Double Daddy Trouble

The truth was they had no idea how everyone would react to the charity work they planned to pursue. But they both knew it was time they gave back. They had more money than they knew what to do with.

Bringing Brooke into the project felt right. It was as if she completed the picture. He had joked about looking for an empress to run their empire, but it didn’t seem funny anymore. She was the one. He knew it.

Thirty-Six

Lee

The next twenty-four hours were a whirlwind. Lee couldn’t believe how far away the cabin felt. He slept with Brooke nuzzled on his chest last night, but he was sleepless. Restless. Tyler couldn’t even come to bed. He was too spun up about the launch.

Lee stood on the stage, looking at the audience. Tyler was next to him. Lee looked over his shoulder. Brooke was standing in the wings beyond the view from everyone else.

It had taken years for this moment. They were about to announce the creation of Dreams with Wings. And it was crazy, but he knew without Brooke it never would have all together. Tyler had chosen her design for the branding because she was supposed to be a part of the project. Yes, she had the best concept. Yes, he saw something in her art. Lee had no doubt she was the missing link they had been searching for all these years.

He smiled at her before turning toward the audience. She gave him a thumbs-up and a soft smile. The last two months were extraordinary. They were bonded in a way that could take him to his knees.

The words to the speech she had helped with started at the top of the teleprompter. Tyler nudged him. It was time for the announcement.

The cameras in the front row began to flash and Lee heard the constant click and snapping sounds the photographers made as they adjusted their shots.

“Welcome, everyone.” He grinned widely.

Tyler waved.

“This is one of those times we don’t what happens here to stay here. Tyler Star and I have an announcement that we want you to take with you. Something that we hope transforms your lives the instant you leave this room.” Tyler shook his hand as he began to take over the next part of the speech.

“You all are probably wondering what Lee and I have been doing for the past few months. Well, for one, Lee has been working on his beard.” He paused while the audience chuckled. “And other than that we have something that’s going to take StarCon Global to a new level.” Tyler beamed at the crowd. “It’s time you know about Dreams with Wings.”

Lee didn’t think he had shaken this many hands since his college graduation. He and Tyler were in a receiving line, thanking for everyone for coming. He guessed the pledges for Dreams with Wings were already in the millions.

“Where is Brooke?’ Tyler asked.

Lee looked for her. She was trapped in in the corner talking to Andy Gallagher. “I think she needs rescuing. I’ll be right back.” He left Tyler to pry Andy away from their girl.

“Hi, Andy. Glad to see you again.” He slapped the businessman on the back.

“Excellent presentation. I like your vision. I was just talking to Brooke here. I was wondering if she had any suggestions for one of my global projects.”

Lee slung his arm around Brooke’s shoulder. “She has an exclusive with StarCon Global I’m afraid. You can understand though why we wouldn’t to let her get away, can’t you?”

He felt the softness of Brooke’s eyes land on him.

Andy backed up. “Of course.” He pressed his lips together. “Well, if you get out of that contract, Brooke, give me a call.” He pushed a business card in her hands.

“Thank you, Mr. Gallagher. I appreciate it.”

He walked away and Lee pressed a kiss to Brooke’s temple. “Was he bothering you?”

She laughed. “No. Boring me, yes. Bothering me, no. Were you worried?”

Lee felt his chest tighten. Maybe this was what jealousy felt like. He’d never had it with Tyler, but seeing how Andy looked at her. How his eyes took in her legs and breasts, did something to him. He had an urge to punch the man who was about as interesting as a bologna sandwich.

“Never worried. Protective is all.”

“I think I like you being protective,” she whispered.

“Good, because it’s my mission in life now to keep you safe.”

Thirty-Seven