“Yeah, that’s true. It was led by Rachel, Luca’s mom, or mum,” he says, smiling, reminding me that she’s British, moving to the States with Balthazar and two-year-old Luca. “She has a real sense of fairness. Of justice,” he says, sounding proud. “But I think you should hear all about that from her directly. You’ll meet them all tomorrow," he reminds me.
Rays of excited energy trickle through me just thinking about meeting the mothers of these incredible men. What will they think of our situation? Of me?
Which reminds me. “What do we tell people about us? What does your mom know?”
“Sofia,” he explains. “Sofia Sainz. And they all know. Dad too. At this stage, they’ve got over any discomfort, though they’re…Well, they aren’t convinced this type of relationship works.” A scoff. “Personally, I’d say marriage doesn’t work. And as for the hotel staff, they don’t know anything, though they may suspect.”
I get lost to my thoughts, knowing discretion is paramount. As if knowing what dark road I’ve turned down, Brecken throws a heavy, inked arm around my shoulders. “Don’t stress about it. To everyone else, Balzer, Roo, and I are close friends. After all, we met at Stanford.”
Right.
“Can I ask why you turned down a pro contract with the NHL?”
He shrugs. “I’d bonded with my brothers at college. I wanted to run Hotel Balthazar with them, to be around them. They’d all been so accommodating and inclusive, and it felt wrong to turn my back on them.”
“But a pro sports contract? You’d have been rich.”
“I’ll be a billionaire very soon, Winter. Being a pro athlete is pocket change in comparison.”
I bust out a laugh. “It must be nice to be so rich,” I tease.
“It feels kinda good,” he says wryly, his expression soft.
Simultaneously, our phones ping with a message. Knowing it’s probably Reuben or Luca, I don’t bother checking my cell. I just sit up when Brecken releases me, rummaging in his pocket. “They’ve landed and are on their way. Roo wants to know if you’re still up,” he asks, lifting his eyes to mine.
It’s close to 9 PM and I should probably get to bed. “I’m not sure I’ve had a booty call while talking to someone I was hoping to get with.”
Brecken’s smile is boyish, his eyes falling to his lap where he cradles his phone. But when he looks at me, he’s deadly serious. “It’s okay, you know. To see him tonight.”
“Feels insensitive.”
“It’s not. This is what we do; we share you.”
I toy with a length of hair, debating with myself. With Brecken giving me the green light, the decision should be easy. Silence surrounds me as I take his phone and type out my reply.
Am heading to bed, Roo. See you tomorrow - W x
“Night,” I tell Brecken, tossing him his cell. “Let me know if there’s a plan for the ball, otherwise I’ll see you up here?”
He’s reading my message to Reuben, his features easy, if not a little surprised. Looking up at me, he reveals, “There’s a plan. I’ll be in touch.”
After gathering my cell and access cards from the kitchen, I head out of the front door, pressing the button for the elevator. When the doors open I move to enter the car, but Balthazar exits, his sudden, unexpected presence making me shrink back from the doors.
“Miss Harris,” he says, eyeing my casual getup. “How was your first day?”
The doors close, leaving me alone in the vestibule servicing both family suites. It’s a generous space, and I feel in no way threatened, but I’m kinda nervous all the same. He’s the big boss, and I’ve obviously just left Suite Balzer. “Winter, please,” I ask. “And good, thank you. My team and I have run through every project in the works. My head’s spinning a little, but I’m looking forward to visiting the hotels in question and getting up to speed.”
Familiar sapphire eyes scan my face. “You seem to enjoy a full plate,” he says, the faintest of smiles hitching his lips. It’s so reminiscent of Luca that I can’t help but smile. Because there are only two ways to take his comment: as an insult, or in recognition of my tastes. So, I decide to be a grown-up, taking his statement in the way I believe it was intended: as a teasing compliment.
Still, it’s hard to look at him knowing how difficult he’s made it for his children. How he allows Sienna so much power. All I can do is see it as his way of protecting them. Luca running the hotel group on his own might be overwhelming, damaging his closest relationships, just as his father ruined all of his. So, if Balthazar can persuade all four children to take it on, that pressure is shared.
I have to respect his view, even if I don’t like it.
I chuckle dryly, telling him, “I have a big appetite for life. My work is an important part of that.”
“A commendable ethic,” he praises smoothly. “Liaise with my assistant, Ginger, when you diarize your visits.”
Oh shit.Does he want to come with me when I visit his hotels? “Of course,” I say, knowing there is no other option.