Page 55 of Turbulent Fires

Jayden chimes in. “Well, to put it in black and white, brother, you’ve been walking around like your emotional wiring is melting down and a five-alarm fire is about to break out. This normally means you’ve taken the plunge and fallen in love.”

I glare at Jayden, not appreciating that once again my love life’s being dissected at a night meant to be all about the boys. I miss the times we didn’t discuss women on these nights. Before I can say something, though, Joseph and Sherman walk over like kings surveying their unruly subjects.

“You know it’s a sign of love that your brothers and friends are worried about you,” Sherman says as he rubs his hands together. “Joseph and I are experts on the subject of love, so if you’re having any troubles, you’ve come to the right place.”

“Yep, we bring fine liquor and sound advice,” Joseph says as he places a bottle of Scotch on the table, which makes my mouth water. I don’t often drink straight liquor, but I make an exception for this brand, which isn’t easy to get your hands on unless you’re Joseph Anderson.

“I think I’ve gotten all of the advice I’ll need from you guys already,” I assure the group.

Sherman waves his hand in the air as he takes a seat. “You can never get enough free advice. You should be more appreciative.”

“Yes, son, I agree with my friend. You’ve found a woman smart enough to not fall for your crap, and strong enough to put up with you. We want to make sure you don’t screw it up. The quickest way to do that is to be dishonest or to close yourself off. Don’t play games,” Joseph says.

I let out a sigh. “I think there’s good in having mystery in a relationship. If you give it all away from the start, you have nothing to share as you become closer.”

Joseph gives me a shrewd look. “What are you hiding?”

I laugh. “Of course, you think I’m hiding something by saying that.”

“Are you?” he pushes.

“Well, I guess I haven’t talked about my family yet. She knows nothing of the family business.”

“How is that possible?” Sherman asks.

I shrug. “Well, she knows I’m a pilot.”

Maverick laughs. “But she has no idea youownthe airline,” he surmises.

“Or a major resort chain,” Nick guesses.

I shrug. “It’s never come up.”

Sherman laughs. “I love a good old decoy life story. How will you know if she loves you for you or not?” he guesses.

“That was my feeling in the beginning, but she’s a wealthy woman herself with no need for what I have. I don’t honestly know why I haven’t shared this with her by now.”

“I think it’s because you like being the average guy who seems to not have a care in the world,” Mason says. “You are that guy for the most part. You do know how to step up and solve problems, though, and are a huge part of the company. If you want this to go somewhere, toreallygo somewhere, you have to shareallof you.”

“Yeah, I don’t want her to see me as this businessman and expect me to change. I don’t like wearing suits, don’t like attending huge events. I like my life the way it is with no weight of expectations.”

“There are different paths in life that entice people,” Joseph says. “I’ve always loved wearing a suit and being at the head of the table. My son, Lucas, is the same. Mark, my youngest boy, on the other hand, is much happier in flannel on the back of a horse. This world works because we have such a beautiful variety of souls in it. You can be you, appreciate what you have, and be loved for who you are. If she’s the woman meant to be with you for a lifetime, she’ll appreciate everything about you. I hope you’ll trust her enough to give her the truth.”

I sigh. “I know. I haven’t wanted to rock the boat, but I’m going to do it.”

Sherman and Joseph both grin, and I immediately don’t trust the sparkle in their eyes. As usual, the two men seem to be up to something, and when the two of them put their heads to together, it always spells trouble for whoever they have their focus on.

“What are you two planning now?” I demand. They laugh.

“We have no idea what you mean.”

“Everyone in this room knows when you use that tone of voice, it spells trouble,” I say.

“Well, this isn’t exactly just a boys night,” Sherman says.

My spine stiffens. “Yes, it is.” Now, the guys are laughing too. “What have you done now?”

“We’re having a party, and we invited Audrey. She and other guests will be arriving in less than two hours,” Joseph proudly states.

---