Page 147 of Billionaire Temptations

Alex

I’d been a real bastard to Emerson all week. The reason? I couldn’t stand the thought of her leaving. If I distanced myself from her and put everything we had done and been through behind us, it would be easier on me when she left. It was wrong, I know. But it was the way I dealt with things. I loved her so damn much that it was killing me to know she wouldn’t be around much longer. I wanted to talk to her about that night but couldn’t. It was a lost cause. I would have confessed my feelings to her and been left there standing like an idiot. If she loved me, she would stay. Adam was on his way over, and I wasn’t sure how that would go. Since he never talked about his family, I would bet my life that his views were completely different fromEmerson’s, and there would be a lot of arguing. I was glad I came home from the office early. This reunion was going to be interesting.

I went down to the wine cellar, grabbed a bottle of Pinot, and brought it upstairs.

“Here’s your bottle.”

“Thanks.” She smiled.

She took out the corkscrew and attempted to open the bottle. I noticed her hands were shaking. I placed my hands around hers and spoke, “Let me open that for you.”

She let go of the bottle and reached up and grabbed a glass from the cabinet, dropping it to the floor.

“Fuck!” she yelled.

This wasn’t like her. “Emerson, don’t touch the glass. You’ll cut yourself.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll buy you another glass.”

“Fuck the glass. What is wrong with you?” I asked as I walked over to her. “Are you that nervous to talk to your brother?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I am. These conversations never go well with him. It’s the same thing over and over again, like a vicious, never-ending cycle.”

“Maybe this time will be different,” I spoke as I bent down to clean up the glass.

“Doubt it.”

The doorbell rang and she stiffened up. I couldn’t help myself. I kissed her head and hugged her before sending her into the war zone.

Emerson

I was happy to see my brother but was not looking forward to our conversation. The moment I saw him, I stood there for a moment as tears filled my eyes. It had been a long time.

“Hey, sis.” He smiled as he held out his arms.

I ran to him and hugged him tight. “It’s so good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too. Look at you.” He slowly shook his head.

“Adam.” Alex walked over and shook his hand.

“Alex.” He smiled. “Thanks for looking after my sister.”

I studied the look on Alex’s face. He smiled and gave Adam a nod. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Bourbon would be great. Thank you.”

I led Adam into the living room, grabbed my glass of wine, and took a large sip.

“So, how was Tennessee?” I asked with a smile.

“It was okay. I got the company up and running again with no problems.”

“Good.”

Alex handed Adam his drink, and I couldn’t help but notice how he stared at Alex and me.

“Have you decided where you’ll settle?” he asked.

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