Sexy Six (The Bennett Brothers 2)

He starts to read and scowls, shock registering on his face. “What the hell is this?”

“I’ve spoken to a lawyer and had my share of the gallery transferred to Grandpa for the imminent future. If you have something that needs legal attention, he will be your partner. I’ll be out of touch for a while. My schedule will be unpredictable, and you shouldn’t be left in a lurch waiting on anything.”

Logan opens his mouth, but Grandpa beats him to it. “Peach Princess, what is going on? I don’t want to be involved with your business. Hell, I don’t know anything about your business.”

I give him an apologetic smile, having known he wouldn’t like this. “I know, Grandpa, but you’re a good businessman, and you gave us the money for the gallery. It’s only right you have a say. Mom and Dad will be right there to help, too, if you have any questions. It’s a family thing.”

“Grace, I think you’re being a bit overzealous. You’ll be gone a few months, and I’ll be able to contact you anytime. This was completely unnecessary.” Logan tries to make sense of this.

“This is where I apologize to you Logan. I’ve misled you. I’m not going away for a few months, and I’m not going to Seattle. When I signed on, I had to agree to take what was available. I’ll be leaving tomorrow for a year, and instead of Seattle, I’ll be going international. My destination is Greece.”

The room goes still, and my dad falls to the sofa without taking his eyes off me. Mom’s hand comes to my lower back in a show of support.

“Oh my God,” Logan repeats a few times with a look of horror. “You can’t be serious.”

I remain quiet, letting the news settle.

“You can’t be serious!” He shouts this time, throwing his arms out in disbelief. “Why?”

“Because I decided it was what I wanted, and I took a good look at my life. Even though you were malicious in your delivery, you were right about so many things. I was living with my head in the clouds. The new friends, Nick, the popularity of the gallery… all of it. I was stubborn enough to stick to my guns on staying here, even if just to spite you. But then the weekend at home gave me clarity in so many ways.”

I don’t dare mention seeing Nick on the video in the locker room or the fact that this was a rash decision. Instead, I square my shoulders and hold my head high, knowing there’s no going back.

“So, I’m following those dreams everyone was so worried about, but this time, the plan changed.”

“Did I do this? Are you running away from me?” Logan’s voice cracks, and Mom’s hand grips the fabric of my dress, her body going rigid beside mine.

“No, Logan, this is all me,” I say softly. “I love you, and I hope you will welcome me back with open arms.”

“I love you, too, Grace. I don’t want to own this business without you. It’s as much yours as mine.”

I nod, feeling a little relief.

“Does Nick know?”

The relief turns to anxiety at his question.

“No.” I shake my head. “I’ve tried to tell him, but he was determined to avoid the subject. I’m going to tell him tomorrow morning. He deserves to know, and maybe he’ll resent me, but he’ll know.”

“Grace, you can’t do that to him. This is going to devastate him,” Grandpa tells me with disappointment.

“I know.” My eyes start to prickle. “But if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

My dad leaps off the couch and comes to me, yanking me into his arms. “This is what you want, baby girl? You sure?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’m going to study under one of the finest glass sculpture artists in the world. This woman is a recluse.

She spends most of her time in seclusion, but she’s agreed to teach me, and for that, I’m excited. And after six months of training, she’s going to oversee my creations in her studio.” I hiccup into his chest, trying to tamper my emotions.

“That’s a damned smart woman,” Grandpa says gruffly, his own emotions coming through.

“Everyone, get in here,” my mom demands until I feel all four sets of arms around me in a group hug.

“Promise me something.” Logan’s words are muffled through all the bodies.

“What?”

“Monroe Gallery gets exclusive rights to your first display. Every piece, Grace. Don’t you sell one of them without letting me have first rights.”