“Why not? Can you not handle a dinner with the old man? The deal is already done, Mason. All you need to do is show up in one of my suits and pretend to be interested in his life story.”
“What if he asks me questions about your company?”
“He won’t. The last time we had dinner, he barely mentioned it. He’s lonely, that’s all. You’ll be fine.”
I close my eyes, wishing I didn’t have to do this.
“If you’re worrying about it, read the information I left you. There’s a complete overview of my company, Mason.”
I’ve read it—twice, actually—but that document only gives the basics. It doesn’t tell me the day-to-day tasks my brother does, the processes for purchasing and selling a company, or all the work that goes into maintaining a Fortune 500 business. I’m terrified Jerry will see right through me.
When I don’t reply, he takes it for my compliance. “What’s the status of the third item on your to-do list?”
I’m having dinner with her in a few hours.
My heart starts to beat a little harder in my chest when I think about Kyla. How her whole face lights up when she smiles, and how sexy the little noises she makes are when I kiss her. God, I’m such a dick. I should break it off with her tonight. The more I get to know her, the more I like her, and that’s not good for either of us, because at the end of the day—or at the end of this job—I’m going home.
Without her.
“Fine,” I find myself saying, my throat thick with regret and lies.
“So you haven’t ended things yet, I take it? Not that I care, but just make sure you do it before I get back in two weeks. I don’t want any strings left where she’s concerned. I’m ready to enjoy all that building has to offer, in terms of the ladies. So many options down in the bar, my friend. Take advantage of it,” he suggests, a smile in his voice.
“You’re disgusting.”
He snorts a cross between laughter and disagreement. “Suit yourself. Have you met Thomas Jones yet? He invites two up to his place at a time. He’s usually found in the lounge by seven and returning to his room by eight.”
I close my eyes and shake my head. I’m not against casual sex, but how in the hell are we related?
“Anyway, it’s late here. I’m headed to bed. Check your email. I sent you the dinner details with the old man.”
“Fine.”
“Oh, and I noticed you’re a little thicker than me in the midsection, so if you need to let out one of my suits, call the front desk. We have a tailor on call.”
Jesus, we’re the same size, just built slightly different, considering I actually do physical activity all day long and not just sit behind a desk. Though, I can tell my brother still works out a lot, always has. We may have very dissimilar jobs, but we’ve always enjoyed spending a little time in a gym.
“Thanks,” I mumble, checking the time on my watch. I have just over two hours before I meet Kyla.
“All right, I’m headed to bed. Talk to you soon,” he says, hanging up without so much as a goodbye.
I click off my phone and toss it on the couch before running my hands through my hair. That phone call was just another example of questioning how we came from the same womb. Yet, as different as we are, I found myself truly enjoying the few minutes we talked. Well, until he brought up Kyla. Mostly because he has zero cares about her, and that bothers me. Not that I want my brother to care about her, but she deserves it. She deserves everything from the man she’s dating, and Matthew seems more interested in tossing her aside to move on to his next conquest.
My phone chimes with a text from George, confirming he will be downstairs with the car at six o’clock. That gives us thirty minutes to move through town to get to Kyla’s place.
I decided to use George for the evening, so we could enjoy the drive and have a few drinks without worrying about getting behind the wheel. Actually, it was George who helped me prepare for tonight’s date night. Knowing very little about Boston, I sought out my trusted driver for suggestions. He seemed shocked at first, probably that I was even concerned about taking Kyla on a unique date instead of the fancy restaurants my brother usually goes on, and offered a few killer ideas.
At first, I was concerned about the booking he suggested, but once I gave my name to the manager and promised a small—not so small—donation, the reservation was set. But I made it willingly, my brother’s credit card approved right away. I can’t wait to see Kyla’s smile when I tell her where we’re going.
Well, I don’t have long now. Might as well jump in the shower and get ready. This is one night I’m looking forward to.
***
With five minutes to spare, George pulls up in front of Kyla’s building. Since I’m early, I opt to go upstairs and knock on the door, something I haven’t really done in a while, but it gives it the true official date feel. When the right rear door is opened, I slip out and head for the front entrance.
The same doorman from my last visit is working and smiles as I approach. “Good evening, Mr. Wilder. Miss Morgan is expecting you,” he says, leading me to the elevator. He goes through the security process before nodding and sending me on my way.
It doesn’t take long before the elevator is stopping on the top floor. The door dings before it opens to the penthouse foyer. I’m able to take about three steps off the car before I’m stopped in my tracks by sheer beauty. Kyla is descending the stairs from the second floor. The moment she sees me, a
