Page 83 of Greed

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” His voice cracks. “Both of our younger brothers are going to be dads.”

Jameson Sheppard can’t be more than twenty-five or twenty-six, but I know his love story. Holden filled me in a few months ago. Jameson reconnected with his childhood best friend, and they admitted what they both knew all along. They were made for each other.

“Sinclair isn’t showing yet.” He sighs. “That didn’t stop me from ordering them a crib, a car seat, and about a hundred other baby gifts last night.”

I laugh. “That sounds about right. Uncle Holden is going to spoil that baby rotten.”

“I manage to keep it under control with Kirby,” he points out. “Or I try.”

“I try too,” I admit. “That kid owns my heart, though.”

Holden pats his chest. “Mine too. The new Sheppard baby will when it arrives, and when you have a baby, I’ll love that kid, Declan.”

I nod. “That works both ways, Holden. When you’re a father, I’ll be right there helping whenever I can.”

“I know it.” He looks around. “It’s just us here, so let’s talk about this mystery woman in your life. I know you’re playing it off like she’s just a fun fuck, but I don’t buy that, Declan. You’re different lately.”

“Different how?”

“Happier.” He circles a finger in front of my face. “It’s like you’re carrying less of the weight of the world around, and I have to say, if it’s because you’re in love, I may need to consider it an option for me because damn, I could use some of that in my life.”

“You deserve to fall in love again,” I bypass what he just said about me to focus on him. “Don’t let your divorce taint your future, Holden.”

He leans back in the wooden chair he’s sitting in. “Don’t steer this off-topic. Are you in love, Wells?”

I toss my head back and let out a heavy exhale. “Yeah, I am.”

I feel his fist connect with my shoulder. It’s hard enough to lure my attention back to his face. “What the fuck?”

“With who?” he questions.

I shake my head. “We’re not going there yet.”

“Why not?”

I trust Holden with my life, but this is different. This involves Rook, and I have no idea if Abby is ready for her boss to know about our relationship.

I toss him a look. It’s the same look I’ve used for years when I want him to back off. I’ve witnessed that same look from him countless times since we met. “Drop it, Holden.”

“What the fuck is going on?” he presses. “Who is this woman, and why are you being so goddamn secretive?”

“Because of Rook,” I spit out without thinking it through.

“Rook?” He straightens in his chair. “Jesus, Wells. Are you fucking Chesca? Tell me you’re not in love with Rook’s ex?”

I bark out a laugh. “Hell no. It’s not Chesca.”

His shoulders relax. “Good, because I was about to tell you that you lost your mind.”

My lingering laughter fades. “Let’s order breakfast. I need to get to work.”

His hand rises to stop the waitress, who is on the approach. “Give us another minute.”

She nods and turns to walk away.

“Why the hell did you do that?” I shake my head. “Let’s eat and get this day moving.”

“Tell me who this woman is and why Rook would care that you’re with her.”

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