Page 12 of Trouble Me
Shane began pacing again and ran a hand through his hair. Fucking Colin. Shane loved his brother but over the last year or two, Colin was not the same. Not that Shane paid a lot of attention since Marlene died. But in the periphery of his mind, he'd seen changes in Colin. He drank too much and partied too hard. Colin even managed to land in some gossip rags over the last year or two.
“Shane, sit down. I need for you to hear what I'm about to say.”
He paused before sitting back in the chair he'd vacated. “I'm listening.”
“You can't let Colin take over. Even if he weren't planning to sell, he's not ready for the responsibility. But the fact that he plans to sell the family business...” Alan's face reddened and his nostrils flared. He blew out a hard breath before continuing. “Anyway, buying that land and house is imperative. It's the way you're going to prove to the board you're back in the game.”
“Dad, you know I'm back. I've already—”
“I know. Trust me, I understand losing a spouse. Especially the way Marlene went. But the fact of the matter is I can't do my job anymore. At least not right now while I do these treatments.” His voice was strong in spite of the frail appearance. “I believe you're ready because I know who you are, son. But there's just enough newer board members to make this hard for you now that Colin's made them doubt.”
Shane dropped his head into his hands. His mind was a swirl of emotions that all seemed to land back at the doorstep of “What the fuck?”
He lifted his head and looked into his father's eyes. There were lines in his face that weren't there the last time he saw them. After the news he'd been dealt it was no wonder his father looked older in a matter of days. It wasn't just the illness.
But Alan had to kick some cancer ass. Gold Mountain was Shane’s responsibility, and one he planned to take care of. It was his first solo project since he’d returned from his year-long hiatus, and he didn’t plan to fuck it up. He couldn't fuck it up. Thanks to his brother, his back was against the wall. A place Shane didn't care to be.
“I'll take care of this, Dad. I'm not going to let you down.” He reached over and patted his father's hand. “Enough talk of business today. You relax until the chemo finishes, okay? I’ll be back shortly.”
Alan didn’t open his eyes, just nodded his head. “After a treatment, I'm not much of a good time for a while. I don’t know that I’m going to be up for having a birthday dinner. Why don’t you head back to Madison Ridge?”
Shane pursed his lips. “Are you sure?”
Alan nodded. “I'm positive, Shane. The next time you’re in town, we can celebrate. I’ll feel better then.” He patted Shane’s shoulder. “Now go. Make me proud, son.”
He planned to do just that. Shane gripped his dad’s hand in his and squeezed. The return squeeze was weak, but there. Shane smiled. The old man did have some fight left in him.
“Anything I can get you before I go?”
“Tell Abe to come see me.”
“I’ll do it.” Shane released his hand and stood. He studied his dad for a moment longer before turning to leave. At the door, Shane turned back. “Love you, old man.”
Alan turned his head and smiled at his oldest son. “Love you too, rugrat.”
It had been their exchange for as long as Shane could remember. His throat was thick with emotion, and, unable to speak, he left the room.
When he found Abe, he relayed his father’s message and left the sprawling mansion, lost in thought. Now that he’d seen his father’s condition for himself, the urgency to get back to the small town and start work ramped up.
He wasn’t running. His father was right. There was nothing more Shane could do for him in Napa. He needed to get back to Georgia and get that winery up and running. It was imperative to Shane that his father see he hadn’t chosen badly when he’d picked Shane to be the next in line for CEO.
Arnold opened the door to the car when Shane strode out the front door. “Where to, Mr. Kavanaugh?”
“Back to the airport. Call ahead and make sure the plane is ready to go.” His voice was brusque.
“Yes, sir.”
Shane slid in and leaned his head back against the headrest, blowing out a ragged breath. As they started to pull away, Shane glanced at the house, not knowing the next time he’d see it. He prayed when he did, his father’s voice would be booming through it again.
He sat up, squaring his shoulders, and pulled out his phone. Daylight was burning and he had things to do. He sent an email to Jenn checking on some loose ends he had at another vineyard. Next, he emailed Lindsey with a list of things to get for Emma’s office, including a new laptop.
He tossed the phone on the seat beside him and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. The image of Emma sitting across from him at the interview slid through his consciousness. His body responded by tightening in several places, one of them an inappropriate place.
“Fuck,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. He set his lips in a hard line. There was too much at stake for his cock to start thinking now. “She works for you, you bastard. There’s no fraternizing with those who work for you. So, just sit your ass back down.”
Perfect. Now he was talking to his crotch.
He clenched his fists and took a few deep breaths. It was crucial he get his feelings of lust under control when it came to Emma. He was going to need her more than he’d planned. She was going to be an integral part of the winery. She was the best he’d seen on paper in quite some time, and regardless of what he’d told her, he couldn't afford to waste time trying to find a different candidate.
