Page 57 of The Holiday Clause
“No one’s rushing you.”
“What about the stuff with Magnus?”
“Leave him out of this. I understand that’s part of how we got here, but it’s not my motive.”
She frowned in confusion, champagne making her thoughts sluggish. “What is?”
“You, Wren.” He laughed softly, the sound warm and intimate. “I want this. I want to see what it can be like with us.”
“Really?” He spoke as if he’d thought about this much longer than she expected.
“Yeah. When my dad made his ridiculous announcement, of course, you were the first thought that came to mind. Not because I thought I could get you to agree, but because I realized this is our time. There’s a peacefulness about you. It’s easier to breathe when you’re nearby. You’ve always helped me find a sort of calm I can’t find with anyone else. You’re the one, Wren. You’re the woman I’m meant to be with.”
“Soren...”
“I understand I’m saying too much again, but it’s the truth. You’re the only person I’ve ever been able to picture a future with. You’ve always been with us. Why not make it official?”
She stared down at the table, as candlelight danced across the white linen. “I have to tell you something.”
“What?”
She swallowed and forced the confession out. “I’ve been seeing your brother.”
“I’m aware. We just talked about this?—”
“Not Logan.”
The air stilled and a chill slipped in. “You’ve been seeing Greyson?”
Maybe seeing wasn’t the right word. “Not officially. But there have been some moments.” Despite the chill, her skin burned with shame. “Does it seem hot in here?”
“Wren, look at me.”
She didn’t want to. What kind of woman dates three brothers? She was making a mess of things. How could she sit here and claim she didn’t want to risk what they shared when she was risking all of it?
“Wren.”
“What?” Concern flashed in his eyes when she looked up at him with regret. “I didn’t pick any of this. You all came to me.”
“Greyson came to you?”
She shook her head, embarrassed. He knew Greyson wouldn’t do that. Which meant he probably also knew she threw herself at him. Her vision blurred, as he spread his hands in a calming gesture.
“Okay, okay. Don’t get upset. I was just taken off guard. I didn’t think Grey was in the running. He showed no interest in taking over the company when Dad?—”
“It’s not about the company with him.”
Soren laughed, but the sound held an edge. “Wren, if you think the company is the prize here, you’ve seriously misinterpreted the situation.” He took her hand. “I told you. You’re the real prize.”
Now, she felt like prey. Soren was just one Hawthorne. How would she ever deal with three of them? Even if she fell for one, others would get hurt. Someone was going to lose. Maybe all of them.
The moral dilemma became less complicated as she reminded herself of the only promise that mattered—she would only marry for love. As long as she kept true to her promise, she’d figure the rest out eventually.
Looking back at her friend, she smiled awkwardly and confessed, “I had too much to drink and it’s making me say things and think things that…” She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m drunk.”
“It’s okay. You never have to be embarrassed in front of me.”
She squeezed his hand. “Thanks, Soren.”
