Page 74 of Beautiful Desire
There’s a twinge in my stomach, realizing this will be the last time I see her for at least a couple of weeks. I’m staying in town to get settled into my new role, and hopefully, get started on this venture I’m about to propose to my father. Leaning down, I kiss her again, this time for longer. “Call me when you get home?” I ask as I stand again.
After Georgia nods, I shove my feet in my shoes, and I’m on my way. I have to stop by my dad’s house to change into something a bit more professional than gray sweatpants and a t-shirt. Even though the meeting is with my father, I know he’ll be disappointed if I show up in anything less than slacks and a pressed shirt.
A half hour later, I’m sauntering out of the elevator at St. James Properties. It feels weird being here. Almost like I’m out of place. So much of my life has changed in the matter of a single semester; I don’t even feel like the same man anymore, and honestly, I’m proud of that.
I rap my knuckles against the open door, and my father glances up from his computer, glasses sitting low on the bridge of his nose as he waves me in. “Come in, Son. Reese isn’t here yet. You’re early.”
“I know.” Crossing the room, I sit down in one of the two chairs in front of his desk. “I was hoping to talk to you before we got started.”
“Okay.” He removes his glasses, setting them on the desk next to his keyboard. “Is this in regard to what you sent over last week?”
“It is, sir.” I nod. “But first, I want to thank you.”
My father’s eyebrows furrow. “Thank me for what?”
“For what you did for Georgia all those years ago,” I state plainly. “For loaning her the money to open her bookstore. She told me what happened to her during that time, and how none of it would’ve been possible without your help. So, thank you.”
Sitting back in his chair, he links his fingers together on top of his stomach. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the business plan you drafted, would it?”
Palms sweaty and my heart clear in my throat, I admit something I’ve never said to anybody but Georgia before. “I’m in love with her, Dad.”
He’s quiet in the calculated way people in power often are, but I don’t miss the tightening of his jaw and the way his Adam’s apple bobs. “You’re in love,” he repeats slowly. “With your stepsister?”
“I’m sure this is the last thing you expected me to say, but yes, I do. I love her. And I already know what you’re going to ask—is this the only reason I want to move forward with the plan I sent you—and the answer is no. For the sake of honesty and full transparency, I will say, the way I feel about Georgia is what initially made me think of the idea, but the more I researched and fleshed it out, the more confident I am that this will be an excellent move for our company. I believe in this plan, and I hope you’re able to as well.”
He eyes me from under his dark, bushy eyebrows, his face unreadable, but before he can respond, a knock sounds from behind me, and as I turn, I watch my buddy waltz in, briefcase in hand.
“Good afternoon, fellas,” Reese drawls, dropping into the chair beside me. “Ready to get started?”
Sliding my gaze back to my father, he clears his throat before saying directly to me, “I was impressed by your initiative and the clear time and effort you put into it. I’d like to hear more anddiscuss some concerns and questions I have. Let’s pick it back up once we’re done with this.”
My chest squeezes, and it feels like I can breathe for the first time since getting here. “Yes, sir. I look forward to it.” Then, looking to Reese, I nod. “Let’s do this.”
The rest of the meeting goes by without a hitch, and an hour later, I’m officially a co-owner to St. James Properties.
For the first time in my life, I’m not just my father’s son and his employee.
I’m his equal, and it feels so goddamn good.
Reese leans in as he’s packing his things and says quietly enough for only me to hear him, “That text you sent me yesterday, I got you, man.”
Nodding, I murmur a quick, “Thank you,” before he strolls out of the office.
Glancing back at my father, he gestures to the chair again. “Shall we?”
My pulse races as I sit down. “Yes, sir.”
Here goes nothing.
33
Georgia
Grace: Have you met up with Alden yet?
Me: I just parked in front of the bookstore, but I don’t think he’s here yet.
Grace: Call me when you’re done!
