Page 24 of Knocked Up by my Best Friend's Brothers

Alexandra and River take their seats. The Hawthorne brothers and this mysterious lady seem to have banded together in mydefense. It makes my little fit of jealousy seem ridiculous now.

“I look forward to working with you,” I say in closing.

Cassius steps forward as I start to return to my seat. “You were great, Christa. Ignore Colin. He’s a pain in the ass,” he whispers.

“All good,” I reply and go back to my seat.

As soon as I’ve got my back turned on the crowd again, I feel safe. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. My hand lingers on the armrest as I catch my breath and give Alexandra a thankful nod while Cassius moves on with the staff meeting and introduces a couple of new hires in other departments.

“Thank you,” I say to Alexandra. “You were right about the single-person focus.”

“Bad idea on the question part. Sorry,” she replies with an embarrassed smile. “Usually, when I tell people to ask me questions, they don’t come for my throat.”

“It’s okay. It’s done. Thank you for your support, though.”

“Girls have to stick up for each other.” She gives me a wink.

A moment later, as I move my focus to Cassius, admiring his confidence and the sheer masculine power he exudes, I feel River’s hand discretely covering mine on the armrest. My gaze travels slowly to meet his, and my breath falters.

There is a peculiar warmth in the hazel pool of his eyes. It fills me with the kind of self-confidence I might’ve used earlier to clap back at that Colin dude, but I’m grateful for it, nonetheless. I find comfort in knowing I’m welcome and wanted here. I might rebuild my home here, after all.

7

Christa

The dinner date begins as soon as I’m out of the Hawthorne building and in the back of their personal limousine. They look dangerously handsome and confident as they take me to the Golden Goose, a ritzy restaurant on the eastern riverside with a splendid view of the water, Old Town, and the glimmering skyline.

I’m wearing their gift under my black dress, and it gives me seductress vibes. I hardly recognize myself, and I love it.

“You look stunning tonight,” River says.

We’re seated on the outdoor terrace under one of the heaters. The water murmurs somewhere below while soft jazz oozes from the restaurant’s speakers. Layering over this is a shallow sea of light laughter and glasses clinking—the restaurant is packed, and everyone seems to be having a great time tonight.

“Thank you,” I reply with a broad smile. “It’s not the dress itself but rather what’s under it that really ties the outfit together.”

“I can feel the blue lace on my fingertips from where I’m sitting,” Cassius replies, his gaze dark with desire. The man has a waywith words.

“Careful, now, or I’ll soak right through my seat,” I jokingly warn him.

Nathan sits the closest to me, and he runs his fingers up my bare arm. “We aim to please, Christa. And the wetter we get you, the better.”

“Wine list?” The waiter pops in before the flirting can get out of hand.

River chuckles softly and takes the menu, briefly perusing it before he hands it back with fascinating confidence. “We’ll start with the Montepulciano. The Chardonnay.”

“Castello Rosa or Bosco della Madonna?” the waiter asks, somewhat surprised by River’s speedy decision.

“Castello Rosa, please. I think it’ll be more to the lady’s taste,” River says.

The waiter nods and leaves the food menus while he fetches our drinks. The conversation flows into the young night. As we go over today’s staff meeting and the promising new options for the company, I try not to get too excited about the after-dinner treat I know I’m in for.

They have a way of building anticipation.

“My apologies for Colin’s outburst, by the way,” Cassius says, loosening the top button of his shirt. “He’s not a bad guy, but he’s not the easiest to work with.”

“And I’ll be working with him?” I reply, half-smiling.

“If, at any point, you don’t think he’s good for your team, I can always transfer him to another department,” Cassius says. “Itmight make him quit, but I’ll take the risk.”

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