“I guess the good part is that we’ll be seeing more of you. I know you’ll stay close by if the deal is that big.”
“You don’t give up do you?”
“No. You are the only family Grey has. And even if it’s unconventional, I think you two need each other.”
“I’d say it’s unconventional. I’m his uncle, and we’re the same age.”
She pulled another beer from the ice. “Family is family and neither of you are responsible for the choices your parents made. What matters is you know you’re family. That’s not going to change. I think spending time together is a good thing for both of you.”
“Then why is my nephew spending all his time in there while we’re out here?” I turned to see what was taking Grey so long.
“Damn it,” I whispered. “She’s as bad as you are.”
“Who is that?” Eden was staring at Grey and the gorgeous brunette standing next to him.
“That is a problem.” I took a swig of beer and stood from the table. “I’ll be right back.”
I left Eden sitting at the table and walked toward the bar where Grey was talking to Sydney Paige.
“Miss Paige, third time today?”
Grey took a step back, shoving his hands in his pocket. “I was explaining to your friend here that I’m not a part of your business or company.”
“Thanks. I can handle this. I’ll be back out there in a minute.”
Grey took the hint and rejoined Eden at the table.
I faced the reporter who had been hounding me all day. “I think this may qualify as grounds for a restraining order.”
Her face turned a shade of white. “I’m not stalking you. I’m trying to do my job.”
I chuckled. “Are you sure about that?”
“I did some more research and found an article from the spring about your condo conversion at the Palm Palace and thought I’d talk to Grey Lachlan, who I discovered is also your nephew? That is crazy confusing.”
“My family is off limits. Stories about my family are off limits. Grey doesn’t work for Lachlan Corporation.”
“But he’s one of your business partners, right?” she asked. “I have the right to ask him questions about your business relationship.”
I grabbed her upper arm and moved her closer to the door. Mac was watching us.
“Ouch. What are you doing?” she squeaked.
I lowered my voice. “For the last time. I do not grant interviews. My family life is not your concern.”
I expected her to turn for the door, but instead she rose on her toes, her nose almost tapping mine. “I have a right to be here. And I have a right to ask questions. Have you ever heard of the first amendment?”
I could feel the heat of her breath rush over my cheek.
“I don’t give a shit about the first amendment, Miss Paige.” My pulse quickened. She wasn’t backing down. Her lips, the full ones I had been studying all day, were within inches of mine. Her eyes fired with hints of amber.
“Then you have no comment on Commissioner Rodriguez’s press release?”
“What press release?”
This close to her I could study her eyes. Her lashes were long and silky. Her eyes were almost green, but they looked dark under the bar lights. The hazel colors blended together. I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to touch her.
She settled back on her heels. “Commissioner Rodriguez released a statement at five o’clock announcing she is going to block any new development on the island. Would you like to respond?”