I lean back in my chair, suddenly uncomfortable with this conversation. “What exactly are you asking?”
“I’m asking if you’re certain about her motives.” His voice is concerned now. “You’re my nephew. You have things that people want, things like connections and opportunities. It wouldn’t be the first time someone saw those thingsas attractive.”
I can’t tell my uncle that the vendor contract was part of an arrangement I proposed. It would make Scarlett look manipulative, when really it’s anything but that—she’s trying to save her family’s business and take care of her dad. That’s not her using me.
“Scarlett’s not like that,” I say, defending her. “I promise you that.”
“I’m sure she’s not.” Then he hesitates, rubbing his chin. “Brendan, you have to understand my concern. If I give her this contract and your relationship doesn’t work out, it creates complications for the organization.”
Defensiveness shoots through me. “So you’re saying you won’t hire her because we’re together?”
“No, I’m saying I need to be certain she wants the contract because she’s the best candidate, not because she’s dating you. That’s fair, isn’t it?”
I want to defend Scarlett against my uncle’s accusations. But I force myself to think strategically, like he would.
Getting defensive will only cast extra suspicion on us and hurt Scarlett’s chances further. Her family needs this opportunity more than my uncle could ever understand, and I can’t let my pride stand in the way of that.
“Yes,” I finally concede, even though I don’t like it. “But I need you to know two things.”
“Go ahead,” he says.
“No one would be more committed to this opportunity than Scarlett Rossi. She’s been running her family’s business for years, keeping it alive under difficult circumstances. She knows what dedication looks like, and she will not let you down.”
He looks unmoved. “And second?”
“This isn’t some short-term fling between us.” I hold his gaze. “We’re committed; there’s no question about that. So whatever decision you make about the contract, make it based on her qualifications and her business reputation in the community, not on whether you think our relationship will last.”
“I understand,” he says, turning to leave. He looks back at me, one hand on the knob. “But, Brendan? Make sure you know what you’re getting into. For both your sakes.”
“I do,” I say, my voice sure. “And I choose her.”
He holds my gaze for a few seconds. “Just remember you have a job to do. A lot rides on how this team finishes the season. Do we understand each other?”
Loud and clear.
The door closes behind him and I try to focus on the report for the next hour, but Rafael’s words keep circling back, intruding into my thoughts. The Rossi’s cafe is depending on this. And if my relationship with Scarlett is the reason she loses the opportunity…
I can’t think about that right now.
By the time I glance back at the clock, my heart lurches. 2:40.The tuxes.
I send the report quickly and sprint to my car. I make it to the shop with minutes to spare, grab the garment bags, and drive back to the estate.
When I walk through the door, Scarlett is coming down the stairs, and the moment she sees me, her whole face glows.
She runs over and throws her arms around my neck. For a few seconds, I just hold her in my arms. Nothing matters as much as this.
“It’s only been a few hours,” I murmur into her hair, breathing in her floral scent.
“I know, but I missed you.” She pulls back, searching my face. “How was your day?”
“Long.” I don’t want to get into all my problems when she’s looking at me like that. “But it’s better now.”
Her hands slide to my shoulders. “You’re all tight. What happened?”
“Just work stuff.” I catch her hands, bringing them to my lips. “Nothing I can’t handle. Especially now that you’re here.”
She doesn’t push me for details, just plays with the hair at thenape of my neck, making it very difficult to think about anything else. “Well, you’re home now. And Carmen’s freaking out about the rehearsal dinner tonight, so you need to get changed.”