Page 17 of The Bargain (Dalton Family #2)

Chapter Seventeen

Sofia

W e end up sitting at a nearby coffee shop for hours, munching on the limited food they offer and hoping my passport is done by end of day.

In that time, we both work, but we also talk, learning small things about each other, like our shared love for banana bread. Ethan tells me a lot about Paris as well and what to expect. “It’s a lot like New York City in many ways,” he says, “with different food and lots of art and history.”

“Tell me about the food,” I urge.

“Chocolate, wine, and pastries are all big. So is butter. Lots of it. Too much of it. Seafood, duck, and tartare are big staples. If you don’t like those things, you’ll eat a lot of steak and frites, as well as quiche.”

“Keep the tartare and duck. I’m not adventurous with food.”

His phone rings, and the minute he eyes the number, I’m certain it’s his father or brother again. “I’m going to step outside for this one,” he says, and he’s already on his feet, walking toward the back door.

There is no doubt he’s still fighting with his family, and my heart bleeds for him. It’s about that time that my cellphone rings, too, and it’s Harper calling. Nerves erupt in my belly, and I quickly answer the call. “How bad is it?”

“Why do you always assume everything is bad?”

Why indeed , I think. “I’ll work on that,” I concede, “but right now, how bad is it?”

“Not bad or good. They have our demands. They’ll talk and get back to us.”

“I get that, but how do you feel about it?”

“I’m not big on feeling, and nothing stands out as different than I’d expect at this point. Is Ethan still there?”

My defenses bristle. “I tried to convince him to leave. I did. I told him I’d meet him in Paris.

I even eventually told him why. But he isn’t leaving without me, and before you get upset, he says we need to give him more credit for knowing how to handle himself.

And that’s paraphrasing, but you get the general idea. ”

She sighs. Heavily. “Of course. I knew he’d stay. Stubborn man, but you tried. That matters. He’ll remember that you cared enough to try. And I think maybe he needs to feel that right now. Maybe he even needs you right now more than eliminating the risk.”

“I’m not sure what that means.”

“Not yet, but if you stick around, you will. I hope you do this time.” I open my mouth to ask for more and think better.

Ethan needs to tell me about Ethan, and it wouldn’t matter anyway.

She’s already moved on with, “I’ll call you when I have answers.

” With that, she hangs up, and I set my cell on the table.

Whatever is going on with Ethan is not good.

Maybe it’s a frequent bit of drama with his family, but I don’t think that’s the case at all.

The idea that he needs me would have seemed impossible back in Hawaii, but I don’t know anymore.

I think maybe being rich and powerful can be lonely.

Everyone wants something from him. How does he ever know who wants just him?

It’s a good fifteen minutes later when Ethan finally returns and sits down next to me. “How’s it going, sweetheart?”

“Fine for me, but I can tell it’s not so fine for you. Stuff with your family again?”

He seems to hesitate, but only a moment, before he leans in closer and lowers his voice.

“My brother tries to compete with me and earn my father’s praise, and I don’t need that praise.

I never have. I never will. And I’d happily help my brother succeed if he didn’t make it so damn difficult to even want to help him. ”

“The Anna thing—”

“No. I mean, it was shitty. Brothers don’t do that kind of thing to each other, but ultimately it was a blessing for me and a curse for him.

She’s a user. She will use him and throw him out, with a wad of cash in her bank account when that happens.

The thing about him is, he knows. He doesn’t care.

He’s looking for a way to one-up me and find instant gratification, which brings me to the current problem.

Anna tells me he’s gotten us involved in something shady. ”

“Do you believe her?”

“Yes. And only because she’s worried about that wad I mentioned. If we end up in jail, she might get pulled in with us.”

I want to ask for details but think better. “You told your father?”

“He doesn’t believe me. And the truth is that there was a time I’d fight him, find proof, and end this to protect the company. Now isn’t that time.”

My brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

“I’m one foot out of the door with the family business, focused on Dalton Vault.

My father isn’t pleased, but the sibling dynamic is not working.

It’s time for me to step aside. I tried to tell my father before I left New York, and now I’m realizing that was not productive for either of us.

I’m leaving. What I’m saying is, I’m going to need us to detour to New York on our way to Paris.

I’m going to force my father to buy my stock or risk losing control of the business. ”

I glance around to ensure no one is in hearing range. “Are you sure you want out, Ethan?”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.

This has been coming. My brother’s bad behavior has simply escalated my actions by about six months.

And, sidenote, we both need to think more fashion-forward anyway.

I’ll set-up some industry meet and greets while you’re there.

I want the industry to know you’re someone to be on their radar. ”

“That all sounds incredible. How long will we be in New York before we go to Paris? I need to plan for my store to stay open. I feel nervous. Lily’s in college and dividing her time.”

“We can hire a manager for your store, and we probably should. You have to think about the bigger brand and its future.”

“I’ll talk to Lily tonight. I probably need to give her a raise.”

“No matter what, we’ll figure it out. And I’m glad you’re excited about Fashion Week. Maybe next year we’ll be showing the Zoey brand.”

“That would be incredible, but I need to get that Paris vote of approval first.”

“You will. If I didn’t think that was going to happen, I wouldn’t have pushed for the brand.”

My cellphone rings, and I glance down to the local number. “Hopefully, this is my passport.” I answer to find it is indeed the passport office but soon discover it’s not good news. The call is short, and I hang up disappointed. “Tomorrow morning.”

“I had a feeling. Let’s just plan to leave the day after tomorrow, if that works for you.”

“That’s good. It gives me time to work things out with Lily. She wants to be a part of the future of the brand. It’s just a matter of not overworking her while she’s trying to finish school.” I think of how supportive she’s been and add, “It’ll work out.”

He slides his MacBook into his briefcase and glances at his Rolex. “It’s four. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Why don’t we grab a bite close to your place?”

My place. My very small, very humble place.

I try not to think about it. I worked hard for my duplex.

I need to be proud of it and my accomplishments.

And if he doesn’t see that, he’s not the right man for me.

“There are lots of amazing places close to me. That’s why I chose that neighborhood to live and work. ”

“Take me to your favorite spot.” His eyes are warm, his voice warmer, and I melt.

I’m falling for him. Hard. Devastatingly hard.

And suddenly, our two worlds are different in ways beyond money.

He’s had stunning women like Anna who he’s walked away from.

I’ve had barely anyone . He says we’re not a fling, but I caution myself that I’ll soon be deeply embedded in his life and his world.

But I’m visiting. And it’s important to remember that we’re going on an adventure together, creating a brand and a business that benefits us both.

In the process, I’m a visitor who gets the rare view of his private life. And visitors go back home.

Sooner or later.