A Brother's Honor (Grangers) - By Brenda Jackson Page 0,30
considered accompanying Jules on one of her easier assignments, just to have girl time with her sister, since both of them were usually busy. If Shana took on this job, she would be back to working from sunup to sundown. Her weekends would be filled with endless time spent at her computer. Besides Joyce, she had two other assistants, but like her, they were looking for a break between cases. They would still get theirs, she would see to it. They needed it. That meant she would have to work even harder.
And then there was the issue with her father. She might need to spend time with him as well if he was thinking about remarrying and the likely candidate was a woman he’d only gotten to know in the grocery store. She could understand any man wanting female companionship at any age, but getting married was a whole different topic. She couldn’t wait to discuss it with Jules.
She noticed there was a lull in the conversation and she glanced across the table to see Jace staring at her. She didn’t have to ask him why. He was still checking her out. She understood it was a man thing, but he was working overtime. Too bad it was an interest that wouldn’t go anywhere.
She sipped her coffee and for the moment appreciated the quiet time that allowed her to think. And the one thing she couldn’t help but admit was that she liked him. She liked that he had loved his grandfather so much that he was willing to make sacrifices. Finding his way around Granger Aeronautics wouldn’t be easy, and like she’d told him, he would be a target. It took no time at all to tell that he was highly intelligent and had those same leadership qualities he’d praised his father and grandfather for having. For some reason, she wanted him to succeed, and she knew there was a possibility he would do the latter without her company’s help.
“I’ve decided to handle your case, Mr. Granger.”
He held her gaze for a moment and then said, “I appreciate that. For a moment there, I was thinking that you wouldn’t.”
She’d figured as much from the surprised look in his eyes. “I considered walking away but only because you hadn’t completely leveled with me at first. Now you have. You made a promise, and what I admire and respect is that it’s a promise you intend to keep. Your job as an attorney didn’t motivate you. You did it, and you did it well, but there was no challenge. You need a challenge, Mr. Granger. One that you know will pay off not only for your employees but for your grandfather and father, as well. You will be dedicated. Turning your company around won’t be easy, but you intend to make it work. And you’ll succeed because you’re willing to make changes, even sacrifices, to reach your goal. And most important, you have waylaid my fears that you’re not in it for the short-term. I believe you’re in it for the long haul.”
She paused a moment and then added, “However, I’m not sure about your brothers. I intend to speak with them soon, because even though you’re your own man, you’re also their brother, and the oldest. And you want them to want this as much as you do. Call it a brother’s honor, but you want their support. You want it, even though you don’t necessarily need it. You’re going to do whatever you feel needs to be done anyway. But I admire that you care for their feelings, and I can understand that. I have a younger sister, and I can see putting her well-being and interest before my own.”
Jace didn’t say anything for a moment as he sipped his coffee. She was right. He was in it for the long haul. He hadn’t accepted that until now. He wasn’t sure about his brothers, but he could safely say he was in. And he wanted his brothers in with him, but would understand if down the line they wanted out. They had their own interests and careers. It was an individual thing. Working in a corporation wasn’t for everybody.
“You want to know what I think?” she asked.
He glanced over at her, met the darkness of her eyes, felt the stirring in the pit of his gut and willed it away. “Yes, I want to know what you think.”
“Granger Aeronautics has always been your legacy. But I think that today