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Chloe worked well for me. She didn’t care about my money or power—that I was confident about. That assurance helped me show her bits of my true self, let me live a life that I would have had if I hadn’t built Tassater Inc.
When Dad had drilled into me that loyalty was nonexistent, I’d scoffed at him. Being cheated on by Helen had drilled intome the very words I’d heard at the dinner table from my dad each night, growing up. I’d not only seen Mom leave, but also experienced the heartbreak myself with Helen. I couldn’t go down that path again.
Chloe and I would be temporary—that much was sure.
41
SEAN
The penthouse was dimly lit when I got back. I spent the entire drive missing Chloe. I wanted to touch her, kiss her, and to not leave her until my cup of Chloe was full for the day. That cup was disarmingly empty right now.
Tomorrow, I promised as I forced myself to focus on the people in front of me.
Anne, the nanny, had been keeping Lucas company. I could see the bits of craft they’d been working on together—painting a large cardboard dinosaur cutout. Anne stood up when I walked in.
“Thanks, Anne,” I said as she made to leave. “I can take it from here,” I said, noticing that Lucas stood by the window, arms crossed.
He turned around angrily when he heard my voice. “Where’s Chloe, Dad? She promised she’d be here tonight. I want Chloe!”
You and me, both, son.
My mind raced as I tried to come up with something to soothe him and failed. Being with Chloe had turned my mind to mush.
Giving up, I steeled myself for his anger. “I know, buddy. But Chloe has something important going on. She can’t make it tonight.”
Lucas shook his head. “She promised she’d spend every Thursday evening with me. What could be more important than me?”
I walked over to him and knelt down next to him. “Chloe has a family too, Lucas. She has a younger brother, Henry. And Henry really needs her today.”
The frown disappeared. “I knew she had a brother,” he said immediately. It took me by surprise. “Is he okay?” Lucas asked.
I nodded, still next to him. “He’s good. They had an issue at his college, and Chloe had to go pick him up. She was quite upset.” I hesitated. “She told you about her brother, huh?”
A frown creased his brow. “Yes. About her brother and mother and how they used to play games when they were young.” He stared off into the distance. “I wish I had a brother.”
Oh boy. I wasn’t prepared for this.
“I don’t even have grandparents, like everyone else does. I’ve never met your parents, and Mom’s parents live so far off in California that I hardly get to see them. I hate having no family.”
I glanced at the clock. It was past Lucas’s usual bedtime, but Erin was landing at the airport in an hour.
“You know, I have a way we could fix that,” I said gruffly.
It seemed odd, my idea. But seeing Chloe and the bond she shared with Henry had made me wish I had that in my life. The kind that money couldn’t buy. The bonds that were built on familiarity and trust and childhood memories.
“Lucas, remember I told you I had a half-sister, your aunt Erin? She’s flying in from Miami today. It’s her first time in New York.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never met her before, right?”
I shook my head. “I’ve been pretty bad at holding on to family in the past,” I admitted. “But Chloe has made me want to change. Erin’s family too, you know. How about we go welcome her at the airport? It’ll be an adventure, just like when Chloe takes you to the park.”
His eyes lit up, but the devil in Lucas wasn’t going to give in so easily. He crossed his arms tighter. “But, Dad, it’s late! I’m supposed to be in bed.”
He was always testing me. Trying to make sure I really, really meant my words.
I leaned down. “Just this once, Lucas. Erin’s plane lands soon. We’ll pick her up, and then you can have a late bedtime. Deal?”
Lucas studied my face, probably searching for sincerity. He leaned in close and whispered, “Dad, I’ve never seen her before! What if Aunt Erin doesn’t recognize us?”