Page 13 of Wolfish Desire (Billionaires of Wolfe Mountain #2)
KINGSTON
Ihated leaving Sierra like that. My poor sweet baby was so embarrassed that her cheeks were crimson.
My gut instinct was to sit down with her and her father and support her any way she needed. But if she wanted to take care of it on her own, so be it. I thought it was brave of her to face him alone, actually.
I don’t truly think James would freak out, but I don’t know him that well. I can understand a father being protective, though. Especially when he walked into a scene like that, with both of us half-dressed. Ugh. It was pretty embarrassing.
How could he just show up without calling first? I mean, he’s probably paying for the rental, but it’s still kinda rude to drop in with zero notice.
Back at my house I find myself ignoring the emails piling up in favor of pacing the living room. I want to text Sierra immediately, but at the same time feel I should give her a bit of space.
Finally, I sit down and motor through some emails.
One of the threads I catch up on is a group chat between my brothers and I about how we’re being a lot less secretive with our latest plan to support Old Hemlock Valley.
The elementary school desperately needs to be expanded, but instead of making our usual anonymous donations, we’re going to let it be known that Wolfe Security is footing the bill.
We’ve already hired a crew and have started getting approvals. Now Kane is broaching the question of looking for more projects like this, to keep the ball rolling as soon as the school update has been completed.
On a whim, I grab my phone. The second Kane answers, he starts chuckling. “Finally. Are you gonna tell us about this mystery girl?”
“Ahem. The girl I’m dating is not a ‘mystery’. You’ll hear all about her soon. I just want to keep her all to myself a while longer before involving my entire family. Anyway, I’m calling about that email.”
“About more projects?” His voice grows animated. “Yeah. Since some of us haven’t suddenly found incredible girlfriends like you and Kaden…” He pauses while I laugh at him. “I thought I would volunteer to sniff around looking for more opportunities.”
“Good idea. As the second in command, I hereby put you in charge of that.”
There’s a loud snort. “I swear, if you and Kaden don’t stop squawking about that birth order seniority crap, the other three of us are going to knock you out someday.”
“Yes, but in order for that to happen, you would have to have authorized approval from the two senior heads of the company.”
I ignore his vicious “snarl”.
“Anyway,” I barrel on, “I think it’s a great idea. Especially since we’re about to close that deal with the three Italian companies.”
Kane laughs. “Yeah. More money to get rid of.”
“Seriously,” I laugh. “What a problem to have.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll set some money aside so you can buy your new girlfriend cars or jewelry or whatever you’re bribing her with so that she’ll agree to be seen with you in public. Hey, what was her name again?”
“It’s Mind-Yer-Own-Beeswax,” I carefully pronounce. “With an accent over the second E in beeswax. It’s French.”
Kane snorts out a laugh and hangs up on me.
Although I would rather call Sierra, I text instead, so she can take her time responding. Last night was extremely intense. For it to be followed by a difficult morning feels like… well, not a red flag, exactly. Maybe yellow.
But if she’s having any doubts, now is when they’re going to rear their ugly heads.
I would love to chat as soon as you feel up to it.
This morning must have been stressful. Hopefully things with your dad went smoothly, but I’d like to be here for you if you need to vent or would like someone to make you a grilled cheese sandwich.
Your place or mine, cheddar or Swiss, just let me know.
Of course if you need some alone time, that’s fine too. Just please let me know that you’re okay.
I also have something to tell you that shouldn’t be said over text. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.
I plug my phone into the charger. I know I’m going to have one eye riveted to the screen until it lights up.