A Brother's Honor (Grangers) - By Brenda Jackson Page 0,90
tell me, how are things going with your being a corporate executive? Is it simply boring, darling?”
He had to admit it wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be, but then there was nothing better than making money doing nothing, which is what he’d done for the past year. “It’s okay, not as bad as I thought it would be. I’m learning a lot. Staying busy.”
“But not too busy to keep your hands off the women?” she asked, laughing.
“I’ll never be too busy for that.” That’s what he liked about his relationship with Victoria. She knew him like he knew her. They enjoyed each other in bed, but they were also friends. There was no possessiveness, jealousy or control. It was what it was.
They talked for a little while longer, and he was determined not to bring up her ex if she didn’t. She didn’t, so he hoped she was still getting over the bastard. “I thought about taking a trip to the States to see you. I haven’t been to America in years.”
He smiled. “Then come. I’d love to see you.”
She chuckled. “But your brothers might not. I believe they think I’m a bad influence or something.”
“Who gives a crap what they think? We’re friends and nothing more. Friends with benefits.”
“Yes, but maybe it’s time for you to look for more with another woman. I’ve been thinking about that.” She paused a moment and then said, “I’ve been seeing a lot of Sir Isaac.”
“I know.”
“You do?” she asked, sounding surprised. “How?”
“We get the papers here, Victoria, and I’m also interested in what’s happening over there. I take it that you like him.”
“Yes. He reminds me of an older you.”
He smiled. “An older me isn’t so bad, is it?”
“No. I like him, Dalton.”
“And if he’s smart, he would like you, as well.”
He didn’t have to see the smile he knew had touched her lips. “Father said the same thing.”
“Stuart and I think alike. I consider that a compliment.”
She didn’t say anything for a moment and then said, “I have decisions to make, Dalton. If I decide to marry Muldrow, that means ending things between us. Muldrow wouldn’t want me to retain our close friendship.”
In other words, Dalton thought, the man wouldn’t want Dalton fucking his wife. “I can’t blame him. We will always be friends, you know that. Just not bed pals. I can handle that. Can you?”
“Not sure at the moment, Dalton. You’re more than my bed pal. You’ve become my security blanket. You make me have confidence in myself.”
He tightened his hand on the phone, hearing the lack of self-assurance in her voice. “You will always have my support like I know I’ll always have yours, Victoria. You are a beautiful woman who deserves a man like Muldrow. He will make you happy.”
“I truly believe that he will. But there’s a lot to think about. I’ll let you know what I decide.”
“All right.”
“Okay, I have to run. Good night, Dalton.”
He smiled. “And a very good day to you, my lady.”
As he hung up the phone, he had a feeling she wouldn’t be “his” lady too much longer.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Hmm,” Jace agreed, licking his lips. “Now, this is a great sandwich. I didn’t know there was a sandwich shop around here.” He had walked into his brother’s office during the lunch hour to find Dalton sitting at his desk with a spread in front of him. Dalton had invited him to pull up a chair and offered him half his sandwich. It was simply delicious.
“There’s not a sandwich shop around here,” Dalton said, wiping his mouth and then grabbing a bag of chips.
Jace lifted a brow. “Then where did you get all this?”
“From Hannah.”
Jace stared at his brother for a long moment and then he asked, “You have Hannah preparing your lunch?”
“She offered.”
“Yeah, I bet,” Jace said, rolling his eyes.
“Honest. I called to thank her for the leftovers that I brought in yesterday, and she offered to prepare lunch for me this week. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by declining.”
“Sure. Turning her down would have killed you.”
Dalton smiled over at his brother. “You’re jealous. Admit it, you’re jealous.”
Jace frowned. “I’m not jealous.”
“Yes, you are. You were the firstborn, and Hannah just doted on you right and left. You were her favorite. Now you’re sharing the spot, and that’s eating at you,” Dalton accused.
“It’s not!”
“You’re a liar. It is.”
“Boys. Boys. Do I have to take a strap to you guys? I can’t leave you alone for a week