Their Secret Bargain by Kay Lyons

Author:Kay Lyons
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kindred Spirits Publishing

Chapter 11

NICK SWALLOWED THE LAST of his drink and studied the gentle curve of Jennifer’s face as Ethan led her across the dance floor and held her way too close. If his brother’s hand drifted down her back one more time…

“You look good in a suit. You should wear one every day.” Alan Tulane walked over to join Nick at the table closest to the dance floor.

“The dry cleaner wouldn’t be too happy with all the grease and sweat stains.” As it always did, the reminder of Nick’s professional life made Alan Tulane scowl. Some things never changed.

“I’m surprised to see you here tonight. Your mother said you weren’t coming.”

“Gram wanted us to be here. Take it up with her.”

“I wasn’t complaining, Nick—we all wanted you to attend. Mind if I sit down?”

“It’s your club, not mine.” Nick took in his father’s Brooks Brothers suit, picturing his old man among the white shoe boys out on the golf course with their plaid pants and embellished polo shirts, fat Cuban cigars in their mouths.

Without a thought, Nick’s gaze shifted to the rest of his family and the uncomfortable lump in his stomach grew. Alex was wearing designer heels and a too-sexy dress, and Luke, Garret and Ethan all sported suits that cost more than his well-paid employees earned in a week. His family fit in here, and they were perfectly comfortable. But not him.

He was an exception to the Tulane majority. Normally, the club wouldn’t let someone like him through the door without a hefty contribution and a background check, but with his father’s name attached to his, the valet had parked his truck and called him “sir”. Same with the host who’d shown him and Jenn to the table located in the center of the large dining room as if he wouldn’t have been able to find it himself.

“Matt’s wound up.”

Nick focused on his son. “He’s only excited about being in the wedding.”

“It’s more likely due to him being in the punch bowl all night. That probably hasn’t helped.”

Nick’s grip tightened around his glass. “He’s fine.”

“Just thought you might want to have his blood checked, if he’s that thirsty all the time. Can’t be too careful.”

His father was just looking out for Matt. That’s why he was so critical. But what would his father do if Matt’s summer plans became public knowledge? How many lectures had Nick sat through because of his own grades and behavior?

“Matt doesn’t get a lot of sweets. When he has access to them, he enjoys them while he can. That’s all.” Which made it sound even worse. As if Matt was out of control and on a sugar binge. And his father didn’t care. “I think I’ll go save Jenn from Ethan’s four feet.”

Nick stood, more than ready to walk out the door. How long was the song going to go on?

“I’m glad you came, Nick. Christmas was six months ago.”

Nick didn’t remind his father that he knew where Nick lived and worked. That the phone lines ran both ways.

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