“Mis Riley, you lied to us,” Gage says.
I shake my head. “When you asked us about our relationship, we told you we were colleagues and friends. Thatistrue and that wasallwe were when you asked.”
I don’t really owe these men an explanation and yet…I kind of do. They did ask and instead of telling them it was none of their concern last night and establishing that boundary then and there, we did tell them that we were not involved.
“Everett and I met several months ago. Before we knew who the other was. Before I was working for IES. Once we found out about our connection, we agreed we needed to change our relationship and keep it platonic. And that has been true until last night.”
The brothers share a look, then meet my eyes again.
“And Graham is fine with this?” Connor asks.
This isnoneof their business, dammit. It’s not really Graham’s business, either. But…it is. That’s how our family and friend group work. We tell each other important things. Weshare our lives. And who we are in love with is definitely a part of our lives that we want everyone to know. And no matter how old I am, how independent I am, how private my love lifecould be, Everett is Graham’s best friend. It’s just not realistic to say that this isnoneof his business.
Dammit. This is one of the things I hate about corporate work. I can’t tell people to fuck off even when they deserve it.
But I couldnicelytell them that this is a family matter.
I decide to try that. “All of this is between Everett and me and Graham,” I say evenly. “It’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”
Gage Albright’s mouth presses into a thin line. Then he takes a step back from my doorway.
Fuck. That is huge red flag body language.
“We disagree,” he says.
I frown. “What does my love life have to do with the IES relationship with your company?”
“Our company is very personal to us,” Gage says. “It’s our family’s company. That means it’s much more than business.”
“I understand that. IES and IAS are the same to us.”
“Exactly why working with you was so appealing.”
Was. There’s that damned past tense again. My heart starts to pound.
“Shouldn’t my relationship with Everett make you feelmoresecure then?” I ask. “Everett is practically a part of my family already. This just makes our family business connection even deeper.”
“We don’t like the idea of entering into a significant business relationship, one that we are hoping will be good for our family’s reputation and name, with people who lied to us upon our first meeting,” Conner says.
I feel like they’re being a little oversensitive about us not being forthcoming about a personal matter, but they get to feel how they feel.
“I apologize. Perhaps we should have told you that there was a history between us. And current feelings. But we truly didn’t mean to lie to you about anything. Everett and my relationship will not, in any way, negatively affect you and your company.”
“But it could if it affectsyouandyourcompany,” Connor says.
I frown. “I don’t follow.”
“If it becomes an issue between you and Graham that you and Everett are involved, or you and Everett break up, it could affect IES. Which will affect us.”
I take a deep, calming breath—at least it’s supposed to be calming, but I’m not sure it works because my heart is still pounding and my throat feels tight. “We are all grown adults,” I say. “And true professionals. We will not let that happen. Of course, we can also include something in the contract to make you feel better, if you prefer.”
“It’s not about contracts,” Gage snaps. “It’s about integrity. About who you all are. It’s about trusting you.”
I like it when people are straightforward, and I don’t have to worry about what they’re thinking and feeling. Gage Albright is definitely not someone I have to guess with.
“It would reassure us to know that Graham is aware of your relationship,” Connor says.
Well, I can’t lie to them anymore. “Graham is not aware of it. But we will be telling him, and I don’t expect him to be upset or have any issues. He loves Everett like a brother. He and I are very close, and he trusts my judgment.”
