Cori
The nerve of Tyson Gray!He’s got the past twisted into a knot of bullshit. He didn’t create the company on his own. My brother was there to help, and I was there watching them, waiting for Tyson to look my way. When he finally did, and my brother found out, it completely ruined their friendship.
I arrive at Dave’s house just before dinner. He throws open the front door and wipes his hands on the towel over his shoulder. “Sis, I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I’m not here for food.” I brush past him into the living room. “I’m here because of Tyson Gray.”
His face falls. “You heard.”
“Yeah, I heard, and not from you.”
“Listen, Cori; it’s really nothing. Ty will pay me what I’m asking, or I’ll sue him. It’s as simple as that.” He turns his back and heads toward the kitchen, leaving me standing there with my eyes wide.
“It’s not nothing,” I say, hot on his heels. “If he refuses, you can’t afford to go up against his legal team. The man’s got resources we couldn’t even dream of. He’ll destroy you.”
“Which is why I need to persuade him to pay me.” My brother lifts the wooden spoon to his lips. “This is delicious if I do say so myself.”
“Dave, you’re delusional. He’s not going to pay you.”
“He will.” He replaces the lid on the bubbling pot of marinara. “If you help me.”
I nearly do a double-take. “Me? How?”
“I’m not an idiot, Cori. What you two had was more than just…” A frown blocks his words.
“Sex.”
“I didn’t want to say it.” He shivers. “I think he’ll listen to you, which is why I agreed to meet him here in Thunder Mountain.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I scoff. “I’m a pawn?”
“Kind of.” Dave shrugs. “Sit down. I’ve got enough dinner for both of us.”
I don’t give him an answer and instead high-tail it out the front door. I can’t believe this shit. My brother’s using me to get his money. I slam my car door and listen to the wind swirl around me.
What you had was more than just…
Hell, what does that mean? The thought gives me shivers. Of course, I had a massive crush on Tyson, and if it weren’t for the couple of beers we had that night after my brother went to bed, we probably never would have slept together.
Could it have been more than just sex? Is that why Dave was so pissed off at Tyson? Or is my brother just saying that to get me to do his bidding.
“Dammit!” I slam my palm against my steering wheel, then start the engine, ready to be under my covers with a glass of wine and a good book.
I stayed in Thunder because I like the feel of a small town, where lawsuits are few and far between, let alone ones that could bring with them national attention. Wherever Tyson’s gone the last few years, reporters have been there to witness. I don’t want my family’s name in strangers' mouths. I don’t want my brother to turn into some sensationalized villain. Hell, I don’t want Tyson to come across as worse than he already does sometimes.
I may have to do my brother’s bidding to avoid all of this. If I can just get Tyson to settle out of court, it will be better for everyone involved. But I also don’t want to hurt Tyson. I remember who he was before, and I know that nerdy kid still lives somewhere deep inside that tall, sexy body of his.
I turn down my street and find a red car already parked in my driveway. “What the hell?” The exhaust fumes, tail lights on. The driver is still inside.
I park on the side of the road—thanks for that—and head over to the fancy car. As I walk around, I see the Porsche symbol and realize it can only be one person. When I reach the driver’s side, Tyson doesn’t see me. He sits with his eyes closed, the radio blaring. I’m about to knock and scare the hell out of him, but he opens his mouth and starts to sing. He sings along with the song “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
I bring my hand to my mouth, partly out of shock and partly to halt the roaring laughter forming in my throat. Tyson’s into it. I watch his jaw pop and flex as he talks about having nothing to fear when he senses my gaze. His eyes find me first, followed by the sharp snap of his head and a quick, strangled yell.
It scares me right back, and I let out a yelp before doubling over with laughter. “Oh my God,” I scream into the night. Ty clenches his jaw and turns down the music before rolling down his window.
“What the hell, Cori?”
“What the hell yourself, Celine?” I cannot stop laughing, especially with the blush reddening Tyson’s cheeks. “I give it a ten out of ten. You’re going to Hollywood!” I point at him, all smiles.