“Allie. What Tyler said—”
I press my hand to his face. “Means nothing. But you do.”
“I walked away from you. Family doesn’t walk away from family. If I could turn back time-”
“You won’t do it again. And now you know I won’t let you.” I manage to keep a straight face as I add, “Now you know who’s in control.”
He laughs, but there’s anger there beneath the deep rumble. And not at me. He’s angry at himself. I think that’s a problem for us. He’s always angry at himself. This talented, amazing man just can’t let go of the past.
And as for Allison, I pray that’s exactly what she did: let go of her past, and by choice.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The minute I’m in the Hawk Legal elevator headed to my floor, anger percolates in that part of my belly that cannot hold onto things. I’ve learned that when my emotions find that destination they’re going to find a path out. Tyler is playing games with my life and I’ve had it to the rooftop with men who try to control me. By the time the doors open and I step out into the foyer, I turn left toward Tyler’s office, not right toward the lobby and my own office.
His secretary Debbie is behind the desk and when she greets me, I say, “I’m here to see Tyler.”
“I’ll buzz his office.”
There’s no waiting for me. I storm down the hallway and when I reach his door, there’s no tender footing about for me this time. I’m no newbie at interrupting Tyler and I’m still in charge mode and charge I do. I step inside his office and say, “Tyler, you need to know—” I halt and gape as I realize that he’s standing behind his desk, and another man is on his feet across from him.
My heart thunders when that man turns to face me and I realize it’s his father. Oh my God. I’ve really done it now.
“Do continue, Allie,” Jack Hawk instructs, his eyes alight with what appears to be amusement. “What does Tyler need to know?”
Considering we’ve had the conversation about Tyler’s formality, he’s clearly pointing out my informal address of his son. “Sorry for intruding,” I quickly offer. “I pulled together the list of auction items and I was excited about how fabulously the event is coming together. Which is all I wanted to say.”
“Is that right?” Hawk Senior asks. His eyes are bright gray, intelligent, and calculating, and again I’m struck by how powerful an impact Hawk Senior’s presence creates.
“Yes. Again, sorry for the intrusion.”
“No apology needed,” Hawk Senior assures me. “Good news is always welcomed with as much excitement as its delivery. And I’m glad to see you’ve managed to be on first name terms with my son when so few have.”
“Ms. Wright tends to take liberties,” Tyler replies. “She forgets herself.”
Hawk Senior is another story. He laughs. “Is that right?” He gives me a tilt of his chin. “Feel free to take all the liberties you like with me. I prefer everyone here feel I’m an open book. It’s Jack, in case you don’t remember.”
There is something about the “take all the liberties you like with me” that stirs an uneasy feeling, though I’m fairly certain that’s me transferring my feelings toward Tyler onto him right now. “Of course, I remember,” I assure him. “And thank you. Sometimes my excitement does get the best of me.”
“Tell us more,” he urges. “How do you define a successful event?”
“Yes, Ms. Wright,” Tyler chimes in. “Tell us more.” His tone says the last thing he wants is “more” of me right now. Or his father, I suspect, but he’s a brick wall, so practiced at schooling his emotions, he has none to read.
I give them both more anyway. “At present,” I say. “I believe we’ll have at least three hundred thousand in final donations. There are a few prime items that could take that to five hundred thousand.”
“Well then, let’s shoot for seven-fifty,” Jack suggests, rubbing his well-manicured hands together. “Let me call on a few of my big players.”
“That’s very generous of you,” I say. “Thank you. I should get back to work. Sorry again for interrupting.” My eyes meet Tyler’s and his irritation appears to be more amusement. He’s enjoying watching me squirm. Asshole.
“More from me soon, Allie,” Jack promises.
“And me,” Tyler adds, a smirk on his face.
I back away and give them a stupid wave. Am I really back to that wave? “Bye, thank you.” I whirl around and exit the office and want to crawl under the floor—yes, the floor, that’s how embarrassed I feel in this moment. But even as embarrassed as I am, somehow, I’m motivated to drive this auction to even bigger success. That’s the way I operate. I like and need to please. It’s both a flaw and an asset in some cases. I do believe that’s how I ended up with Brandon. He pleased my father. He did not please me.