Page 126 of Playing With Secrets
“That all depends. What do you think I’m asking you to keep to yourself? Again, as my brother.”
“So it’s that bad?”
“Like I said, that depends on how you look at it.”
He hangs his head and huffs a few times. He knocks back the rest of his drink and goes right back to the beverage station.
I stay where I am. “In case you haven’t noticed, I could use someone to talk to.”
“Then I’m pouring you one too. If we’re having a brotherly chat, I have a feeling you’re going to need it.” He pours two drinks. “You can confide in me as your brother, but please tell me whatever it is won’t cost us a shit ton of money.”
My laugh barrels out. “That’s what you thought this was about? Do you think someone is holding me to the fire and demanding company money? I thought you knew me better than that.”
“Unfortunately, I do. If you’re putting your dick in the wrong place, it could cost us a fortune. And sorry, dear brother, that is something I can see happening.”
“It doesn’t sound like you have much faith in me.”
“It’s not just me. Why do you think Dad’s so againstremoving the damn clause in the first place?” Jonah motions me over.
“What do you mean, Dad’s against removing the clause? When have you talked to him about that?” I’m more than curious now, so I walk forward and take my drink from him.
“Since we’re bonding and all that kumbaya bullshit, I may as well spill my secrets too.” He returns to the couch and sits. “You first.”
I take a drink of courage and join him. After a few breaths and half my drink, I get enough strength to speak.
“Jonah, I’m in love with her. It’s not a casual fling. I’m really in love with her. I want to marry her.” My mouth goes dry as my heart jackhammers in my chest.
To say I’m terrified is an understatement. I may have just blown up my life in seconds.
Jonah stares at me, blinking like he didn’t hear me correctly. I don’t dare move or say anything else, so I wait.
“Are you saying you’re in love with Dori?”
I clear my throat. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”
He finishes his drink and places the glass on the table next to him. He rubs his face with his palms.
“Do you know how bad this is, Hunter?”
“How so?”
“You tell me this just weeks before the launch of the biggest damn thing this company has ever done, and it’s supposed to be something I can’t talk about. If Dad gets wind that I know and didn’t go directly to him, we’re both fucked.”
“Jonah…”
He jumps to his feet and paces in front of me. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”
His eyes bear down on me, and I don’t blame him for responding this way. But it’s me and I’m the older brother. I meet him at his level, my chest out, and gesture to the couch.
“Sit the fuck down and hear me out before you go full-blown; the world is crumbling on me. It’s not as bad as you’re making it out.”
“Fuck if it isn’t. I fucking warned you, you selfish prick.” He pushes me aside and stomps over to the scotch.
He fumes as he downs two more shots. He’s going to regret that in a while, but who am I to stop him? I’ve done it myself a time or two.
“Well, brother. We’ve come this far. You may as well tell me everything.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “How long has this been going on?”
“A while.”
