Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
As expected, his father had no issue with the women moving in. In fact, Alex’s eyes lit up at the prospect. Aiden had no interest in his dad’s love life, but he definitely understood the man’s reaction.
“Your father is the best. I’ll have to thank him.” Brooke bit her bottom lip, and his cock grew hard at the sight. It was amazing how pretty much anything this woman did turned him on.
He leaned forward, bracing his arms on the desk. “Don’t you think I’m pretty amazing too?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Aiden. You’re amazing. But seriously, thank you for taking care of everything so quickly.”
He preferred to focus on the first part of her statement even if he had forced her to say the words. “You’re welcome.”
What she didn’t know was his plan for where in the main house she’d stay. They had plenty of rooms. All his siblings had had their own bedrooms growing up, but Aiden intended to make sure the one next to his was ready for Brooke when she brought her things over.
Would she be happy about the location? Probably not, but he resolved to change her attitude. He had one week to work on romancing her while he had her staying in the room next door.
A knock sounded on the door, saving him from further conversation that might lead to an argument about where in the house she’d sleep.
“Come in,” Brooke called out.
The door opened and Jared walked in, shock registering on his face as he saw Aiden there as well. He quickly recovered, his eyes no longer wide, his mouth now shut.
“Well, this saves me from having to talk to you individually,” Jared said. Stepping inside, he seated himself in the chair beside Aiden.
Brooke smiled at him. “What’s going on?”
Jared glanced at Brooke, then Aiden. “I have a project for the two of you to work on together.”
An excited thrill shot through him. Brooke’s attitude toward him was obviously softening, but she was stubborn by nature and tended to overthink things. The only way he’d convince her to open her heart to him again was with time and persistence. Living in close quarters and working together on a project would provide both.
Brooke glanced at Jared, her gaze narrowed as she drummed her fingers on the desk, a sure sign of nerves. “What’s the project?” she asked.
Jared extended his feet in front of him, leaning back in his seat. “There’s a small bank about to go up for sale. Research shows that over the last three years they’ve suffered from a weak return of assets. The current owners are looking to cut their losses and thanks to a connection, we have an in before anyone else makes an offer.”
“That’s great,” Brooke said. “But these deals usually take months to work out.”
Jared nodded. “Exactly. I’ll be out on leave, which is why I need you two to take the lead.”
Aiden knew this was his opportunity to prove to Jared his faith in him was not unfounded. “Looking forward to it,” he told his brother.
Brooke cleared her throat. “This doesn’t necessarily call for two people. I could take lead on it myself.”
Aiden held back any reaction. He wasn’t surprised she’d try to ice him out in order to avoid them working closely together. For her, it obviously made her uneasy. For him, it was a golden opportunity. But he’d leave it to his brother to handle her offer. He had faith Jared would want him in on the deal so he could learn on the job.
Jared met Brooke’s gaze. “I know you can handle it on your own, but we both know it’s a lot for one person to take on. Besides, Aiden is still learning the business, and this is a valuable experience for him.”
Just as he’d thought, Aiden mused.
“No problem.” Brooke forced a smile. She wouldn’t argue with the CEO.
Jared braced his hands on the arms of his chair and rose to his feet. “Great. I’ll send you both an email with the details and documents attached.”
Aiden stood. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this,” he assured his sibling.
Placing a hand on Aiden’s shoulder, Jared said, “I know you do. And I appreciate it more than you know.”
While he had Jared’s attention, Aiden asked, “How’s Charlie feeling?” He knew Jared couldn’t wait for her to go into labor and have their baby.
“She’s amazing. Nesting, or so she says. Apparently, it’s a thing.” He shook his head, but a grin spread wide on his face.
Brooke laughed. “Give her my best,” she said to Jared.
“Will do.” He walked out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him.
Aiden waited until the door clicked shut before speaking. “Worried about working closely with me?”
Brooke shook her head. “Of course not. I just didn’t think it made sense to tie up two key executives while Jared is away.” Her gaze slid from his as she lied.