The Favor

I expected Dane to tense at the mention of Heather, given how pissed he was that he hadn’t yet been able to prove she’d sent the flash drive, despite having looked into the matter earlier. But his body language remained completely relaxed.

“She hopes you’ll both be there,” Melinda added.

I highly doubted that Heather had any such hopes. “Her birthday falls on the Friday, right?”

“It does,” Melinda confirmed.

I gave her an apologetic look. “I’m afraid we can’t make it.” I really hoped no one could tell I was doing a happy dance in my head.

Dane nodded. “We leave for New York on Friday afternoon. We won’t be back until Sunday evening.”

“Is the trip for work or pleasure?” asked Simon.

Dane looked down at me, his eyes smiling. “We can ensure it’s a bit of both, can’t we?”

“We can,” I said.

“Please apologize to Heather for us,” he said to Melinda. “If we could cancel the trip, we would.”

Ha, pure lies.

“She’ll understand,” Melinda assured him. “You’ve been on business trips to New York before, right?”

I nodded. “I love the place. It’s hectic but so vibrant.”

“Do you ever get tired of traveling so often, Dane?” asked Wyatt. “I know it doesn’t bother Vienna.”

“I’m used to it,” Dane told him. “It’s simply part of the job.”

“I meant to ask you,” Simon cut in, “where did the name o-Verve come from?”

Dane’s fingers imperceptibly tightened on mine for the briefest moment. “It was one of many ideas,” he said, casual, but I sensed that he was feeling far from it. “My uncle and I tossed lots of them around.”

Melinda’s brows lifted. “Your uncle?”

“Yes, Hugh. My brothers and I lived with him for many years. He was a good man.” Dane looked down at me. “He’d have liked you.”

“From everything you’ve told me about him, I’m sure I’d have liked him,” I said.

The buzzer sounded.

Dane pulled out his phone and checked the camera feed through the security app. “It’s Kent and Jen.”

Again? I inwardly groaned. Which made me feel like shit, because it was good for Dane that his brother paid him regular visits. I just didn’t like being around Jen.

“Kent?” echoed Melinda. “That’s your brother, isn’t it, Dane?” She sat up straighter and adjusted her blouse. “Good, I was hoping to meet him at some point. Vienna said he’s very nice.”

Yeah, I’d forewarned my family that, with the exception of Kent, the rest of the Davenports weren’t terribly pleasant people, but I hadn’t gone into any real detail.

Dane dropped a kiss on my head and then left the den. Moments later, he returned with our visitors. Both Jen and Kent were polite and cordial as they introduced themselves to my family. Melinda looked from me to Jen, and I suspected she’d noticed that my greeting to the brunette wasn’t quite as welcoming as it was to Kent.

He flashed me a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry. We didn’t realize you had company until we saw the cars in the courtyard.”

Melinda waved away the apology, even though it hadn’t been directed at her. “It’s no problem for us. I’ve been looking forward to meeting Dane’s family.” Shameless, she began to quiz the guy. How long had he and Jen been married? Did they live far from here? Did they have children? Would they be at the reception?

Kent easily answered her questions, thankfully not looking in the least bit bothered by her sheer nosiness. He was just as friendly toward Wyatt and Simon, talking with the same ease and grace that Dane often showed them. I wondered if the brothers had picked it up from Hugh and channeled their uncle on occasion.

Jen was just as affable, if not a little stiff at times … as if feeling somewhat awkward. I had to wonder if she thought I’d told my family about her bitchy behavior. She also kept watching my father like she expected him to turn into Mr. Hyde at any moment and start doing crazy shit, which pissed me off. I was worried he’d notice, so I was actually relieved when my family announced they needed to leave.

At the front door, I waved them off. Dane then slipped his arm around my waist and led me back into the den.

Kent cast me another sheepish smile. “I was happy to meet your father and foster parents, but I still really am sorry we intruded.”

“It’s not a problem,” I told him. “They were glad to finally meet you.”

“What brings you here?” Dane asked him.

“Two reasons,” replied Kent. “They’re not terribly important, but I didn’t want to bother you at work. One, I know you’re already married, but I was wondering if you’d be interested in a post-bachelor-party.”

I snickered. “Dane? Have a party? Oh, you’re funny.”

Dane frowned. “Not everyone’s a party person.”

“Hey, I’m not judging. I have to say, I’m surprised you even agreed to a wedding reception.” I turned back to Kent. “It was Melinda’s idea. I didn’t expect him to roll with it.”