Page 37 of The Rebel

You’re relentless.

Sky

And you’re being stubborn.

Me

Love you, mean it.

Sky

You’re going to be the death of me, woman.

Me

Sounds like I owe you a drink. Tonight?

Sky

Yes. My apartment. Bring all the wine.

Me

Done. <3

“Rowan, I’m so glad you’re finally here,” our assistant said, standing from her desk on the executive-level floor. “Your brothers are waiting for you.”

I’m finally here?

Still holding my phone, I quickly checked the time. It was ten minutes before eight, and my first meeting wasn’t until ten. “Why are they waiting for me?”

“Your father called an executive meeting for eight o’clock.”

I stood frozen in front of her desk. “Really? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“When I called Rhett this morning to tell him, he said he’d text you and let you know.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “Rhett was probably in some woman’s bed at the time, and he very well could have been sleeping off a hangover.” My hand went to her arm the second a look of concern came across her face. “Always feel free to call me directly.”

I understood I was new; processes were still being implemented with me in mind. But I wasn’t any lower in rank than my brothers.

When it came to Cole International, we were all equals.

Except for my father. He was the boss.

Her voice was soft when she said, “I’ll never make that mistake again.”

I gently squeezed her. “It wasn’t a mistake at all. Anyone would assume that my oldest brother would be the most responsible out of the three of us, right?” I winked as I released her.

She laughed. “Can I get you a coffee? Juice?”

“A coffee would be wonderful, thank you.”

“I’ll bring it into the conference room.”

I left her desk and walked down the long hallway, quickly dropping my bag in my office, and continued until I reached the conference room, opening the door to find my brothers sitting on opposite sides of the long oval table.

“Thanks for calling, asshole,” I said to Rhett, who was holding his coffee cup with both hands, resting it against the outside of his mouth.

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