did Daddy take the news?”
Ramsey scowled. “About like you’d expect. Yesterday morning, as I was getting ready to fly here, Daddy stopped by my house. He told me I was making the biggest mistake of my life. He said that Hartley was quicksand. That she’d take me down like she did you.”
Cash drew in a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Daddy was right there by my side through all of that mess. He saw me hurting and torn up. I guess it makes sense that he would be resentful towards Hartley.”
“Yeah, I get that, but I wish he’d give her a chance so he could see how much she has changed. Hartley hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol in years. Underneath her toughness, she’s a good person.”
“I know that,” Cash asserted. “It’ll take time, but Daddy will eventually come around.”
Ramsey shoved a hand in his pocket, shuffling his feet. “I invited Hartley to go with me to the opening of Zoe’s gallery.”
Cash’s eyes bulged. “Seriously? You think that’s wise?”
“I’m not gonna slink around in the shadows,” Ramsey fired back, squaring his jaw. “Daddy and everybody else are gonna have to come to grips with me and Hartley. That’s just the way it is.”
“I get that, but are you sure the opening of the gallery is the best time to spring Hartley on the family?”
Ramsey flinched, his skin prickling with irritation. “I’m not springing Hartley on anyone.” He punched out the words in hard thrusts as he leveled a glare at Cash.
A low chuckle rumbled in Cash’s throat. “Down, boy,” he said easily. “What happened to Mr. Control?”
He clenched his teeth. “Didn’t you just say that Hartley and I look great together?”
“Yeah, you do.”
“Then, what’s the problem?” Ramsey slung back. It was crazy how fast the hot anger had surged through him. He didn’t care what Cash or anyone else said, he was bringing Hartley to the gallery opening. Period.
Cash let out a long breath. “Look, the only reason I said anything about you bringing Hartley is because Ava’s parents, Luna, and Hudson are coming, and I don’t want any friction.”
The words came at Ramsey like a sucker punch, straight to the gut. “Oh, so this is about you.”
Cash grunted. “Well, yeah, I guess it is. Is that so bad? It’ll be the first time that Ava’s family has met our clan. I just want everything to go well.”
A humorless laugh rose in Ramsey’s throat as he rubbed his neck. “So I have to trade my happiness for yours?” He could see Cash’s point and a part of him knew he was being unreasonable. But he was tired of sitting back and watching his family live their lives, wishing there was more to his life than work. Well, now he had someone. All he wanted was for his family to accept that. Was that too much to ask?
Cash’s face fell. “No, I’d never ask you to do that.” His brow creased. “I’ve been very understanding about this whole thing with Hartley.”
“Yes, you’ve been so kind,” Ramsey countered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Thanks for giving me permission to live my life.”
Cash’s face went a shade darker. “You’re the one who broke the bro code, not me,” he snapped.
“Yeah, I know. I broke the code.” Heat flushed through Ramsey’s body like a blow torch. “Shame on me for wanting to bring home the woman I care about.”
They stood glaring at one another. Ever so slowly, a grin stole over Cash’s lips. “Look at us, first day on the job, and we’re already fighting.”
The tension inside of Ramsey released ever so slightly. “Yeah, I guess so,” he mumbled.
“Look, if you wanna bring Hartley to the gallery opening. Fine. Bring her.”
Ramsey lifted his chin. “Okay, I will.”
“Good. It’s settled.” Cash gave him a long look.
“What?” Ramsey growled.
“You’ve got guts,” Cash said appraisingly. “I’ll give you that.” He tipped his head. “Does Daddy know you’re bringing Hartley?”
“Not yet, but he will. When I show up with her.”
Cash laughed. “Alrighty then. Never a dull moment. If I were you, I’d spring the news on Zoe beforehand. You don’t want her to think you’re trying to undermine her grand opening.”
“Zoe’s a big girl. I’m sure she can handle it.”
Amusement washed over Cash’s eyes. “Okay. Do it your way. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Ramsey’s phone buzzed. “I need to get this.” He was so done with this conversation.
“No worries,” Cash said easily. “I’m gonna go check on Ava. She was taking a quick nap before it’s our