Page 58 of Falling for the Maverick

“No, Mom.” Going on tiptoes, Michelle whispered to Shane, “Come to my room later today, and I’ll tell you everything.”

A minute later Aaron and Tristan entered the kitchen together, both filling mugs with coffee from the carafe on the countertop. Joseph walked in carrying a binder. He’d perched his half-glasses on the top of his head.

“No, Joe,” Patty called out. “Not this morning. Why do you need to read during breakfast?”

“I need to catch up on my reading. And besides it’s something I’ve always done, so why are you getting your nose out of joint now?”

Patty glared at her husband. “Because it’s always bothered me, and it’s my fault I never said anything until now.”

Aaron nudged Shane’s arm. “See what you’ll have to put up with once you and Remi are married for a few years?”

Shane glared at his younger brother. “What you should do is take care of yourself and stay out of other folks’ business.”

You tell him, Shane. Maybe he’ll listen to you, because whatever I say to him goes in one ear and out the other. Michelle knew Aaron had a lot of respect for Shane. Hopefully he would follow his advice.

* * *

It was late evening when Shane knocked on the door to Michelle’s suite and she let him. She pointed to a love seat in the sitting room. “Please sit down.” Waiting until her brother sat, Michelle met a pair of large brown eyes that reminded her of her own.

Shane shifted to look directly at her. “I want you to tell me everything.”

“I will if you promise to keep this between us.” When Shane nodded, Michelle told him about Tiffany introducing her to her brother and all that had followed, ending with Lucas taking her to Bronco for dinner at Coeur de l’Ouest.

“Are you saying that you’re in love with him?” Shane questioned.

Michelle nodded. “I believe I am. Were it not necessary for me to meet him in secret, I would confidently say I am. We both agree that dating right after the weddings would have people believing that we were caught up in the excitement of the event and that we didn’t want it to end. I’m conflicted because not only is he a workaholic, but there’s word going around that he is commitment-shy.”

“Are you really that concerned about what people have to say, Michelle?” Shane asked her. “Have you ever let someone else’s opinions influence the way you choose to live your life? Aaron should stay out of Lucas’s business. If the man dates women and decides not to commit, then he may have a reason why he doesn’t.” He paused. “Lucas and I have had a few conversations with each other because we both worked in finance. I must admit that he can run rings around me when it comes to making money. He truly is a genius with investing. He’s able to name every company on different stock exchanges in several countries.”

“He’s mentioned that he has a good memory.”

“Yeah right,” Shane drawled. “Lucas Brandt has what is called photographic memory. In other words, he has total recall. That’s why he was able to make so much money for his clients and for himself. I don’t know if you’re aware that Lucas is a very wealthy man.”

Michelle slowly blinked. “How wealthy are you talking about, Shane?”

“High mid-seven-figures wealthy, sis. He’s a multimillionaire, but that’s something he doesn’t like to advertise.”

She’d suspected he was wealthy because of the amount of money he had to build and furnish his house, but there was no way she could’ve imagined he could’ve been a multimillionaire. “But he told you.”

“Let’s just say he hinted at it. The only thing I’m going to tell you is I like the dude, and if you two have something good going together, then I have your back.”

“What about Aaron?” Michelle asked Shane.

Shane huffed. “I get why Aaron feels responsible for protecting you—he’s always been close to you, and Dad taught his sons to look out for their sister. The Corey men protect must their women.”

“That’s not answering my question, Shane. Do you think there’s going to be a dustup between Aaron and Lucas if we decide to go public?”

“I doubt it. Aaron knows you’re a grown woman, and there are some lines he shouldn’t cross. Although I don’t know Lucas well, I don’t think he’s going to back down if Aaron gets in his face. What I don’t want is for you to become collateral damage. However, Lucas must decide whether you’re worth fighting for even if it results in a few hurt feelings.” He shook his head. “This may not sound nice, but I’m glad I married a Hawkins rather than a Brandt.”

Michelle landed a soft punch to Shane’s arm. “That is not nice.”

“What isn’t nice is families feuding with each other. There’s been enough of that in Tenacity for years without bringing the Brandts into the mix. We Coreys have been in Montana too long to start a range war over some asinine Romeo and Juliet shit.”

Michelle knew her brother was upset when he muttered the expletive. “Let’s hope it won’t get to that. Thanks for listening.”

Shane smiled. “That’s what big brothers are for.”

“You forget I have four big brothers.”