“We’ve got work to do,” Noah said, holding a seat out for me to sit. “Marcus seems to think he’s being successful at taking over the company. Tell me that’s not the case.”
“I wish I could be there when he learns that we own his company,” Ryan said.
“That fucker deserves to go down,” Hunter said. He gave his grandmother a sheepish look. “Sorry Gran.”
Her lips twitched upward. “I happen to agree with you.”
“What’s even better is that we’re getting a great deal. It’s cheaper than buying our stock back. And he’s about out of capital. He won’t be able to stop us unless he sells his Strong interest. He’s fucked either way,” Carter said.
Noah smiled, but when he turned to me that smile faltered slightly, and my heart stuttered in my chest. “Whatever happens, it won’t be enough.”
“Why is that?” Margaret asked.
Noah returned his attention to his family. “He tried to take something that can’t be replaced.”
Everyone frowned, including me, as I didn’t know what he meant.
The family finished working out their plans and then adjourned. Noah went to Margaret’s office with her, and I went to my desk. I wondered if this would be the last time that I’d see him in there.
“Hey, how about some coffee and a chat?” Kellie said. Next to her Natalie and Jess nodded. I’d told Kellie and Nat about my sleeping with Noah, and now that Jess was family, I had no doubt that she knew as well.
My instinct was to keep my business to myself, but then I realized they could be a support. Plus, Kellie knew Noah as well as I did, so maybe she’d have some advice.
I joined them in the break room.
“You must be jet lagged,” Jess said, pressing a hand on her belly. I realized that she was starting to show.
“I am. How’s Tanner?” I asked. The kid was hilarious. If I ever had kids, I wanted one like him.
She smiled sweetly. “He’s doing well. He’s excited about the baby. He’s more excited about going camping on the beach with Carter though. That boy lives and breathes by Carter.” Her smile was a little bittersweet. I supposed it was because she hadn’t told Carter the truth about Tanner sooner, and the guilt of that still lingered. It was a reminder of how important being honest was. Not just in facts, but feelings too. Maybe it was time I was more truthful with Noah. I’d shared some, but not all. He didn’t know that I was in love with him.
“You can learn about us later. We want the scoop on you,” Natalie said, handing me a cup of coffee and sitting next to me.
Across from me, Kellie gave Jess some tea and sat next to her with her own tea. “We don’t want to pry—”
“Yes, we do,” Natalie said. “But it’s for a good cause. We want to be here for you.”
“I’m not sure what to tell you. It’s all a bit jumbled,” I admitted.
“Did you and Noah work things out? Come to some sort of understanding?” Jess asked.
“I hope you don’t mind, we told Jess,” Kellie said.
I smiled at Jess. “No, it’s fine. And yes and no and yes.”
They all looked at me confused.
“We came to an understanding that we’d avoid each other but then we couldn’t. He said he didn’t want to deny himself anymore.”
“Aw, that’s sweet. And about damn time,” Natalie said.
“And then I ruined it.” Tears formed in my eyes as my guilt and shame enveloped me again.
“You?” Natalie’s voice sounded surprised.
I nodded. “Marcus Chen, the man trying to take over the company, he told me things that I believed or at least considered.”
“What things?” Kellie asked.