Brock’s gaze met mine, and for a horrifying moment, time hung and I felt everything good and warm melt away and spiral into a ball of panic in my stomach.
I couldn’t handle it. Not tonight. Not under the same roof with him.
“I need to go,” I said, clutching my phone and fumbling for my purse.
Jack stayed seated and did that “protecting body shield” thing again, but was obviously surprised by my change in mood.
“Okay,” he said calmly. “Why don’t I see you home safely?”
I shook my head. “My friend is coming to pick me up in about a half hour.” A half hour was too long to stay there, waiting for Brock to approach me. Especially now that he’d seen me. I had to get out. Now.
Jack stood up, and then I did. Well, tried to stand. Between the drinks hitting me fast and my nerves, I stumbled a little. My hands landed on Jack’s chest. I looked up at him and he held the underside of my wrists as I righted my stance.
“Why don’t you drink some water first?” he offered.
“No, thank you, but I have to leave.” With that, I bolted for the exit.
Chapter Two
I’d gotten three strides down the street when I heard my name called. I knew the voice. It froze me in my path like an anvil of terror had just been dropped on my head. I turned and saw him.
“Hello, Brock.”
“What are you doing rushing off like that, little Lana?” He took another step toward me. “I get the impression that you were trying to avoid me.”
“I was,” I mumbled.
He tsked at me. “Dad wouldn’t like us fighting.”
I sneered at him. The only thing that momentarily squashed my fear was when he referred to my father as his.
“I thought you were in New York.”
“I was, but I’m back now.” Another step closer, so I took two back. “You didn’t hear the good news? Dad promoted me to VP.”
My mouth parted just enough so I could feel the breath sweep from my body, carrying my horror with it. “No.”
He nodded.
Another step forward.
Another two back.
“Aren’t you going to congratulate me? I’ll be overseeing the Denver branch. Working side by side with the old man.”
I shook my head. It was my first summer finally getting to work there with my dad. And we were only in the first few weeks!
“But
I heard you got a grunt position at the company. I think that’s sweet. Don’t worry, I’ll be a nice boss.”
Bile rose in my throat and I tensed to run, but my feet were like ice.
“There a problem here?” Jack said, walking out.
Brock spun to face him. Jack immediately positioned himself between me and Brock, inches from my disgusting step-brother, staring him down. It was then I realized how tall Jack was. At six-two, he towered over Brock.
“Oh, good evening,” Brock said to Jack in a professional tone, which shocked me. “Aren’t you—?”