“Yes, dear,” Richard agreed automatically, years of marriage having taught him the correct responses.
James appeared in the doorway, his expression serious but relieved.
“Any updates on the Porter situation?” Matt asked, trying to sound stern despite the painkillers making everything slightly fuzzy around the edges.
“Tory’s handling it at LVPD.” James’ smile was all predator. “Porter’s enjoying police hospitality, pending multiple federal charges. Turns out kidnapping a prominent businessman while having an extensive history of stalking and assault is frowned upon.”
“And the board?” the businessman in Matt couldn’t help asking.
“Surprisingly supportive after learning their CEO fought his way out of captivity.” James’ grin widened. “Stock’s actually up. Apparently, having a badass CEO is good for business.”
Catherine turned her attention back to Andy, fussing with his sweater—which was clearly one of Matt’s, hanging off Andy’s smaller frame like an elegant tent. Her perfectly manicured fingers tugged at the fabric, trying to make it sit better on his shoulders. “Darling, why are you wearing clothes three sizes too big? We must take you shopping. Richard, make a note—the boy needs a proper wardrobe.”
“Mom,” Matt protested weakly from the bed, “Andy has clothes.”
“Clearly not, if he’s swimming in yours,” Catherine replied, now straightening Andy’s collar with the practiced efficiency of a mother who’d spent years wrangling four sons into presentable shape. “Though I suppose it’s rather sweet, isn’t it, Richard? Remember how I used to steal your sweaters when we were dating?”
Andy’s blush deepened as Catherine continued her maternal fussing, brushing imaginary lint from his shoulders. He couldn’t help but think she was focusing her attention on the wrong person—Ryan was standing there with his shirt not only inside out but also backward. But apparently being the baby of the family had its perks, even if those perks included getting away with looking like a human disaster.
“Now, Andy dear, tell me how you met my son. And don’t let him interrupt with his version—he always leaves out the important details.”
Matt caught Andy’s slightly panicked look and had to suppress a smile. His mother in full maternal mode was a force of nature, and Andy was clearly discovering why all the Caine brothers had learned early on that resistance was futile.
“Well, it’s actually quite a story…” Matt said, his eyes dancing with suppressed laughter.
“Which can wait until after food,” Daniel interrupted, entering with Jeremy in tow. Both carried enough take-out bags to feed a small army. “Doctor’s orders—food first, interrogation later.”
“It’s not interrogation,” Catherine protested. “I’m just getting to know my future son-in-law.”
Andy choked on air while Matt suddenly found the ceiling fascinating. Ryan’s cackling didn’t help.
“Catherine,” Richard warned, but his lips twitched.
“What? A mother can hope.” She patted Andy’s cheek. “Look how he blushes, Richard. Isn’t he adorable?”
“Mom,” Matt groaned, but he couldn’t help smiling as Andy’s blush deepened.
“Pardon the interruption.” Xavier appeared in the doorway, looking as impeccable as ever in his tailored suit—not a hair out of place despite having been involved in a shootout and rescue mission mere hours ago. “James, the Palmer Project board isrequesting an emergency meeting.” He glanced at Matt. “In light of recent events, they want to discuss restructuring the project.” His emerald eyes swept the room, lingering a fraction too long on Ryan before addressing Matt directly. “They’re suggesting a joint venture between Maxwell-Caine Group and Kingsley Tech. Something about combining our security protocols after the… recent incident.”
Matt’s eyes narrowed slightly. The Palmer Project was his baby, a revolutionary hotel security system that would change the hospitality industry. Having Xavier’s tech expertise would admittedly be valuable, but still… He had to hand it to Xavier—the timing was impeccable. No doubt he’d played on the board’s fears after Matt’s kidnapping, carefully planting the idea that dual leadership would prevent future disruptions. It was a masterful move, really, though Matt suspected Xavier’s sudden interest in project security had more to do with getting closer to the younger Caine brother—who, despite his usual impeccable fashion sense, currently looked like he’d gotten dressed in a tornado during an earthquake—than any genuine concern about corporate governance.
As if to prove Matt’s point, Xavier’s gaze flickered briefly to Ryan, who suddenly seemed to notice his sartorial disaster and turned pink, fumbling to fix his inside-out, backward shirt while trying to appear casual about it.
“The board can’t make that decision without?—”
“Without your approval, of course,” Xavier cut in smoothly. “Hence why I’m here personally, but it can wait until you’re recovered.” He turned to Catherine with his trademark charm. “Mrs. Caine, wonderful to see you as always.”
“Xavier, darling!” Catherine beamed at him with the same affection she showed all her sons’ friends. “Perfect timing. You must join us for lunch.”
Matt noticed the quick glance Xavier shot toward Ryan again, who was suddenly very interested in his phone, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. Ryan’s reaction was enlightening. He filed that observation away for later consideration—and possible leverage during future negotiations. If Xavier thought he was the only one who could play strategic games, he was in for a surprise.
“Unfortunately, I have another engagement,” Xavier declined smoothly, though something flickered in his emerald eyes. “But I appreciate the invitation, as always. James, shall we discuss the preliminary terms?”
James stood, straightening his suit. “I’ll handle the board and draft the initial proposal,” he told Matt. “You focus on recovery. Andy, make sure he actually rests?”
Andy gave a mock salute. “I’ll sit on him if I have to.”
“That’s not the kind of rest I need,” Matt muttered, earning himself a scandalized “Matthew!” from his mother and a choking sound from Ryan.
