Page 8 of Betrayal of a Billionaire
“I’m glad you didn’t,” she said as she squeezed his hand.
“I hope you’re glad Sierra included me on the trip.”
“Of course, I am. You’re family, too. And I think we all needed this. Maybe you and Grant can make some progress on your relationship.”
Kyle slid his eyes sideways to his father, still chatting on the phone. “Maybe.”
“Don’t be so quick to jump to the conclusion that you can’t move forward.”
He leaned away from her, his jaw tightening.
“I know you don’t think you can have a relationship.”
“I don’t,” he answered.
“But you need to stay open to the possibility.”
“I’m not exactly thrilled with his actions and attitudes. Maybe I don’t want to move forward.”
“I’m just saying to keep an open mind because he may surprise you. Maybe you’ll find some common ground on this trip.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“I really hate that you two are constantly at each other. You weren’t at first. You were making good progress.”
“And then I admitted my feelings for you, and that threatened him. Threatened to take control away from him.”
“He’s not that controlling,” she answered. “But let’s stop talking about it. Maybe it’s best if you don’t force anything.”
Kyle shifted in his seat to face her again. “Yes, let’s stop talking about him and start talking about DG Industries. Our investigation stalled. I didn’t want to push it during your recovery, but I think we need to dive back into this.”
Julia heaved a sigh, not wanting to get into it. “Let’s put that on the back burner, too, and try to enjoy the vacation.”
Kyle’s jaw clenched, indicating that he didn’t like the suggestion. “Are you just putting me off?”
She shook her head. “I’m not putting you off. I just think we need some time away from all the issues.”
“Okay. As long as you promise to discuss the next steps with me when we get back to New Orleans.”
“Fine,” she said with a nod.
“Kyle, do you mind getting out of my seat?” Grant asked as he slid his phone into his pocket and grabbed his glass.
“I didn’t realize it was yours exclusively.”
“Well, it ismyplane,” Grant shot back.
“And we all know how you love to lord over all that you own.”
Grant’s gaze hardened as Kyle spoke, a silent storm brewing behind his eyes. Unfazed, Kyle met his father’s glare with a defiant tilt of his chin, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
“Enough,” Julia said. “This is a vacation, not a battle.”
“She’s right,” Grant said. “Keep the seat. I’ll sit here.”
“No, no,” Kyle said as he rose from his seat. “Take it.”
“No, I’m fine over here,” Grant said as he backed toward the seat next to Sierra.
