Page 110 of Counterfeit Connection

Tobias and my father both chuckle. “Yeah, I have that effect on most. Hiya, Kaitlyn.”

“Mr. Carter here, and I have been getting to know one another. This one reminds me of someone else I know.” My father kisses my forehead. “Flapjacks are in the warmer and the coffee is still hot. I expect you to eat at least two.” He raises his eyebrow.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl. I’ll leave you two to catch up. I won’t be far, Pixie.”

My father gives me a wink before leaving the room. “Pixie, eh?” Tobias smiles.

“I’ve been Pixie to him since I was born. What are you doing here?”

“Well, I went to your apartment yesterday and found you gone. Kat was there with your friend, Mika. They explained you’d left the city and may or may not return. After I properly spent time with Katarina, I left her this morning to come find you.”

Tobias slides a full steaming mug across the counter to me. “Drink. Looks like you need it.”

“Gee thanks,” I snark as I pull the warmth into my chilled hands. “You could have called me for business things. I would have responded. I’m not going to abandon my responsibilities, just so we’re clear.”

He raises his hands up in defense. “I never thought you would. I know you have way too much integrity for that. And you have a strong affection for Bianca.”

The mention of her name stings. “I read all the memos that came through for legal approval. It sounds like things are moving quickly and in the right direction. Again, Tobias, I know you didn’t drive several hours on country roads you don’t know just to talk about things that could have been done via email or video conference.”

He sighs. “No. I was asked to physically come see you.”

“Who asked you to do that?” He doesn’t even have to answer. I already know. “Griffin? He sent you?”

“He knows he shouldn’t ask, but I'm hoping when I tell him that even though it looks as if you’ve barely eaten or slept in a week, you’re moving.”

“So, I look like shit. Thanks for the pep talk.” I set my mug down on the counter and begin to massage the side of my head.

Tobias slowly slides off his stool, coming to my side of the counter. He does the one thing he’s never done before. He pulls me into the bear hug of a lifetime. The tweed of his suit holds me in a memory but also slaps me in the present. My fingers wrap around the lapels of his jacket as I bury my face into his chest. “I know I’m not him, but hold on for as long as you like.”

“Is he okay?” I ask.

“Do you want the party line or the actual answer?”

“Both,” I mumble against his chest.

“When he was helping his mother and all the key stakeholders craft everything for the takeover, it was business as usual. Quiet and grumpy. No one would have noticed, I mean, other than the fallout of the pictures floating around. I knew. I could see it clear as day. After everyone left the last meeting, he wanted me to stay behind. He asked me to fly over and check on you. He didn’t think it was fair to do it himself. In reality, I don’t think he could have done it anyway.”

“He’s hurting,” I sigh.

“In every way imaginable.” Tobias kisses the top of my head before pushing me away enough so he can look into my eyes. “I’ve never seen him with anyone like I’ve seen him with you. Even though things seem final, he loves you.”

“I love him. He’s…he was it for me.”

“I don’t have a fucking crystal ball or anything, but hold on to that.”

“I’ll try.”

“That’s all anyone can ask.” Tobias smiles. “I know it’s likely the last thing on your mind, but I do have to go over the plans with you and have you sign off on a couple of things.”

“Wouldn’t Griffin usually ask?”

“Bianca thought this would be best, just for now. She sends her…warmest regards.”

“Tell her thank you and I’m still on board. I want this for her. I want this takeover for Griffin. He deserves to be free.”

Tobias holds two fingers under my chin to tilt it up. “There are many things he deserves.”

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