Page 34 of Bear In A Bookstore
“What’s this really about?”
Rowan dropped the remainder of his sticky bun on his plate and wiped his fingers on a napkin.
“You were away from home for a long time, son. You’ve got some catching up to do, that’s all. I need you to step into the business for a while. Is that so much to ask?”
“I’ve got private contracts to work on. We’ve talked about this.”
“Right. Contracts that will take you away from us for how long? Another six damn years, maybe ten this time?”
He felt the disdain in his father’s voice like a physical blow.
“These aren’t overseas contracts, Dad. But they will demand my full attention.”
Rowan made an exasperated sound. “I need my sons to step up to the plate to keep this business running. Dax can’t do it alone. He’s got babies now and my grandcubs need all the time their father can give them.”
The pride in his dad’s voice gave Desi a pang in the chest. His dad loved those babies, as they all did. But it was extra special to have firstborn grandcubs, he supposed. Passing the business on to future generations was important to his dad and Dax’s sons were the start of that. It gave Rowan a peek into the future he envisioned for his business, his legacy.
Desi understood that. Someday, he’d have cubs too and wouldn’t he want the same thing for his children? Something to pass down to them—something that offered security and financial comfort?
Fuck.
“Look,” Rowan growled. “First Jett dropped out of the business to run his little farm on the mountain, and then you jumped ship to go overseas. Dax has been holding up everything while you two were busy. He wants this business to stay alive for his children. Any good brother would help him do that.”
“Wow with the gaslighting, Dad. Come on.”
“I’m just speaking the truth.”
“You’re manipulating me into doing what you want by laying on the guilt trip.”
Rowan leaned back and grabbed his coffee mug. “Is it working?”
“No.”
Desi leaned back in his own seat as a beat of eased tension passed between them. He tapped his fingers on his water glass.
“I’m ready to settle down. Find a mate and start a family. I need to get my ducks in a row.”
“Then get your ass back in the business so you can provide for that family.”
“I can provide for them now.”
“Desi. Ineedyou to go to Colorado Springs.”
They’d just keep going in circles. This wouldn’t end until Rowan got what he wanted.
“I’ll think about it.”
“No need to think about it. Tomorrow. Noon. I’ll text you the address.”
Desi got up from the table. “Fine. But I’ll think about the rest. I’ll see you at the gala tonight.”
“Are you taking the woman from the bookstore?”
How did he know that? “We’re going together, yes.”
Rowan wiped his mouth with a napkin and wadded it up on his plate. “You know who she is, right? What happened to her?”
The bear inside him growled low as it began to stir. His pulse beat staccato in his ears. He knew who she was, yes. But he’d purposely refrained from digging into her identity or her past because it was none of his damn business.
