“I mean what do you think of Whitmore as a potential client?” Milton watched her carefully, and she wondered if he knew something about Tristan that she should know.
“This is not public information, but he’s looking for representation.”
Milton nodded, still watching her as if he knew something but was debating on saying it. “I see. Well, based on the interaction earlier, he seems to have taken a liking to you.”
Cree chuckled and waved him off. “I think it’s safe to say he’s a flirt, which doesn’t faze me. I don’t mix business with pleasure.” She’d done that once with Tristan, and she wouldn’t do it again.
A slow smile kicked up the corners of Milton’s mouth. “So you’ve told me, more than once. With that said, though, if you’re almost done here, how about dinner at Alla Vita?” he asked casually, but Cree didn’t miss the hope in his eyes.
They’d gone out together a few times over the years, but lately, it hadn’t felt like they were going out as friends or coworkers. Something had changed on Milton’s part. Cree recognized the signs of a man who’s interested in more than just friendship, and she’d made it clear they could only ever be friends. She just wasn’t sure he got the message.
“I’m going to have to pass.” She glanced at her watch. “I have a meeting this evening. As a matter of fact, I have a few things I need to take care of before then. Is there anything else we need to discuss regarding Andrea?”
Milton snorted and glanced down at his camera bag before looking at her again, then stood. “Right. Business,” he said and chuckled. “Got it.”
Good, she thought, because she didn’t want things to get weird between them. He was a great investigator who they’d come to rely on.
“Maybe some other time. As friends of course,” Milton said. “I have a question for you, though. If Tristan Whitmore would’ve asked you out for dinner tonight, would you have said yes?”
“Hell no,” she said emphatically. “I told you that I don’t mix business with pleasure. And if we sign Whitmore, it will be all business.”
She proclaimed the words with such force Cree wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince Milton or herself. Either way, she couldn’t mess this up by letting her attraction to Tristan screw with her mind, heart, or her job.
Not this time. Not ever again.
Chapter Seven
“What do you mean you’re selling the house?” Bethany screeched the moment she stepped into the kitchen where part of the family was congregated. Her piercing cry of anger echoed through the huge space, and Tristan cringed.
He’d known his sister would have issues with his announcement, but he was ready for her. He was done carrying her financially, and selling some property was just the beginning of the changes he was making for his future.
He sipped his steaming hot coffee as he stared at his sister. At thirty-years-old, Bethany was the baby of the family and could best be described as spoiled, selfish, entitled, and sometimes demanding. Tristan hated that he played a role in her turning out the way she had. Almost five years older, he had always been the protective big brother and made sure she wanted for nothing.
But she was a grown woman now, and his priorities had shifted. Of course, he’d always be there for his family, but there were going to be some changes.
“Where are we supposed to live?” Bethany snapped, standing between her parents who were seated at the large kitchen table.
Though it was early Sunday morning, she looked like she’d been awake for hours. Or maybe she was just getting home. He wasn’t sure. With the size of the house, it was hard keeping track of who was home or not.
Either way, she looked pulled together considering the time of day. Her dreadlocks were piled on top of her head in a stylish twist, and her face was perfectly made up like usual. Wearing a designer sweater, skin-tight jeans, and thigh-high boots she could be going anywhere.
Their grandfather, who also lived in the house, was shaking his head. He loved his grandchildren, but he often said the family, including him, created a monster when it came to Bethany.
“You’re going to live in your own house or apartment that you pay for,” Tristan’s dad said before Tristan could respond. “There is no reason why you should expect your brother to continue supporting your extravagant lifestyle.”
“He doesn’t pay for everything where I’m concerned,” his sister countered weakly. “But that’s beside the point, Dad. If he sells the family home, where are you guys going to live? Is Tristan throwing you out, knowing you can’t afford a place like this?”
She turned her angry gaze back on Tristan, and he snorted. Damn, he was getting sick of the women in his life glaring at him. First, Cree the other day, and now Bethany. At least with Cree, he deserved her anger. Thankfully he had smoothed things over with her and was now signed with Ellis, Priestly, and Watts Law Firm.
Two days ago, he had gone back to Cree’s office and made it official by signing a contract. Of course, he had to endure another speech from her insisting they would only have a professional relationship. And of course, he agreed to keep the peace, but in his mind, his plan was working. He was back in her life, and it was only a matter of time before she realized she was still in love with him, like he was in love with her.
“Tristan, are you even listening?” Bethany said, her voice louder than before. She pointed an accusatory finger at him. “I bet this sudden change has something to do with a woman. Who is she? Is she forcing you to disown your family so you’ll have more money to spend on her? Or is she withholding…”
“Beth!” their mother snapped. “That’s enough! And we’re sitting right here. Use your inside voice and stop acting like a child.”
Tristan was impressed his sister had part of that right. Yes, he was making changes because of a woman but not the way Bethany was implying. He would never turn his back on his family, but he wanted his life in order because he was ready for marriage and a family of his own. Granted, it was presumptuous of him to think he’d get a second chance with Cree, but he had to try. He couldn’t imagine his future without her in it.
So while trying to win her back, he was getting his house in order, in a manner of speaking. For the most part, his family members were self-sufficient except for the properties. He wanted to make sure they all had their own homes, in their names, so they didn’t rely on him as much. Especially his sister.
