Page 73 of Counterfeit Connection

My father immediately attempts to mediate. “Kids. Let’s not.”

Griffin leans forward a bit, moving his hand from my thigh to weaving his fingers with mine. “I can assure you; Kaitlyn has been granted a very competitive contract and she is satisfied with the terms. In fact, she wrote her own ticket. She is a very capable and intelligent woman and to think she didn’t have a proper thought process on this opportunity is shortsighted and a little offensive.

“I only will ever have her best interests at heart in any decision we make personally or professionally. I’d think that’s what her family would want for her in both arenas. If you want to question my character, fine. Let’s do that. Otherwise, I’d appreciate leaving her judgment out of it.”

Jason, to my surprise, raises his hands in surrender. “We are having breakfast. Let’s table this conversation for after our meal.”

I sigh heavily and turn my gaze to Griffin and mouth, “I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head and winks. He can handle any confrontation that might be had in terms of our arrangement, preexisting or the one developing as we go.

I’m curled in the big chair by the window, looking out over the property when Jason walks through the room and heads out the front door to take a phone call… and Griffin is on his heels.Oh shit.

I move to stand when my sister rounds the corner and stops me. “Sit. Let them talk. Dad is sitting in with Joseph for a bit. He wanted some grandpa time.”

“Why did it feel so combative at breakfast? I don’t understand. I told you the situation, except for the job thing, which just happened and is a very long story. Jason didn’t have to get snippy like that.” I cross my arms over my chest.

Gillian perches on the arm of the chair. “You know Jason cares for you like a sister. He’s very protective of the people he loves, and you know this entire thing is unusual. He likes to be in control and understand everything. You’ve thrown him for a loop here.”

“While I appreciate that, he didn’t need to come in here and give Griffin the third degree. I’m an adult. I know what I’m doing.” I crane my neck to try to see out the window.

“Are you sure about that?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be sure?”

She spins around so her feet are on the cushion under me. “Don’t you even notice? You can’t be that blind, Pixie.”

“Notice what?”

“That man isintoyou. Like, really, really into you. He looks at you like you hung the moon.”

“Hung the moon? Are you back reading Brontë again? We enjoy each other’s company and the sex isn’t bad. Why does it have to be more complicated than that?”

“Oh no,” Gillian sighs.

“Oh no, what? Did the use of the s word offend your tender ears?” I’m being a brat, but I don’t care. I don’t like this conversation. I don’t want to think about any of it.

“Knock it off. The more you blow it off, the more I’m positive you’re just as into him. I can see it all over your face.”

“You can. Yeah, okay.”

“Fine. Let me ask you point-blank. Are you in love with him?”

I’ve never lied to Gillian ever. I don’t think even once that I can remember. “Love is a big word.”

“It’s a simple one, Kaitlyn, along with its answer. Yes or no.”

“It’s not a yes or no answer to me. I know I feel strongly for him. The thought of not talking to him anymore, or being around him anymore, makes my stomach twist up in knots. I’ve been in love before, Gilly, at least I think, and I’m not sure it felt this way.”

She crosses her arms. “I knew it. You are in love with him.”

“Did you not hear what I just said?”

“Every word. You’ve never felt this before becausethisis what love feels like. You’ve fallen hard for him and, Kaitlyn, that really worries me.”

I push to my feet to pace across the room, needing to put some distance between myself and whatever revelation my sister seems to be having for the both of us.

Am I really, really in love with him? Our time together rolls through my brain like a film reel. Every kiss, every laugh, every conversation, every bickering argument… and at the end of it all, only one thing is clear.

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