Page 116 of Cole

As he left the room, Annie exchanged a glance with Elizabeth, whose pronounced frown confirmed her own suspicions. Something was definitely going on.

“So, Cole,” Julian said, holding his glass out for the server to refill yet again, “has my father threatened your career yet? That’s his go-to move, you know.”

“Julian!” Annie hissed.

Cole set down his fork carefully. “Your father and I have had our disagreements, but we’re working toward understanding each other.”

Julian snorted. “That’s diplomatic. Tell me, do you actually believe he’s going to let you and Annie have a normal relationship? That he won’t try to control every aspect of it, like he does everything else?”

Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should save these discussions for another time.”

“Why?” Julian challenged, swirling his wine. “Because it’s uncomfortable? Because it exposes the truth about how this family operates?” He leaned toward Cole. “You seem like a decent guy. I just think you should know what you’re signing up for.”

Julian’s words caused Annie’s stomach to clench because they were a reflection of what she’d wondered at times. Would Cole decide it was too much effort and hassle to be with her?

If that happened, she would hardly blame him. If she could easily walk away from her father’s control, she would have.

Annie’s heart skipped a beat when Cole’s hand found hers under the table. He laced his fingers in hers and gave them a gentle squeeze, as if to reassure her that he would not be driven away that easily.

Glancing over at him, Annie saw that Cole had remained composed, his expression thoughtful rather than defensive.

“I appreciate your concern,” Cole said evenly. “But Annie and I are figuring this out together.”

Julian studied him for a moment, something like grudging respect flickering in his eyes. “Good luck with that.”

The tension in the room eased slightly as the servers cleared their plates and brought in dessert—an elaborate chocolate creation that under normal circumstances would have delighted Annie. Now, she merely pushed it around on her plate, her appetite gone.

When her father returned, his face was drawn, his eyes troubled. He took his seat at the head of the table but didn’t touch his dessert.

“Dad?” Benji ventured. “Is everything okay?”

Her dad’s gaze moved around the table, lingering on Annie for a moment before settling on Cole. There was an unspoken communication between them that Annie couldn’t decipher.

“Just some business matters,” her father said finally. “Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Elizabeth studied her husband. “Duncan, perhaps—”

“Not now,” he interrupted gently, giving her a small smile. “Let’s try to enjoy the rest of our evening.”

Annie felt Cole’s hand tense in hers. The strange undercurrent between him and her father made her uneasy. Did Cole know something she didn’t?

“Actually,” Cole said, setting down his napkin, “I was hoping we might have that talk sooner rather than later, sir.”

Her dad nodded slowly. “After dessert, then. In my office.”

Julian laughed under his breath. “The inner sanctum. You must have made quite an impression, Halverson.”

Annie glanced between her father and Cole, anxiety building in her chest. “I’d like to be part of that conversation.”

“Actually, Annalisa,” her father began. “I’d rather have this conversation with just Cole, then the three of us can meet tomorrow.”

“But, Dad—”

Her dad lifted a hand, cutting off her protests.

“It’s okay, Annie,” Cole said. “It needs to happen this way. Everything will be okay.”

Annie stared at him, wondering if he saw the fear in her gaze, or if he could hear the thundering of her heart as her anxiety spiked.

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