy you’re seeing messes with you, Ian and I will kick his ass.”

  “Aww, that’s sweet of you to say, but I think my brothers and Hunter have that covered.”

  “You can never have too many people looking out for you.”

  “That is true.”

  I grinned, pulling my coat tighter around me. I couldn’t wait for them to move to New York. After ending the call to Dylan, I wrote in the WhatsApp group I had with my family.

  Tess: When does everyone have time for a lunch? I have some news (not related to work)

  Ryker: You can start by telling us the news.

  Cole: I agree.

  Tess: But I want to tell you face-to-face.

  Skye: Sis...I think you just threw yourself to the wolves.

  Josie: I want to know now!!

  Ryker: I think she’s dating someone. Tess, you can just confirm or deny.

  Skye was right. I had no one to blame but me.

  Tess: FINE. I’m dating our investor.

  Nothing happened for a few seconds, and then the screen exploded.

  Ryker: Holy shit. />
  Cole: Didn’t expect this.

  Josie: I WANT DETAILS.

  Well, then, it seemed a girly evening and a working lunch were needed.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Liam

  “Gran, we always do the same thing on Thanksgiving. Of course I’m on board.”

  We had a traditional dinner, and Gran always cooked a small turkey for the two of us. On rare occasions, my parents were in New York for the holiday too, but so far they hadn’t indicated they’d be in town.

  I glanced at the clock on my laptop. The meeting with the lawyer was starting in ten minutes.

  “Well, I thought since you’ve got that lovely lady in your life now that you’re going to have other plans on Thanksgiving.”

  I tapped my pen against the table, realizing it had completely slipped my mind until now. I also realized I did want to see Tess on Thanksgiving. The question was did she want the same? We were spending a lot of time together, but we never planned more than when we’d see each other next. Was this too soon?

  “I’d love to have her over for dinner,” Gran continued.

  “I’m 100 percent certain that she’s having dinner with her family.”

  I didn’t like that, actually. It felt like we were leading separate lives.

  “Well, let me know.”

  “Are Mom and Dad coming?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Okay. We’ll see. I’ll get back to you on this.”

  “Fine! But don’t think I’ll give up, young man. I want grandkids someday.”

  I laughed, disconnecting the call. Then I actually did something I rarely did and called my Mom. We kept in touch mostly via email because they were always traveling, and sometimes we weren’t in the same time zone.

  “Liam, hi!”

  “Hi, Mom!”

  “Is anything wrong?”

  “No, just wanted to check on you and Dad and ask if you’re coming to New York on Thanksgiving.”

  “Oh, we won’t make it to the city at all this year. Not even on Christmas. We’ve got these cheap flights to New Zealand and want to take advantage of it.”

  “I think Gran would be happy if you two came. For at least one of the two occasions.”

  “Oh...well, she has you, right? And she’s told us you’re seeing someone. I’m sure she’ll have her hands full. We really don’t want to miss this opportunity.”

  I drummed my fingers on the table, deciding not to press the matter further. Mom took after my grandfather too, always a bit distant, and I accepted that. It usually didn’t bother me, so why did it now? It was their way, and that wasn’t going to change.

  Then I realized I was the one who’d changed, and it was all because of Tess.

  A knock at the door interrupted me. Becca poked her head in.

  “Barney’s here,” she whispered.

  “Mom, I’ll talk to you another time. I have to go.”

  “Sure.”

  I hung up and headed straight to David’s office. I was expecting good news.

  That turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking. For the next hour, our lawyer went from unpleasant scenario to unpleasant scenario, and my mind felt about ready to explode.

  “You’re telling us that despite our market valuation, we don’t have enough cash flow to buy that fucker out?” David exclaimed, mirroring my own dismay.

  “Not right now. If Albert were to wait four months, you’ll be liquid enough again.”

  “And if he doesn’t want to wait?” I pressed.

  He pinched his nose, drumming his fingers on the table. “You can still freeze this year’s investment. You have a clause in all contracts that allows you to freeze the investment for six months in extreme circumstances.”

  “No,” I answered before he even finished uttering the last word. “That’s completely out of question.”

  “It’s an option. That would give you enough cash flow.”

  “No, it’s not. Our mentees are putting their trust in us. We’re not going to disappoint them.”

  He nodded but shrugged. “I’m afraid this is all I could come up with.”

  “Then find me something better, or we’ll be employing another law firm.” My voice was calm, but I was sure my rage was visible on my face. This was sloppy work. There was always more than one way to solve a problem, and I wasn’t tolerating anything less than the very best from the people I worked with.

  After our lawyer left, David, Becca, and I just looked at each other without saying a word.

  “Let’s not talk about any of this tonight,” David finally suggested.

  Becca nodded. “I agree. I’m too overwhelmed to actually be of any use right now anyway.”

  They both looked at me. If I pushed it, they’d stay for me and brainstorm together. It was a reminder that I was in charge.

  “No, let’s call this a day. We all need to cool off first.”

  They both rose to their feet before I even finished the sentence. We all left at the same time. I couldn’t stand being in the office anymore. I needed to stretch my legs and clear my mind. Yet all I could do during my walk was mull the lawyer’s advice in my mind. I wasn’t only in charge; I was also responsible for all those we invested in. They all trusted me, and I was determined not to let anyone down. I hadn’t gotten to where I was by playing into anyone’s games. There was a reason I had a reputation as being ruthless and tough, and Albert was going to be reminded of that.

  It wasn’t the first time I was facing a roadblock. The only difference was that this time I had more people I wanted to protect. I remembered Tess’s apprehension before signing, how long it took to win her over. I was afraid she would go back in her shell, and I didn’t want this to drive a wedge between us.

  I thought about how I was going to break the news to her as I left the office. Tess was attending a fashion show on the Upper East side, and even though we hadn’t made any plans for tonight, I needed to see her.

  I arrived before the show was over and waited in front of the art deco building. Soon, people started filtering out, and it only took me a moment to spot her. She came right toward me.

  “Handsome gentleman, you look familiar,” Tess exclaimed, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She looked absolutely breathtaking, though I only caught a glimpse of her red dress before she buttoned up her black coat.

  “How so?” I replied, giving in to her game.

  She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes playfully. “I’m not sure. Maybe you should remind me.”

  I stepped closer, touching her lower lip with my thumb. “When we’re alone.”

  She sucked in a breath, kissing my finger. “How come you’re here?”

  “To make sure no one kisses you while you wait for a cab.”

  She laughed softly, wiggling her eyebrows. “Not even you?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  I dragged my thumb from one corner of her mouth to the other.

  “Uh-oh,” Tess muttered.

  “What?”

  “We really should wait until we’re alone for that kiss. You give off dangerous vibes.”

  “You know that by the way I’m touching your lips?”

  “No, actually, just from the way you’re looking at me.”

  “You read me well.”

  “I actually wasn’t planning on taking a cab just yet but taking a walk first. Central Park is gorgeous right now. All these fall colors.”

  I groaned. “But that means we won’t be alone for some time. How long is that kiss going to have to wait?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, Mr. You’re-creative-enough-when-it-comes-to-that. I have complete faith in you.”

  We crossed the street, heading to one of the entrances to the park.

  “Do we have a destination?” I asked.

  “No, I was just going to wander the alleyways.”

  I took her hands in mine, looking her straight in the eyes.

  “David, Becca, and I had a meeting wit
h the lawyer.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Nothing good, but I’m going to mull that information over and find something that works for all parties involved.”

  “Liam! What did he say? I want to know.” Her eyes were snapping fire. I wanted to protect her from this, but I should have known better.

  “He can’t sell to just anyone. If we find the buyer unsuitable, we can veto, but we can only do that a few times or we’ll be accused of not playing fair.”

  “Can’t you buy his share?”

  “We don’t have enough cash flow at the moment.”

  The light went out of Tess’s eyes. That amazing brain of hers already put two and two together.

  “But you still have time to freeze the investment you did this year.”

  I could practically feel her pull back in her shell. She tried to take her hands away from mine, but I held them firmly. This was exactly what I’d been afraid of. I cared so much about her that I didn’t want to risk anything coming between us.

  “Tess, that is not going to happen,” I said with determination. “I’m a man of my word. I would never freeze an investment.”

  Her eyes softened a bit. “You don’t have a choice, though.”

  “There is always a choice. You just have to be determined enough to find it. I am determined, and I will find it.”

  I cupped her face with both hands, caressing her temples with my thumbs. I wanted her to feel that I meant every word.

  “There is no scenario in this world in which I’d let anything hurt you, you understand? You hurt, I hurt, and that’s not going to happen, babe.”

  She didn’t reply.

  “Tell me what you’re thinking,” I said. “You have a no-secrets policy, remember?”

  She smiled slowly, covering my hands with her palms.

  “Too many things.”

  “I want to know.”

  “I can’t believe you’re willing to go through any trouble...for me.”

  “Fucking hell, woman, how can you say that? Don’t you know how much you mean to me?”

  A sliver of vulnerability crossed her face. She really didn’t know.

  “I’ve done a shit job showing it, then. I’ll up my game.”