A Moment Like You (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,48
he glances Dad’s way and frowns. Lately, he’s been quiet, too quiet. I don’t know what to expect from this man who behaves too…professional and calm, unlike the Henry I know. He’s been attentive with me all week, and as he promised, he hasn’t tried to kiss me.
That doesn’t mean I haven’t been fantasizing about that…or more. The more isn’t just sex, which I’ll never have with him. It’s the time we used to spend working together. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we’ve been hiring executives for Aldridge Enterprises. Since his brothers are involved in the process, we haven’t spent much time just the two of us. He’s always arguing with the other five.
Is it wrong that I miss our bickering and I’m jealous that his brothers get that attention?
I don’t resent them. The truth is, I like this bunch. Yet, I feel like there’s something missing between Henry and me. We used to work together all the time, and now…I have to share him. It’s okay that he has his family, and I really don’t mind hanging out with them, but at work it should be just the two of us.
As I look at the table, I hope this isn’t the first and last time they come to my house. It’s been so long since I’ve had people who aren’t my family hanging out with me. I’m not the only one who is happy about tonight. Dad is having a good time with them too.
“I speak for all of us when I say that the town would benefit from having a Latin cuisine restaurant,” Henry speaks, standing from his seat and taking his plate to the sink. “If you are ever interested, we’re open to discussing a partnership with you.”
Dad looks at him and then at his brothers. “My life is in New York, and I’m busy with my wife.”
“We’re just leaving you an open door,” Pierce adds. “Maybe you can set it up, see that it works properly, and just visit often.”
“Emilio, we appreciate your hospitality and the food,” Henry says, patting Dad’s shoulder and walking toward the sink with yet another plate. Why is he clearing the table? “Guys, let’s clean before we leave.”
This is the first time I realize that even when the brothers are teasing each other all the time, they are getting along. When I first met them, I swear I thought I’d have to use the taser gun I carry in my purse to control them. They couldn’t be in the same room without threatening to kill each other. I was looking forward to posting a scoreboard and setting bets on who would survive this challenge.
Well, I could still do it. At least, I can bet on how long it's going to take me to kill Henry once he’s back to his asshole demeanor. I might not be fighting with him, and I might miss our arguments, but this is the eye of the storm. Once we settle, I’m sure he’ll bring his A game, and that’s when I will teach him he can try to control me, but he can’t take me down.
Everyone leaves almost at the same time. Except for Henry who stays behind sweeping the kitchen.
“You don’t have to do this,” I say, taking off my shoes.
“It’s been a long day. You still have to organize your closet,” he points out. “I can stay if you need help. We might be able to get it done tonight.”
“Thank you, but I’m ordering hangers, baskets, and having my sisters pack the clothes I left in New York,” I explain. “It’s a big project that’ll require more than a night.”
“Why didn’t you bring them or have the movers do it for you?” he asks as he puts away the broom.
I shrug. There are too many answers to that question, including that I had no idea if there would be space for them.
“The guys and I were thinking about setting up a fire pit in your backyard,” he says. “I don’t know what else you’d like.”
“A pool?” I joke.
He twists his lips and stares at the ceiling for a moment. “I don’t think the backyard is big enough for that, but we can try a hot tub or something else.”
“It’s fine the way it is right now,” I say.
“Hey, I just want to make sure this house is what you want,” he states. His voice is so low, and he’s so close to me.