Page 10 of Bought by His Brother's Best Friend

“You have that wide-eyed look people get.” His tone was teasing but kind. “It’s charming.”

Heat crept up my neck at the compliment. Michael returned with our coffees and informed us we’d be taking off in about five minutes. Soon after, the engines hummed to life, and we taxied down the runway.

The takeoff was smoother than any commercial flight I’d experienced. Once we were airborne and the seatbelt sign was turned off, Michael appeared again with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket.

“A little late for champagne, isn’t it?” I asked as he expertly popped the cork without spilling a drop.

“Not at all,” Damien replied. “This is a celebration.”

“Of what?”

“Spontaneity. Breaking routine.” His eyes held mine as Michael handed us each a flute of golden, bubbling liquid. “To unexpected opportunities.”

I raised my glass to his. “To Paris.”

The champagne was exquisite—crisp and slightly sweet, nothing like the cheap stuff served at most events. After Michael left us, Damien shifted to face me more directly.

“So, tell me something about Shane Bennett that I don’t already know.”

I took another sip of champagne, considering. “That’s tricky, since I’m not sure what you do know. We’ve never really talked much.”

“True. Most of what I know comes from Tyler.” He leaned back in his seat. “He says you’re the smartest person he knows. That you could have done anything, but you chose to be his agent because you believed in him when no one else did.”

I felt a rush of affection for my brother. “Tyler exaggerates. I became his agent because I understood the business side of sports, and he didn’t. It was a practical decision.”

“Was it?” Damien tilted his head slightly. “Weren’t you on track for law school when Tyler got his first pro offer.”

I blinked in surprise. “You remember that?”

A small smile played at his lips. “I pay attention to people that interest me.”

Something warm unfurled in my chest. “Well, yes. I had been accepted to three law schools. But Tyler needed someone in his corner who wouldn’t take advantage of him. The agent he was considering was... not ideal.”

“So you put your plans on hold to help your brother?”

I shrugged. “It worked out. I found I had a knack for negotiation and player management. Now I have six other clients besides Tyler.”

“All of whom are thriving, from what I hear.” Damien swirled the champagne in his glass. “Your turn. What do you want to know about me?”

I considered him for a moment. This man who had spent twenty thousand dollars to take me to Paris on his private jet. “Why did you bid on me last night?”

His eyes met mine, unflinching. “Because no one else was going to, and you didn’t deserve that humiliation.”

It was the answer I’d expected, and it stung a little despite its honesty. “So it was pity.”

“No.” He set his glass down, his expression suddenly serious. “It was anger, initially. I was angry that no one in that room recognized your worth. But then it became... something else.”

“What?” I asked.

“An opportunity I’ve been waiting for.” His gaze was steady. “Shane, I was reminded by someone last night that life is too short, so I’m going to be honest—I’ve been interested in you for years.”

I nearly choked on my champagne. “Years?”

“Since that hockey viewing party at your parents’ house during my sophomore year. You were still in high school, but you were so sharp, so passionate when you talked about the game. You saw things others missed.” He smiled at the memory. “Later, whenever we’d run into each other at Tyler’s events, I always wanted to talk to you more, but the timing never seemed right.”

I stared at him, processing this revelation. “But you’re... you. And I’m just?—”

“Don’t,” he cut me off gently. “Don’t diminish yourself. That’s exactly what frustrated me last night. You have no idea how remarkable you are.”

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