Nope. Not going there.
Bryce Simpson was not in control of my thoughts or my libido.
I was.
And I was taking back the reins.
Chapter Seventeen
Bryce
Up at five a.m. to go to a training session I didn’t want. I was still serious about backing off Marj by way of learning about Dominic James, but I wanted to take a look around the trainers’ office to see if I could find the small card I’d inadvertently dropped there.
No luck. It was gone. Perhaps it had never been there. Or perhaps the janitorial staff had thrown it out when they cleaned.
Or perhaps someone had picked it up and cracked the code.
My father’s code.
Maybe it was just a simple code to amuse his son. It was hardly difficult to break.
Maybe it was more.
I tried not to think about it during the half hour that Dominic kicked my ass. So far I wasn’t feeling it, but I’d be sore as hell tomorrow.
Great. My first day as the CFO of the Steel Corporation.
When I returned, my mom was in the kitchen with Henry. He smiled when he saw me and then continued to shovel scrambled eggs into his mouth. Adorable.
I had to be more of a father to this little boy. More importantly, though, I had to make sure he stayed safe. I’d been thinking about how to broach the subject of an extended vacation for my mom and Henry again.
She had a sister, Victoria Walker, who had moved to Florida with her husband, Chase. Their son, Luke, had been among my father’s victims.
Florida would be good for Mom and Henry. As much as I’d miss both of them, I truly needed them out of harm’s way. It was the only way I could function.
“So…” I began.
“What?” my mother asked.
“I know you didn’t like my vacation idea, but what about you and Henry going to Florida to stay with Aunt Vicky and Uncle Chase for a few weeks? The sunshine and warmth will be good for you both.”
“We’ve been through this, Bryce.”
“I’m going to be so busy with this new position on the ranch.”
“Which is why you need me here. You won’t eat a decent meal if I don’t fix it for you.”
“I’ve lived on my own before, Mom.” I wasn’t much of a cook, but I managed.
“But—”
“No buts. You need to get away. Florida will be perfect. In fact, if you don’t want to take Henry, I’ll hire—”
“Stop right there. You’re not leaving that baby with anyone other than me.”
“I’m making good money now. I can get the best nanny.”
“I won’t hear of it. He’s going with me.”