Grant’s forehead creased as though he was surprised by her comment. “Is it?”
Unable to keep up with the charade, Brynnon shook her head. “No,” she snickered. “Not really. I mean, come on. We’re talking about feet.”
Warmth seeped into his eyes, along with a tiny spark of light. She could have sworn he was about to smile back, but a loud voice interrupted the moment.
“Look who I found!”
All heads turned to the two men who’d just entered the room.
Martin Downing, the man who spoke, had worked for her father for years. First, as his personal assistant at the construction company her dad used to own. Then after he sold that business and became Senator, her father made Martin his Chief of Staff.
At thirty-two—only three years older than Brynnon—most women found his square jaw, dark brown hair, and eyes, and winning smile attractive. She had, too, until Martin opened his mouth and ruined it.
For her father’s sake, Brynnon had learned to play nice with the condescending jerk. In truth, she couldn’t stand the guy.
Next to Martin stood her brother, Billy. On the outside, he was a handsome, successful entrepreneur. Unfortunately, Brynnon was more than a little aware of the internal struggles the man faced but wouldn’t admit.
Billy was tall and lean, his features long and sharp. His reddish-brown hair, full lips, and green eyes, which were identical to Brynnon’s, had made many a girl swoon. That, and his natural charisma.
The guy could charm the pants off almost any woman he met...and probably had. He was always smiling and joking, entertaining whoever was around to listen with his witty humor. But, Brynnon knew it was all a big show. She’d seen his other side, and it wasn’t pretty.
“Billy.” Brynnon’s dad gave her brother a tight smile. “You decided to join us, after all.”
“Yeah, sorry I’m late. There was a wreck on the highway. Traffic was backed up for over an hour.”
“You couldn’t call?” Brynnon asked, not bothering to hide her annoyance. Her brother had no respect for anyone's schedule but his own.
Billy’s green eyes met hers. “Hey, sis. You know, I would have, but my phone died.”
“Right.” Brynnon rolled her eyes and took a drink of her tea.
“It did!” her brother insisted. Noticing the man sitting next to her, he tipped his chin in Grant’s direction. “Who the hell are you?”
“Jesus, Billy,” Brynnon chastised him. “Rude much?”
He scoffed. “What? I can’t ask who the strange man sitting next to my sister is?”
“Your sister’s right. You could at least try to be a little more tactful.” Her dad shook his head before looking at Grant. “I apologize for my son.”
Billy rolled his eyes. “I don’t need you to apologize for me, Dad. I’m not twelve.”
Her father pressed his lips together. “Then stop acting as if you were.”
Deciding it was time to step in, Brynnon said, “Billy, this is Grant. Grant, meet my brother, Billy.”
“Wow.” Billy walked around the table to where she and Grant were sitting. “It’s been a long time since Bryn brought a boyfriend home to meet the family.” When Grant stood to shake Billy’s hand, her brother leaned toward him and fake-whispered, “Between you and me, my sister has a tendency to run men off. Not sure why. Could be the stick she has shoved up her ass, but who knows. Either way, I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you.”
Mortified that her brother would say something so demeaning, Brynnon swung her eyes to his. “What the hell?”
Hating that Grant had to bear witness to her shitshow of a brother, she felt a familiar warmth spreading through her cheeks. Brynnon glared at Billy, letting him know without words he’d better knock it off.
“That’s quite enough, William,” her father intervened.
Typical Billy, he simply laughed and slapped Grant on the shoulder. He then turned to Brynnon. “Oh, I’m just teasin’. You know I love you, sis.” Leaning down, he kissed the top of her head before walking back around to take his seat.
Brynnon gave Grant a quick glance before staring back down at her plate and muttering, “Sorry.”
He put his arm across the top of her chair, his natural heat warming her upper back as he leaned toward her. With his lips precariously close to her ear, he whispered, “Nothing you need to apologize for, Princess.”
