I had left my shoes by the front door, and I stopped in shock when I discovered Paige sitting at the small table in the kitchen having a cup of coffee. For a moment, I froze, and our eyes locked. She smirked then waved at the empty chair across from her.

“Coffee?”

I sat down and poured a cup.

“You always up this early?” I asked.

“For future reference, you mean?” She teased. “Generally, no. But I had a headache last night, so I went to bed early. So here I am at four a.m.” She looked mischievous. “What’s your excuse?”

“Um—”

She laughed. “I’m teasing. You should put your shoes by the side door and go out that way. It locks behind you. No chance of the kids seeing you. I’m sure neither of you is ready for that conversation.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I took a sip of coffee.

“You serious about her, Ronan?”

I set down my cup. “It’s early in the relationship, but I’d say yes.”

“She comes as a package.”

“I’m aware.”

“I’ve never seen her react to someone the way she does to you. Or the way Evan has warmed to you.” She frowned. “Don’t hurt them, okay?”

“I have no plans on hurting them.”

She patted my hand. “Then we’ll get along just fine.”

Her words seemed to be on repeat in my head. I cared deeply about Beth and Evan already. I wanted to get to know both of them more. I wanted them to know me. Just me.

I knew I would have to tell her about my family. Who I really was. My occupation. Everything. But for now, I relished just being Ronan. No one special, just a guy she liked.

I liked being the guy Beth liked.

A throat clearing interrupted my musings.

Paul and Jeremy entered my office and sat in front of my desk. Paul shut the door behind himself before he took a seat. I saved the design I’d been working on and shut the lid of the laptop. It hadn’t changed much—I was too distracted.

“What’s up?” I asked casually, lacing my fingers on the desk. I studied them closely. It wasn’t unusual for them to shut the door, but it was strange to see the serious looks on their faces. The two of them were usually jokesters. When the three of us were together with our family, we were all boisterous, but often it was the two of them who started whatever mischief we landed in.

When they glanced at each other, neither speaking, I shook my head. “What’s wrong?”

“You weren’t at brunch on Sunday.”

I threw up my hands. “I have missed brunch before.”

“You never said you weren’t coming.”

I blinked, then laughed. “Is that what has everyone all distraught? I forgot, guys. I had other plans, and I just forgot.” I shook my head. “When Mom texted me, I said I wouldn’t be there.”

“We were just surprised, Ronan.” Jeremy leaned forward. “We wanted you there when we introduced Diane and Kim to the family.”

I laughed lightly. “That sort of happened last weekend, didn’t it?”

Paul huffed an impatient sigh. “That wasn’t planned. They were only supposed to meet Mom and Dad, Liam, and Ava. The rest sort of showed up.”

“They usually do,” I reminded them.

“It wasn’t everyone, and it wasn’t official. Sunday was all the cousins, uncles, and aunts. They think you’re upset.”

“Well, let me clear up that misconception. You’ve met women you both like, and I’m thrilled. I’m sorry I missed it. But it wasn’t intentional, and I’m not upset. I just had a lot on my mind, and I forgot.” I smiled, trying to lighten the air. “I know you think I’m perfect, but I’m not.”

That broke the ice, and they relaxed a little. I picked up my thermos and drank deeply before continuing. “Listen, I know things are changing. I know we’re not together as much.” I tilted my head. “Maybe it’s about time, though.”

They shared another glance, and I slapped the desk. “What the hell is this a lead-up to? I may not be around as much, but I still know you better than anyone. What aren’t you saying?”

Paul straightened his shoulders. “So, you know we’re not moving to Port Albany.”

“Yep. I already figured that out. What else?”

“We’re going to divide our time between here and the other office. Bentley thinks we should keep both offices going for a while until the new office is settled and functioning.”

It made sense for now. “All right.”

“He wants the three of us to be together a couple days a week. He says we feed off one another when we’re in design mode.”

“He’s right,” I agreed. “Together anytime, we’re a force to be reckoned with. Design-wise, we blow everyone out of the water.” I rubbed my chin, suddenly knowing why they were so uncomfortable. “I assume this was discussed at brunch?”

“Yes.”

“And you would prefer if I were here on those two days rather than you come to Port Albany.”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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