Page 2 of Single Greatest Threat
Joesph’s gaze shot toward the door. Shaw leaned against the frame, looking comfortable and way too lickable. “Hey.”
“Dad said you’d be back today. I wasn’t as sure.”
Joesph focused on taking his plant back to the window. “Yeah. I showed.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
He bet. Shaw was probably sick of working and couldn’t wait to dump everything on Joesph again. “Thanks.” He turned.
Shaw immediately hid his expression.
Joesph’s chest hurt. Coming back had been a bad idea. He couldn’t handle Shaw acting like he wanted him again. They both knew it wasn’t real.
Shaw straightened. “I should get back to work. It’s good to see you.”
Joesph dipped his chin. He wouldn’t return the sentiment. They both already knew this was toxic. He already felt Shaw destroying his life again.
Those goddamn light blue eyes. They held so much hatred. Shaw forced himself to turn away and shut himself inside his office. Even as the door closed behind him, he fought the urge to turn around. He had fucked up so much and so hard. It seemed there was no going back. At least he had Joesph under the same roof again. Maybe he could keep at least that.
His phone rang as he sat behind his desk. Shaw didn’t hesitate to snatch up the receiver. Only certain people could call his private line. “This is Shaw.”
“Hey, son. How was court?”
“Hey, Dad. It was good. How are you?”
“Good. Good. Is Joesph back?”
Shaw knew damn well Kayla had called him already. She worked for his dad. Not him. His dad had made that apparent several times. She reported to him and no one else. If he dared reprimand her in any way, this practice could be taken away as easily as it had been given. It didn’t feel like a gift.
“Yeah. I just spoke to him. His plant is back in the window.”
“Why did you talk to him? I thought I made it clear you won’t be doing the same shit as before. I’ll be damned if that place is run by a tyrant.”
Shaw rubbed his forehead. “I only said my good mornings, Dad. That’s it.”
A moment of silence met his words before his dad sighed. “I suppose that’s good. That place shouldn’t be an uncomfortable environment either.”
For everyone except him.
“Got it.”
“No need to get snarky.”
“I’m not. Did you need something?”
Another uncomfortable bout of silence met his question. He had heard his tone and couldn’t help it. Shaw was forty-five and his dad acted like he was twelve. It was exhausting and disheartening. He was a damn good lawyer. Shaw had more than paid his dues. In fact, he would go as far as to say he was a better attorney than his father had ever been. Not that it mattered. He would always live in his dad’s shadow.
“Meet me at Bigstock in an hour.”
Shaw’s gaze moved toward the clock. It was ten in the morning. The place wasn’t even open. He had to have made a reservation before today, and yet he just now called. That was typical of how little his dad respected Shaw’s time. He could have had any plans at all and would be expected to drop them.
Shaw pinched the spot between his eyes. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”
“An hour.”
“I heard you.”
The phone disconnected in his ear, making Shaw sigh. He knew his dad cared about him. This was just who he was. It chafed, but he couldn’t change him. With only thirty minutes to spare, since it would likely take him half an hour to get to the restaurant, Shaw checked his email. They were mostly junk with the smattering of inquiries about not hearing from Joesph. Until Joesph abandoned him a month ago, he hadn’t realized how much he had turned the place over to him. Everyone called, texted, and emailed Joesph first. The only reason they contacted him was to find out why they couldn’t reach Joesph. At one point, he supposed that was what he wanted. He kept Joesph tied to him while he did whatever he pleased. He liked knowing he had the control. It was only recently he realized exactly how miserable he was and how much his life had been on a downward spiral. He had heard people could be depressed and not know it. It had taken Joesph walking away to make him realize how bad things had gotten. Maybe it was a midlife crisis or maybe being completely unloved had finally caught up to him. Being alone showed its true form. It wasn’t by choice. No onewanted him. Not for real. He knew that was his fault. Shaw was an asshole. He was stubborn and argumentative. Shaw was a good lawyer for a reason. But those personality traits didn’t stay in the courtroom, and no one wanted that at home. He didn’t know how to change.
