I nod in recognition and in respect.
“I understand that.”
“So let’s keep things strictly professional. That’s all I’m asking.”
“I am, Mr. Hill.” I take a swallow of my drink and stare him down to challenge his resolve. “I will take care of your sons’ dilemma at work, I will be a good friend to your daughter, and never the twain shall meet.”
Juliette’s father turns beet red. Probably not a good way to get on my future father-in-law’s good side (because rest assured I will be marrying Juliette Hill one day), but he needs to know.
They all need to know.
I will not be talked down to or talked at. I am motherfucking Joseph Masterson, and I demand and deserve the respect of everyone in the room.
“We need to speak to Jack alone now,” brother number two says to me.
“No problem, it’s been a pleasure. I look forward to working with you.”
When I exit the office, I immediately scan the room, looking for Juliette. I find her sitting in an area they call the “great room” on one of the many love seats in this house, sandwiched in between a man who looks exactly like her (must be the 3rd youngest brother) and a man whom I can only assume is the infamous Chandler. He’s young, dressed like a lawyer, and is looking at Juliette like she’s a snack.
I walk directly up on them and extend my hand forward.
“Are you ready to finish giving me that tour, Juliette?” I ask her.
“A tour?”
“I’d love to see some of theotherrooms in your house.”
My girl stands but her face turns a beautiful shade of dusky pink when she does.
“Jules,” her brother warns.
Oh, this one hates me too?
Perfect.
“Juliette?” My hand is still extended.
I want her to grab it.
Choose me, Juliette.
Trust me, baby.
“Jules, this is a bad idea,” the brother says.
When Juliette grabs my hand and slides her every one of her slender fingers in between mine, my entire body finally relaxes and exhales.
This isherclaiming.
I lean over and whisper in her ear, “Thank you, baby.”
She turns her head and kisses me swiftly on the lips.
“Let’s go look at the lights my father hung outside.”
“Whatever you want.”
And that’s my promise to her.
