“I think you’re just tired, like you said,” Callum says. “We’ll get your driver–”
“I’m not just tired, son. I’m sick.”
The circle stops abruptly enough that it almost feels like the whole world stops with it. “Turns out I’m not as invincible as I thought. And knowing that my sons have found their significant others is important.”
Callum’s hand weighs heavier on my back.
On the drive back to my place, it’s quiet. Halfway there, I break the silence. “Did you know?”
“No.”
“I’m sorry.”
Suddenly I realize what he must be thinking. Hiram’s urgency to pass the company down is on a clock. A physical clock. A lot of things are making sense now. But it almost makes the stakes much higher.
We pull up to the complex and he insists on walking me to my door. I pull my keys out and look up at him, feeling a small smile on me.
“You were pretty great back there, you know,” he says, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“Just doing my job,” I smile back with a shrug.
“It’s not easy to sway Hardin men into liking you when they’re dead set on not.”
“I don’t think Avery likes me.”
“I don’t give a fuck what Avery thinks,” he says, and I can’t help but laugh. Callum smiles and it feels like a real smile, even if it is a bit rueful. “For real though. The way you shifted the mood back there, it was impressive. I could just about kiss you for it.”
The air between us fills with static.
“That’s not part of the contract.” I say.
“I thought kissing was permitted.”
“Only in public. For sake of show.”
“Ah. Missed the moment,” he rocks back on his heels. “Have a good night, Amanda.”
With that he walks away.
And I have no fucking clue what’s going on anymore.
Chapter 15
Callum
The moment I close the car door I feel my phone blowing up with text messages.
Fucking hell.
It’s mostly Noah, which doesn’t bother me. Though there are a few from Avery, which does bother me.
I start with Noah.
Noah: I got to hand it to you, bro. That was fucking smooth as hell!
Callum: I think it went well.
Noah: Well? What dinner were you at? Your girl stole the room. Definitely outshined Miss Pretty in Pink, sequins and all. But speaking of dresses…
