Page 10 of Broken Love

Me: I got the job! You’re speaking to Graham Shipping & Exports newest hire!

Boston: Tanner & Tucker Graham?

Me: Yeah…

Boston: Those are Arden’s brothers.

Me: Seriously?

Boston: Yup.

That news deflates some of my thrill. What if they knew I knew their brothers-in-law? Could that be why they would give a fresh college grad a chance? Dammit.

Boston: They have no idea we know each other. Stop fussing.

Me: Thanks!

Relief swells in my chest as I stroll down the busy city street, sticking close to the buildings. Assured that I got the job on my own merit, my excitement brews again, making me forget all about my problems from this morning as I head to the subway so I can hit some of the nicer shops on Grand Street.

I received the notification while I was sleeping that my new bosses had not only given me a healthy clothing allowance but the advance I’d requested as well. I hated lying to them about it being for bills, which wasn’t a total lie, but it wasn’t the reason I’d asked for so much. After Joe entered my apartment the other day, I felt unsafe without a more sturdy lock. Until I can get this condo sold and find something in a safer building, I need to ensure I’m secure where I’m currently at.

The train ride is boring, to say the least. It’s not often I travel in mid-morning, but for once, the public transit isn’t stuffed to the gills. It’s busy but not like during rush hour. I’m able to sit and semi-relax. I’d be a fool to let my guard down anywhere on my own, but I’m not waiting to feel the sharp jab of a knife like I normally do.

Staring out the window, I admire the city I’ve called home my entire life and finally feel like I’m where I belong, not simply placed in a fishbowl, waiting for my turn at life.

The fanciful thoughts end as I get up to exit the train, and I’m immediately bombarded with people looking for handouts and throwing out insults when I keep moving along. I’m not unsympathetic, and I genuinely feel bad for them; it’s just how do I give money to one person and not the next? I’d go broke quickly if I gave it to everyone I came across who needed a hand up.

Breathing easier as I reach the store I’m looking for, Pilgrim New York, I enter with a smile. I’ve always wanted to shop here but have never had the funds to do so. I’m slightly worried that the employees will be rude and dismissive.

Color me surprised when an associate greets me with a bottle of water and a welcoming smile. After explaining my needs and budget, she helps me with a small but mighty wardrobe, showing me how different pieces can interchange with others so that it appears as though I have much more than what I’m purchasing.

All in all, I know I’ll return, and I’m happy with the outfits and shoes I’m leaving with.

Deciding to grab a cab back to my apartment before I walk to the hardware store down the street from me, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. For so long, I’ve felt like I was holding the world in one hand and a tower made of glass in the other, always balancing and never taking care of me. Now, as much as it pains me to admit, I don’t have to worry about anyone but me, and it’s a welcome relief.

CHAPTER 5

Tanner

She starts today. Windsor will be in our building. In our office. With us all day long. We’ve delayed a few meetings, had some construction in the office in the week since we last saw her, and now she’s going to be here.

Kathleen thinks we’ve lost our damn minds, but ultimately, she’s gone along with everything we’ve wanted. Even Tucker isn’t so fucking grouchy, and today, he’s got a spring in his step. Something he hasn’t had in far too long.

We both share regret over leaving Windsor after our night together. We’d planned on taking her to breakfast and then out shopping. Instead, we got a call from our father saying he was on the way to the hospital after a fall. He hadn’t wanted to worry a pregnant Arden, so it was up to us to ensure he was cared for.

Thankfully, he’s fine. His high blood pressure is making him a little more fragile than he likes. Even with the meds, he’s having a hard time of it. It took a lot of convincing and some tears from our sister before he agreed to a live-in nurse to help him around when he was unable to maneuver on his own.

“She’s here,” Tuck growls, sounding like his normal angry self again. I don’t think he can help it. Tucker was shocked at the way Windsor gave herself over to us, the way she responded to our touch. I know it left him off-kilter, but he’s been determined ever since to make sure she’ll be comfortable here.

“Good morning, dear.” At Kathleen’s voice, we both look up as she leads Windsor into our combined office.

“Oh, wow! This has sure changed.” Her eyes land on us as she says this, and I grin when I spot the bloom of pink on her cheeks. I can get on board with seeing that more often.

“We had some work done since you were here last,” Tuck offers, that fucking scowl on his face again. I’m gonna deck this asshole.

“I see that. Was it already planned?” she asks as she walks in front of her new desk, running her finger across the plaque with her name and position: Windsor James, Senior Administrative Assistant.

A faint smile plays at her lush red lips. The lipstick she’s wearing makes me want to mess it up with my cock between them.

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