“Just one drink as a welcome to the team. Plus, nobody can resist the English charm.”
“I really shouldn’t—”
Bryce stands abruptly and disregards all rules of personal space, moving until his body is pressed against mine. Nothing changes for me. Nothing.
I part my lips in protest only to be met with his pointer against my mouth. It’s the second time he’s done it, and I’m not exactly thrilled about it. “You’re not wearing a ring. So, technically if a guy wants to have a few drinks with ya, platonically to welcome you to the team, is that considered wrong?”
My god.
The finger slips away and my voice comes out a bare whisper. “Not necessarily.”
“So, are ya gonna sit with me or not? I’ll give you intel on some of the upcoming project.”
“That’s against protocol, Mr. McCarson.”
“You have Giulio’s mouth, you really do. I still want ya to stay a little longer, babe.”
“On two conditions.”
“Hit me, babe.”
“You don’t call me babe, and please don’t silence me with your finger again.”
Bryce nods with a smirk, gloating at my apprehension. “Deal.”
I show myself into the red vertical striped booth, shoving my umbrella, coat, and bag to the side. Yeah, this is not a good idea. He throws his head back with laugher at the grunt that escapes me.
Well, good luck with him—Thanks Marcus, I need it now.
Bryce finally calms down. “I’m gonna have another drink. What do you want?”
“A mimosa. Thank you.”
“Ahh, city girl move.” He gestures towards the bartender, his light wash jean jacket constricting the full movement. “Don’t run away from me now. I do know where you work.”
I can’t help but snicker. “Yeah, well I know where you work too, so kindly be on your best behavior.”
“I’m always on my best behavior.” Bryce winks and turns to walk toward the bar as I pull out my phone.
Valencia: Hey honey, I have a work emergency. Would you be able to pick up my kids from school? I’ll be home shortly. Thank you.
Helena’s response comes the moment McCarson sets down our beverages.
Helena: More than happy to. Everything okay?
Valencia: Yes, thank you! :)
My phone dies the second I hit send. Great.
Bryce opens the manila folder and scans the contents inside. Drawing the beer to his lips, some froth dissolves on his short tamed beard. My attention drops to his hands and more specifically to the rose tattoo. I need to work past his thick exterior and unlock what’s truly happening in his mind.
“What happened between you and Giulio?”
“A falling out.”
“Can I ask what about?”
Bryce sets down his glass soundlessly and looks up at me. “We just had a falling out, alright? There’s nothing more to it. We just don’t see eye to eye.”
“Did you really forge his signature on today’s file?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“If Gi—”
“Why did you both separate? Huh?” His eyes darken at my frown. “Didn’t you separate cause ya didn’t see eye to eye anymore?”
“If you want to cut the long story short…yes.”
McCarson shrugs. “Ya see, same thing happened between Giulio and I. He’s a nutter who can’t take me lightly. So what if I over-budget at times and fuck a few women on my desk like that intern who never got hired. He has enough money to just allow it and fix it…I don’t want to talk about it further. Now, drink up.”
The sharpness in his voice is lethal.
Did he just say that he…
It all makes sense now with the intern. It makes sense why Giulio was so protective of me the first time Bryce and I met. He was worried Bryce would try to…seduce me.
I down the mimosa.
“Where ya going?”
“Home. I won’t tolerate you speaking to me or Giulio as if we’re animals.”
Bryce scoffs the moment I stand. “He deserves it.”
“See? This is exactly what I am talking about. I shouldn’t have stayed.”
“Continue to put me down, why don’t ya.”
“Bryce, this is not a game. This is my family we’re talking about.”
“I don’t get it. You’re separated, why are ya still so defensive whenever I say his name?”
My breaths quicken. “Because we were in love once and Giulio was nothing but good to me. He doesn’t deserve to be dragged down for having to tolerate your behavior. So if corrupting or seducing me are your intentions tonight, I’ll save you the time and leave right now.”
I have never in my life spoken to somebody I barely know like this. Perhaps it’s all the bottled up rage about the turbulence in my life or the fact he criticized Giulio, but it just feels right to stand up for him.
What I’ve come to learn about Bryce McCarson is that he doesn’t back down…ever.
“Wait. Those are not my intentions at all.” Bryce’s expression softens as he reaches for my coat before I can and sighs. “Look, I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m…I snap quickly and say things I don’t mean sometimes. Please, stay a little longer.”
“I want to see my kids. Please get out of my way.”
“You know Giulio better than anyone. I need you to tell me if he likes the designs.”
“I don’t know much about him nowadays.”
“But you did once; that still counts. Drinks are on me.”
I let out a sigh. This is such a bad idea.
The bartender appears, setting down a tray of alcohol and sliders. “Happy hour begins early here! So stick around, I promise you’ll love it here!”
We have been going through the designs for hours. Bryce redeemed himself and so far has listened to all the suggestions I’ve made. Although I don’t have an interior design degree, I know Giulio’s expectations and what he expects to maintain his company’s reputation.
Bryce makes notes while I recall Giulio’s most luxurious style. I recommend stores I remember he often visited for inspiration and assist in creating mood-boards for every room. For every piece of furniture that hits the brief, we raise a
