He shook his head. “I don’t. I was lonely…” A shrug. “Cecilia lied to your mother about us having an affair. I never cheated on her while she was alive, Max. I thought Claudia resented me for not being whom she wanted. It’s hard to compete with a dead love. It’s why I spent so much time here…”
I had no idea what to tell my father to ease his grief, all that came out was, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I have this place. It’s better. Stressful at times, but more honest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
With a nod, I left and headed for Tanner’s office farther down the corridor. His secretary wasn’t at her desk, so I walked in.
Tanner looked up, cocked an eyebrow at me, but held up a finger as he finished a call.
My thumbs hooked in my front pockets, I strolled to the scenic windows overlooking the bay, the conversation with my father replaying in my head. Now that I’d learned the truth, I understood why he hid behind that cold facade. When the one you loved didn’t return your feelings, it had to be like a painful wound, one you could never heal when the person holding the remedy wasn’t interested.
Most would cheat, look for solace in another’s arms, but my father hadn’t. Sadness filled my heart for my parents.
“This is a surprise.” Tanner’s voice pulled me back.
I turned from the window, leaned against the sill, resting my hands on the cool ledge. “The lofts in SoMa, we have any available?”
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“I need a place. Logan’s lease is up.”
“Let me check.” Tanner buzzed his secretary. “Norma, see if any lofts are available at the warehouse down in SoMa.”
“Yes, of course, Mr. Harding.”
Tanner rang off. “So?”
One word. So many questions.
“I made peace with the old man, like you wanted. Congratulations. You’re my babysitter. I start tomorrow.”
Amusement glimmered briefly in my cousin’s usually stoic features. “Good. Come on, then, let’s show you around. Be prepared to stay a while. And lose the bad boy look for work.”
I snorted. “Yeah, become another suit. Got it.”
Tanner’s lips twitched in amusement. He didn’t smile. He rarely did. But then when you lost your father, lost everything because of a horrible scandal, smiling was definitely not on the daily list.
“Hang on a sec, I need to make a call.” I retrieved my cell from my pocket and speed-dialed.
At the breathy voice on the other end, a smile tugged my mouth. “What are you doing?”
She laughed. “Talking to you.”
“Brat. I meant before that.”
“Reading—a very sexy book—and imagining it’s my mouth wrapped around your cock, licking your piercing...”
I heard the smile in her voice, knew she was fucking with me, but my cock didn’t give a shit. The fucker hardened painfully, wanting her. “You’re in so much trouble,” I lowered my voice. “I’m going to spank your ass for turning me on in the office, then I’m going to fuck you so hard, you won’t walk for a week.”
“Promises, promises,” she teased in a husky voice.
I growled—yeah, I did that shit. “I’m going to be late. And Logan, I want you naked the moment I arrive. I’ll call you later.” Ending the call, I looked up to find Tanner watching me with a considering stare. “What?”
“That talk works for you?”
I smirked. “I have her, don’t I?”
Tanner shook his head. “Let’s go.”
