Page 60 of Conflict
I KNOWI’m skeptical about the whole fake engagement thing, but I’ve already seen Branson put through the wringer once before. I don’t want to see it happen again, even if I’m pretty sure Ariana’s not that type of woman. I can tell he doesn’t like my line of questioning, so after my last glower and a few whispered words to Alyssa, I turn my attention back to him and change the conversation to talk about our interest.
I feel Alyssa’s eyes on me the entire time. I have a feeling I know what she’s thinking, and I wonder if her embellished animosity towards me will dissipate by the time we reach the end of dinner. I sure as hell hope so, but if I have to chase, I have no problem with that.
“What’s the pulse on the Filiatrault merger?” he asks, taking a sip of his whiskey.
I glance to Alyssa, but she hasn’t heard a word we’ve said. I’m hopeful it’s because her mind is far away, back at the beach, or perhaps in the future when we’ll be exploring just how great we could be together. I’m also glad she’s not paying attention because there’s no doubt in my mind Wellsley-Callahan is going after the same business.
“He’s being fickle. Playing hard to get. I have a feeling he’s being courted by a few larger companies and he wants us to compete against each other.”
Branson grins. “It wasn’t until I met Ariana that I realized business is really just like an episode ofThe Bachelor. We’re all vying for that final rose, no matter what we have to do.”
I bring a hand to my chest in protest. “For the love of God, Branson, it must be love if she’s making you watchThe Bachelorand you’re already making comparisons.”
He laughs and slaps me on the shoulder. “Told you, Shane. It’s the real deal. And hey, it’s not a bad comparison. Especially if you’re in the running. Besides, who could resist a Wellington face?”
I glance to Alyssa, and Branson barks out laughter. She’s surprised by the outburst, and when she gives him questioning eyes, he waves her away. Fortunately, Ariana starts talking to her and he turns his attention back to me.
“I’m proud of you, Shane. I know being a bigwig was never the goal for you, and yet you’ve stepped it up and made this division one of the highest-earning for the entire company. Since you’ve taken over, it’s become the most productive division when it comes to business mergers. We couldn’t do it without you.”
I raise my glass. “The Wellington Way.”
He laughs again. “Wow. I haven’t heard anyone talk about the Wellington Way since I was a teenager.” His expression turns pensive. “I guess there was no reason to. Damn, Grandma Kate’s always right, isn’t she?”
I shrug. “Jury’s still out on me.”
He just shakes his head and chuckles. The rest of dinner is pleasant—comfortable, even—as we make small talk. I allow myself to relax, call off the interrogation, and try to really get to know Ariana, since what I knew before was just from her time with Cunningham. Alyssa’s still lost in her own little world, and that’s fine by me. We have plenty of time to figure this out.
Branson pays the bill and grabs Ariana’s hand when she yawns.
She quickly covers her mouth. “Sorry. Those couple of glasses of wine made me tired,” she apologizes with a sheepish grin.
Alyssa glances at her watch then stands. “I have an early morning tomorrow, so I should probably get going. It was so great to finally meet you, Branson. I’ll have to come to Tennessee to visit soon.”
We all stand, and I decide it’s time to make my move. “I should get going, too. I’ll walk you out,” I offer, hoping my voice doesn’t give away the desperation I’m feeling.
She stiffens then loops her arm through Ariana’s. “No need. I’ll walk out with my sister,” she replies, giving me a curt nod before smiling at me. “Have a safe trip tomorrow.”
Ariana looks confused as she allows her sister to pull her out of the room. Branson and I watch as they disappear. Then he turns to me, apparent amusement on his face.
“What was that about? I thought you two were friends,” Branson inquires.
Ah, so Arianahastold him something.
I roll my eyes, pretending it’s no big deal. Apparently, he didn’t put two and two together, and the last thing I want to do is tell him I slept with his fiancée’s sister.
“We were. We are.”
Branson doesn’t say anything in response, and I can tell he’s waiting for me to elaborate.
I run a hand through my hair. “It’s complicated.”
Branson laughs and pats me on the back. “Things with women usually are.”
He takes off after the women, and I follow, placing a hand on his shoulder when I reach him.
I cock an eyebrow and turn towards him, stopping us before he can reach the elevator. “Is that true for you and Ariana? Are things complicated?”
Branson looks confused for a moment. Then his lips curve into a smile. “No. And maybe that’s why we work. Even when we were thrown into living together, it was never difficult. I know you’re worried about it, but don’t be. I’m happy, Shane.”
