actually felt a great deal of sympathy for him. “It was my fault, Tristian. I was driving too fast.”
“Yeah, that’s what the police determined. Do you recall how fast you were going?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. His face was scratched up fairly bad, but nothing that wouldn’t heal or that would require more surgery. “I was doing about sixty. I remembered because Dad was with me and I didn’t want to go too fast. I always speed on that road, since it’s ours and it’s private.”
“Oh, I know. You’ve been a speed demon ever since you began driving. Since it was a private road, and there weren’t any speed limits posted, you didn’t break any laws, so they’re not charging you.”
“That doesn’t matter to me. I’m holding myself responsible and always will. I’ll never forgive myself.” The audible stress in his voice confirmed it.
“You can’t change it, Stanton. Dad is gone, as bad as it seems, so the best thing for you now is to focus on getting well and moving forward.”
“Easy for you to say, but that’ll be a hard task for me to carry out.”
“Maybe you should talk to someone.”
“You mean a shrink?”
“Or a counselor.”
“Maybe. Wouldn’t hurt, right? We’re all fucked up anyway. I mean the entire family.”
That made me chuckle. “Damn, I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve had a lot of time to think in here. Like, where are Mother and Ravina? Little bro has been in, and you, but those two?”
I shrugged. “You know them.”
“Hey, I know I’ve been an asshole to you over the years and I’m sorry. I’d like to make amends.” His earnest gaze nearly threw me.
“You can start by getting out of this place.”
“I’m working on it.”
“Good. I’ve gotta run or I’ll be really late for work. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Really? Two visits in one day?”
“Yeah. How about that?” I fist-bumped him and left.
It was a nice conversation for a change, but it made me speculate about whether he’d revert to his old ways once he got home. He still hadn’t been informed of Dad’s decision in the will, and that might change everything.
Once I arrived at work, I darted directly to my office as I was in no mood to speak with anyone, particularly that annoying blonde who worked here. As my bad luck would have it, her door was open and she saw me pass by.
“Tristian, wait.”
I acted as though I hadn’t heard her and continued walking. I’d made it to my doorway when her voice rang out again.
“Tristian.”
Inwardly, I groaned. Why now and why was I saddled with the daughter of the company’s owner? And most importantly, why did she have to be so fucking gorgeous?
“Yes?” I didn’t look at her but continued on to my desk, dumping my backpack on it.
“Hey, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your father.”
The last thing I needed was for her to be nice. “Hey, that’s nice and all, but I don’t need your sympathy or pity.”
She frowned, and why did I want to put my fingers on her forehead and ease the lines away? This wasn’t making sense.
“It’s not pity. I was only being courteous.”
“Fine. I accept your courtesy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
“Okay, but if you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.”
I whipped around to confront her. Why in the hell would she think I’d want to confide in her? “Talk?” I took two strides forward, invading her personal space, and snarled, “What makes you think that I’d want to confide in you? Are you a psychologist? Or a grief counselor?” It was a slap in the face and I knew it. Why was I being such a dick to her?
Her posture crumbled for a brief moment, but then her spine stiffened and her blue-green eyes turned into chips of ice. “Well, excuse me, Mr. McAsshole. I thought I would be kind by offering my condolences but I see you’re above that. Let’s forget this conversation ever occurred.”
I’ll be damned. The woman had a feisty side to her and it turned me on. I reached for her and I wasn’t sure why, but I kissed that sassy mouth of hers. She sucked in her breath and I deepened the kiss. She tasted of mint and coffee and heat. One thing was certain. I wanted more, God help me.
Suddenly, a knee hit my groin and I doubled over in pain. “Ugh, why’d you