Page 87 of The Biker's Brother

“Brand thinks he’s in love.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“No?”

She laughed. “No. Cami reminds me so much of your mother.”

“Mom?”

She angled her head with a skeptical look. “You didn’t notice? Really?”

“No. Maybe you’re more observant.” Looking down into his coffee cup with a wicked smile, he said, “Or maybe you’re just plain wrong.”

“You’re still thinking that’s going to happen someday, huh?”

“There’s always hope. You know how you told me you used to cut your dad’s hair?”

“Yes.”

“I need you to get out the scissors and brush up your skills.”

“Don’t make me play twenty questions,” she said, leaning on the opposite counter as she took a sip of steaming coffee.

“I need a trim and I want to look just like Brand.”

“Okay. Why?”

“Better if you don’t know.”

She set her cup down. “Most of the time I like better. This time I think I want to know.”

He shook his head. “Sorry, baby.”

She sighed. “I don’t like this.”

He shrugged. “Comes with the wife gig.”

“Not making me feel better, Brash.”

“How’s this for better?”

Grinning, he took two steps forward and pulled her into the kind of kiss that made her forget who and where she was.

Brigid’s body went to mush in his embrace, as often happened when he turned amorous. When he broke the kiss, she said, “It’s a good thing Cami didn’t get the full treatment or I’d have to kill her.”

He laughed softly as he nuzzled her neck, humming.

Brandon placed a call to Henry Bartholomew, COO of Claymore Industries, a small Boston shipping company that was in the process of being acquired by Germane Enterprises, but news of that was still in the confidential stage, yet to be announced. No one had leaked it to the Wall Street Journal or any other source Michaels would be likely to use.

“Say, Henry,” Brand said. “I’m thinking about doing some business with Trey Michaels. I’d like you to set up a meeting if you would. Have him come to the City Club for lunch. Since he’s not a member, he’ll be impressed by that. I’d like you to feel him out about the possibilities of selling his Greek line to Claymore. You think you can do that?”

Bartholemew was overjoyed that his boss-to-be was demonstrating so much confidence in him. It seemed to settle the question of whether or not he’d still have a job after the acquisition dust settled, and gave him hope for advancement opportunity at the same time.

He was careful to mask his elation and not appeartooexuberant. There was sometimes a fine line between amiable cooperation and boot licking.

“Of course. I’m honored that you’re entrusting me with the task.”

“Do it soon. Tomorrow if possible and let me know the exact plans.”