“No.” We chime at the same moment, then our eyes connect, clearly assessing each other and what kind of business partner we just got into bed with—no, don’t think about this man in bed, no matter it’s a metaphor.
“Well, that concludes our meeting. My secretary will be providing keys and any and all documents needed to show the new ownership.”
“There a reason this had to be done in person?” JJ asks.
Mr. Carlyle glances at Tom and Janet. “It was requested by your mother, sir.”
His gaze snaps to her. “Why?”
“Because I wanted to see you, but I had no idea this would be the outcome. This is lunacy, James Joseph. You can’t run that place. You should just cede your interest to Rebecca or to your father and me. You’re never even in the state anymore. What could you possibly want it for?”
“You’re right about most of that, Mom. This is the last place I want to be. I didn’t ask for any of this. To be honest, I’m as surprised as any of you he’d give me and David the place, but here we are. If you’re asking, do I want to run it? No, I plan to sell my share as soon as legally possible.”
“Apparently, that’s a year from now. What do you plan to do in the meantime?”
“That’s really none of your concern.”
“We’re concerned about Rebecca.She’sour only concern here,” my father-in-law cracks.
“Of course, she is. Why would I ever think you gave a damn about me?” JJ growls.
“Gentlemen, please…” Mr. Carlyle tries to step in.
“Want to go to lunch to discuss everything?” JJ asks from behind me, and something in me makes me feel sorry for the way they’re treating him.
“Yes, that sounds like a good idea,” I reply.
“We’re coming, too,” Tom announces.
“Absolutely not,” I object, standing. “You are not an owner and therefore not privy to business meetings.”
Tom’s brows hit his hairline. I’ve never once had the backbone to disagree with my father-in-law before, and the shock is written all over his face.
As much as I appreciate their concern, I have to do this on my own. I need to prove to myself that I can do this, and if I can’t have a lunch meeting with my new partner, I might as well throw in the towel right now.
“I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to you both soon.” I hug Janet. She barely returns it.
They storm past in a huff, glaring daggers at JJ. I just pissed off my in-laws for the first time in my life, but I can’t worry about that now. I have bigger problems to solve.
CHAPTER THREE
JJ—
So, this girl does have some backbone. I’m surprised. Especially knowing how my brother can run a person down until the fight is gone inside them. Somehow, she managed to hang on to at least some spine.
Not many people stand up to my father. Perhaps there’s hope for this girl after all.
That dress makes me want to take a second look, and my eyes trail down her. I tried to dismiss her earlier, but everything about her draws my attention. She’s got a rockin’ body, and that sweater dress shows every curve. She’s not trashy like a lot of women I come into contact with. Her femininity is subtle, with a classy edge to her. Her face is pretty, too. All in all, she’s the whole package.
It remains to be seen whether she knows it. I’m thinking her choice of attire says she does. Nothing worse than a woman who knows her power. They’re trouble.
I stand with my hands shoved in my pockets and study her while she watches my parents walk away. Finally, her attention swings to me, and her warm brown eyes meet mine.
I know the effect I have on people. I know what they see when they look at me, and I don’t really care, but this girl surprises me. She meets my gaze head on; the only sign of her uneasiness is revealed by the way she licks her lips.
That’s got my attention on her mouth. Did she plan that? The girl is good. I’ll give her that. But is she smart?
“You like Chinese?” I ask.
