CHAPTER 1
Shaun
“Shaun, Barb is here to see you,” Selena spoke as she poked her head through my office door.
“Does she know I’m here?”
“Yes. She’s downstairs, and she can see you through the glass.”
“Shit. Send her up. But if you don’t see her leave my office in ten minutes, I want you to come in and tell me I’m late for a meeting.”
“You don’t have a meeting scheduled,” she said.
“Duh, Selena. She gets ten minutes. Understand me?”
She rolled her eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me.” I pointed at her.
She did it again and shut the door.
The door opened, and Barb stepped inside.
“Hello, Shaun.”
“Barb, it’s good to see you.” I faked a smile as I stood up from my chair. “Please, have a seat. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I sat back down.
“Julia told me that you’re throwing my sons a birthday bash.”
“I am.”
“Well, I was going to do the same.” Her brow arched in a disapproving way. “There’s no sense for them to have two birthday parties. So, you can cancel whatever plans you’ve made.”
The nerve of this woman.
“Sorry, Barb. No can do. Everything is already set.” I took great pleasure in saying that to her.
“They’re my boys, and I’m their mother. It’s my responsibility to give them a birthday party.”
“They’re my brothers, and this is the first birthday I’m celebrating with them. So, I’m throwing them a big birthday bash.”
“And where is this event taking place?”
“Casa di Pietra.”
“That stone house on the water in Malibu?” she asked.
“Yes. Don’t worry, Barb. It will be exquisite, and I promise you’ll have a good time. Listen, I know you still resent me, and I was hoping by now you would have found it in your heart not to hold my mother’s actions against me. After all, I’ve forgiven you for keeping my existence a secret for thirty-three years.” I cocked my head.
The door opened, and Selena stuck her head inside my office. “Excuse me, Shaun. Everyone is waiting for you in the conference room for the meeting you’re late for.”
“Thank you, Selena. I’ll be right there.”
I stood up from my chair and buttoned my suit coat.
“I’m sorry, Barb. I have to run. It was nice seeing you again. Don’t worry. You’ll be getting your invitation to the party soon.”
She stood up with a scowl and headed for the door.
“Um, Barb?” I called out.
She stopped, turned her head, and looked at me.
“Remember, this is a surprise party. Can I trust you won’t tell my brothers about it?”
“Don’t worry. I would never ruin a surprise for my sons.” She turned and walked out the door.
I grabbed my briefcase and walked out of my office.
“I’m headed out for the day,” I spoke as I stopped at Selena’s desk. “When I come in tomorrow morning, we’ll go over the final details for the party.”
“Okay. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You too. In fact, you can leave for the day as well.”
“Really?” Her face lit up.
“Yeah.” I grinned.
“Why are you being so generous today?” Her eye steadily narrowed.
“In two seconds, I’m changing my mind, and you’ll be here until seven o’clock.” My brow arched.
“Have I told you that you are the best boss in the entire world?” Her lips displayed a wide grin.
“Enjoy your freedom.” I gave her a wink as I walked away.
I climbed into my car and headed to Jenni’s studio. When I stepped through the door, I walked up the stairs and saw her standing in my old office, looking at the bridesmaid dresses that hung on the headless mannequins. Quietly stepping behind her, I placed my hands over her eyes and whispered in her ear.
“I’ve been stalking you because you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m flattered, but I have a boyfriend.”
“I don’t care. Get rid of him. You’re mine now.”
“The only way I’d get rid of him is if you’re better in bed than he is.”
“I guarantee I am. I will take your body to places it’s never been before.”
“Done. He’s gone.” She smiled as she turned around and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Hi.” I grinned as I placed my hands on her hips and brushed my lips against hers.
“Hi. What are you doing here?”
“I decided to leave the office for the rest of the day, and I wanted to see you. I miss you.”
“I miss you too. The dresses are done. What do you think?” She turned around and stared at them.
“They’re beautiful, and I can’t wait to see you in it. Perhaps you can bring it home tonight and try it on for me.”
“I could. I guess the new lingerie I bought can wait for another night.”
“You bought new lingerie?” My brow raised.
“I did.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“The dress can stay here.” I kissed her again. “Barb paid me a visit earlier.”
Jenni’s brows furrowed. “Why?”
“She wanted me to cancel the birthday party so she could throw one. She is their mother, and it’s her responsibility.”
“What are they? Five?” Jenni rolled her eyes, and I let out a chuckle. “I hope you didn’t give in to her.”
“Do you think I did?”
“No. But I’m just double-checking.”
“Oh. Hey, Shaun,” Wes spoke as he poked his head into the office. “Jenni, there’s a problem with some of the fabric that just came in.”
“Ugh! What now?”
“Go deal with your fabric.” I kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you later at home. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She let out a sigh.
When I got home, I changed into a pair of gray sweatpants and a Nike t-shirt. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I took it out to the patio. As I was sitting on the lounger, Ruby came walking over.
“Hey, girl.” I patted her back as she laid her chin on my lap. “How’s your day going so far? I’m sure it’s great since you can sleep whenever you want, play all day, and always have a full belly.”
She lifted her head and stared at me.
“What a life. You have no idea how you have it made. I sure hope you don’t take it for granted.” I ran my hand across her head.
“Really? Isn’t Jenni giving you enough attention that you have to resort to carrying on a conversation with a dog?” Simon walked over and fist-bumped me.
“Very funny. Beer?”
“Sure.” He sat down.
“You know where the refrigerator is.” I brought the bottle to my lips.
“Dude, I’m a guest.”
“You’re not a guest. You’re my brother.” I smirked.
He smiled as he shook his head and went inside the house. Ruby took it upon herself to lay down next to my chair as I stroked her soft fur.