Page 37 of Meant to Be

“When do you break ground?”

“Two to three weeks tops.”

Aaron nodded. “And what are we doing to prevent this from happening again?”

“I’ve already got Brutus all over it. I’ve got a gut feeling this is connected to the incident a few weeks ago at my other site.”

“Where your employee was injured?”

I nodded.

“Shit, Josh,” he growled. “This is a growing problem. I don’t like problems.”

“Fuck. You think I do? I’m handling it. Townsend Real Estate will not be brought down by anyone or anything. You worry about running the rest of the company.”

We both stood, peering across the table at one another. Aaron sized me up. I knew he was wondering if I really had things under control. In spite of the confident, self-assured look I was giving him, there were a million scenarios running through my mind as to who was behind this sabotage. And while I was plenty efficient at running Townsend Real Estate, and knew I could go up against any competitor or would-be enemy, I still had a need for my older brother to trust in my abilities. Aaron may appear cold and callous to most—that was how he liked it—but he was family, and loyal beyond words. Letting him or any other member of my family down just wasn’t an option.

“You can handle it,” he finally stated.

“Don’t ever doubt it.” I gestured toward the door. “It’s close to seven. I’m surprised you’re letting Patience and the kids be home without you this late.”

Aaron raised his brow, giving me anare you out of your mindexpression. “They’re over Carter and Michelle’s.”

“Ah.” I nodded. Aaron trusted Carter with his family when he was out late. “Michelle still ready to pop?” I questioned as he grabbed his briefcase and shut off the lights in the office.

We strolled to the elevator.

“Apparently.”

Michelle was more than a week past her due date. I would’ve headed over to Carter’s with Aaron to see everyone since getting back, but a drive unlike any I’d felt pushed me to get back to my own home.

“Somewhere you need to be?” Aaron glanced over at me as I looked down at my watch.

“As a matter of a fact there is.” No use lying but I wouldn’t give him all of the details.

“Fighting tonight?”

I shook my head. “Not tonight. Since when did you become Miss Chatty Cathy?”

He glared at me. “Fuck you, Josh.”

I grinned. “There’s the asshole I know and love.” I chuckled. “Give Patience and the kids a kiss for me.”

“I’m not giving my wife shit from you. She gets plenty from me.”

I shook my head. “Whatever, asshole. I’ll see you on Monday.” I climbed into the back of the town car I’d taken from the private airport. The closer I got to home the more anxious I began feeling. I hated that fucking feeling. To ease my own nerves I pulled out my cell phone to call Kay but received no answer. I chose not to leave a message, figuring I’d see her soon enough. That wasn’t to be.

Chapter Eight

Joshua

“Kay! You here?” I called out as soon as I entered my front door. I’d already gotten the impression that she wasn’t home when I saw all the lights in the house had been turned off from the driveway. Since Kay usually parked in the garage, I couldn’t see if her car was there or not.

“Kay!” I made one last attempt as I turned on lights and moved farther into the house, toward the kitchen. My stomach began growling, reminding me of my hunger. When I entered the kitchen and turned on the light a piece of paper on the island caught my attention. I picked it up immediately recognizing Kay’s handwriting.

Having dinner at my parents’. They wouldn’t take no for an answer. See ya later!

I crumpled the paper up and tossed it into the garbage, pissed. It was ridiculous. She was a grown woman, able to come and go as she pleased. I shouldn’t expect her to be waiting on me. So why the hell did it piss me off that she wasn’t?