Logan was definitely enjoying his meal. He was also enjoying dining with his brother. It was hard to believethat the man sitting across from him was actually related to him. He wanted to know everything there was to know about Skylar. In a way, he shouldn’t have been surprised. As the oldest sibling, he’d always felt responsible for those younger than him. Although Skylar didn’t need him in that role - not when he had Dante, who apparently was looking out for him - Logan still felt the need to be sure he was okay.
“What about you, Skylar? Do you worry about falling for the wrong person?”
Skylar wiped his mouth on his napkin, then answered. “No. When it comes to women, Dad taught me to look out for certain red flags. And then, of course, Dante does background checks.” Skylar chuckled. “Not that I require them or even ask for one. It’s something he does by habit.” He paused. “I recently met someone, and I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love. She’s special. Very special. So, no, I’m not afraid to fall in love.”
“I am happy for you and wish you all the best. Having a good woman in your life is a blessing. I don’t know what I would do without my Claire.”
“You didn’t marry until after the others had done so. Was that deliberate?”
“In a way, yes. It’s that older brother complex. I can’t help but want to look out for them, and I usually end up putting their well-being ahead of my own. My siblings married some wonderful people - good people who make them happy. Even Pop’s wife, Thea, is a treasure.”
“Maybe one day I’ll meet all of them, Logan.”
Logan paused as he cut into his steak. “I know they would love meeting you, Skylar. I talked to everyone last night and told them about you. Pop extended an invitation for you tojoin us for Thanksgiving. That’s always a special day for our family, and it would be the perfect time to meet everyone since they’ll be coming home.”
“To Gary, Indiana?”
“Yes.”
Skylar didn’t say anything at first, then said, “Can I let you know?”
“Absolutely. Please consider it, and if you decide to join us, call me. It’ll be a holiday you’ll never forget.”
CHAPTER 23
Haven and Skylar
Haven entered the ballroom, not much in a party mood. All she could think about was seeing Skylar tomorrow. He had texted, letting her know that he’d made arrangements for them to fly to Phoenix at nine in the morning for an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon. Then later, they would take a closer look by helicopter.
They’d be staying at a villa close to the canyon tomorrow night. On Sunday, they would get up early and go hiking, then experience the glass skywalk and Grand Canyon Railway. After this weekend, she’d definitely be able to mark the Grand Canyon off her bucket list.
She was packed and ready to go. Skylar’s text had been detailed, listing everything she would need for their weekend excursion. The hotel’s shuttle service had taken her to one of the shops in the area to purchase everything she needed, including a pair of hiking boots. Skylar had called earlier to say his jet would arrive later tonight, and he would see her in the morning. Although they had talked each night, she still missed him and could hardly wait to see him again.
The ballroom was crowded, filled with medical researchers, and people mingled while uniformed waiters andwaitresses circulated with drinks and trays of food. In addition to the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies, owners of corporations that sold medical products and equipment, and medical research physicians, Haven had been told that this time around, the junior executives of pharmaceutical companies had also been invited.
That meant her boss, Addie Lowery, was here tonight. She hadn’t spoken to the woman since Addie had suggested that Haven’s relationship with Skylar could be beneficial to Marimar. Evidently, Addie had accepted what Haven had told her, that her relationship with Skylar was none of Addie’s business. Gramma Dora had always said that it was best to shut down some issues immediately. It let people know that you could not be manipulated.
Haven glanced around the ballroom. Tonight’s affair was a lot dressier than previous ones. She looked around, admiring all the women dressed in beautiful gowns and men in tuxedos. There was even a live band for dancing.
Many people had stopped to compliment her on her gown. She’d bought it the last time she and Asia had gone shopping together. It was a beautiful cerulean blue, and Asia swore the shade highlighted the color of her brown eyes.
Haven smiled when she saw Janice and Carolyn standing with several other medical researchers, and she decided to join them. The two women still sometimes cautioned her about Skylar, but for the most part, they were just glad she was happy. Skylar’s nightly calls had helped Haven feel secure, and she guessed it showed, because Janice and Carolyn were more relaxed around her.
She no longer cared what anyone thought…though she was beginning to get annoyed with Chastain Gibbs. The twenty-six-year-old woman was also a medical researcher, but she had the advantage that her father owned the pharmaceutical company where she worked. She was the least liked in the group because she flaunted her wealth and made it known that being a medical researcher was only a temporary job for her, since she would one day be the CEO of Gibbs Pharmaceuticals.
“That’s a beautiful gown, Haven,” Carolyn complimented.
“And it looks stunning on you,” Janice added.
“It is rather nice,” Chastain said with a tinge of sneer in her voice. “Dad had mine flown in from Paris just for this occasion. He wanted me to look beautiful in case Skylar Kingston makes an appearance tonight.” The group fell quiet, as most people had heard about the attention Skylar had given Haven during the last social function.
Carolyn tried to change the subject, but Chastain had the nerve to look at Haven and add, “Skylar Kingston is a very wealthy man. I do hope you aren’t getting any ideas that he could in any way be serious about you.”
“On the contrary,” a deep, husky male voice said from behind. “Haven can get all the ideas she wants. Because I’m definitely serious about her.”
Skylar was here! Haven glanced around and smiled when she saw him. She hadn’t expected him to come tonight. Like the parting of the Red Sea, the group divided, giving him a straight path to her. He looked so good in his tux, and as he moved, his hair seemed to flow around his shoulders.
When he reached her, he smiled and said, “Hello, sweetheart,” then leaned in to brush a kiss across her lips.
